Reflecting on the album now, the title “Reunions” seems oddly fitting, albeit in a somewhat grim manner. Jason Isbell’s release in May 2020 arrived during the height of COVID-19 lockdowns, a time when we were all isolated from one another. It was the album he and his band, the 400 Unit, recorded in Nashville amidst a turbulent period in his marriage to songwriter Amanda Shires. It delved into themes of absent fathers, lost friendships, and the bittersweet experience of watching your child grow and leave.
The insightful documentary “Jason Isbell: Running With Our Eyes Closed,” directed by Sam Jones, sheds light on the album’s creation and the complex dynamics at play. Tensions arise when Isbell voices concerns about Shires’ fiddle playing being too prominent. In a joint interview, Shires explains Isbell’s need for personal space during recording, acknowledging his larger-than-life presence.
This declaration resonates with every lyric Isbell has penned, from his early years with the Drive-By Truckers to his extensive solo discography, including the records he’s crafted with the 400 Unit. It particularly echoes a line from the standout track “Middle Of The Morning” on his latest release, “Weathervanes,” set to drop this Friday. In his melodic twang, he sings, “I ain’t used to this, seeing everybody’s hand,” reminiscent of ’70s Dylan, reflecting on the pandemic’s impact and his struggle to find light in the darkness. Simultaneously, he grapples with his own identity, capturing the sentiment with the words, “I was raised to be a strong and silent Southern man.” As he admits, “I know you’re scared of me, I can see it in your smile,” one envisions Isbell, Shires, and their daughter Mercy on their Tennessee farm during lockdown, navigating the tensions that arise from a forced domestic retreat instead of a bustling tour.
“Running With Our Eyes Closed” precedes the creation of “Weathervanes,” a profound and introspective exploration of the past and its myriad forms. True to Isbell’s signature style, the album still resonates wonderfully at summer backyard parties. As Isbell’s career has evolved, so has his depth of songwriting, unearthing unique connections between his personal history and present experiences. “Weathervanes” artfully reveals these connections, laying them bare for all to see.
It’s difficult to envision Isbell as the stoic, silent type, harboring his inner demons within, as he has spent the past decade fearlessly confronting them through his music. The more one immerses oneself in his songs, the more insights are gained. Isbell possesses an extraordinary gift for encapsulating challenging situations with unforgettable words. He grapples with anxiety about his position in the world and the privilege he derives from institutional racism, solely by virtue of being a white man. His most renowned songs tackle poignant themes such as devastating illness, the complex yet empowering story of love and sobriety, and the fleeting nature of both love and life itself. Isbell has emerged as a spokesperson for a breed of enlightened Americana artists, acutely aware of his own flaws while utilizing his platform as a respected musician to effect positive change. In 2021, his album “Georgia Blue,” featuring covers of iconic songs, raised funds for organizations dedicated to combating voter suppression in the state of Georgia.
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