Over the course of his career, Jason Isbell has proved himself as one of the greatest songwriters of the 21st century. Since his days in the band “The Drive-by Truckers,” Isbell has gained respect for his raw, intentional storytelling style, fueled by a true vulnerability that is widely relatable. His 2023 album, Weathervanes, released with his band, “Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit”, was full of the same passionate writing in his most highly regarded work. Since that record, his fans have been eagerly waiting on his next move, which has now been revealed as an entirely acoustic solo album titled “Foxes in the Snow,” which will be released on March 7th. The new project, along with its tracklist and cover art, was announced by Isbell earlier in January, followed by the release of the single “Bury Me” and the title track just weeks later.
Based on what we know about Jason Isbell these days, along with the new single as a first look, we’re breaking down a few expectations for Foxes in the Snow:
Masterful Songwriting:
The constant trend throughout Isbell’s career has always been his high-quality writing. Through songs on albums like Southeastern, he shows his talent in choosing how to convey such unique narratives effectively. Whether guilt, love, fear, anger, or a need for change, he’s shown that he isn’t afraid to keep his mouth or heart shut. In his new record, things will surely get personal. As an artist with such a rich, emotional catalog, it wouldn’t make sense for Isbell to hold back his feelings here. However, a decline in the quality of his songwriting is unlikely, especially with this album being entirely acoustic. If the songwriting on this record is anything close to the genius of “Last of My Kind,” “Speed Trap Town,” or “Dreamsicle,” it could easily become a fan favorite.
Guitar Proficiency:
By now, it’s well-known that Jason is more than just an incredible songwriter because he’s just as good at guitar. He often plays a few solos at his live shows, switching between electric and acoustic. On the acoustic side, he’s an exceptional picker, though many of the guitar parts in his recordings tend to be fairly simple. This album presents a great opportunity for Isbell to showcase his musicianship. With just an acoustic guitar accompanying his voice, there’s plenty of space for him to get creative. While the playing doesn’t need to be overly complex, something like the simple yet distinctive intro of “Songs That She Sang in the Shower” could elevate the album’s sound while further proving Isbell’s talent to the world.
An Intimate Connection
Foxes in the Snow was completely recorded on a 1940 Martin 0-17, which means the listening experience will be like sitting in a room with him, listening to his heart pour out beautifully onto the floor. Jason Isbell doesn’t seem to write many happy songs, so it’s safe to expect plenty of mourning and pain to connect with on this record. Because the opening track, “Bury Me,” is so melancholy in sound and meaning, it’s reasonable to anticipate the rest of the album will get even darker, delving deeper into the emotional depths of Isbell’s experiences. “Cover Me Up,” arguably his most popular song, is well-known for its vulnerable lyrics, which stem from true stories about Isbell’s previous marriage with Amanda Shires. That kind of honest perspective could make Foxes in the Snow rise to the top of his catalog. Raw moments like those will likely make up large portions of the album, although songs like the title track of the upcoming album show that Isbell doesn’t have to get too down in the dumps with his vulnerable songs. Sometimes, all it takes to get a deep song from Jason is a little bit of love.
Timeless Impact
Foxes in the Snow holds all the potential to be a defining album for Jason Isbell, both as a writer and artist. With all the instruments and noise stripped away, all we can draw from the album will lie in the textual contents of each song. In light of his year in 2024, it’s safe to say this album will feature a new and unique perspective, setting Foxes in the Snow apart from his previous work. With so many great projects under his belt, this solo record will show that Isbell can still step it up, spotlighting his lyrical prowess. For many artists, the solo acoustic album has served as an extreme career pivot, much like how Foxes in the Snow should affect Isbell’s reputation. With the impression that Isbell has made in previous solo projects through songs like “Elephant” and “Cover Me Up,” his fans would agree that the bar for this album is set high. Based solely on the two singles already out, it seems apparent that Jason has truly reached for the stars while constructing this album, making a strong argument for his ability to innovate and stay at the top of his game. While releasing such an introspective album may elevate Isbell to new heights, it’s unlikely that it will cause him to plateau. If anything, it will only propel him further, leaving fans eager for his future releases.
