With only an acoustic guitar and his sharpest storytelling, Jason Isbell’s latest album turns moments into melodies, proving that a 1940 Martin 0-17 can be just as gripping as a full band. His fourth solo studio album, Foxes in the Snow, places Isbell among the legends of folk, country, and American songwriters, portraying vivid imagery and never ceasing to show emotion. Among his other solo records, such as Southeastern and Something More Than Free, this album feels much more intimate, creating the feeling of a one-on-one conversation with the songwriting master.
While it may not be scattered with as many deep hidden meanings as an album like Southeastern, Foxes in the Snow has its unique value as a fluid collection of stories and narratives true to Jason. Though it follows his recent divorce from Amanda Shires, only a few moments on the record directly address that chapter of his life. Several songs, including the title track, Eileen, and others, tell stories of new love and old heartbreak that feel separated from his marriage with Amanda. Admitting “I love the way she sees the boy inside the man” in the title track, Jason gets into the nitty-gritty details of exactly how he feels in these new relationships. Hearing more positive perspectives of love on “Ride to Robert’s” and others feels refreshing. However, Isbell doesn’t shy away from confronting the pain of the past, offering a few raw moments that reflect the emotional aftermath of his divorce.
Of all the songs on Foxes in the Snow, “True Believer” is the one that seems most directly tied to Jason’s divorce. In it, he compares the experience of such a public separation to being judged as a “murder suspect.” Isbell throws listeners a bone, offering somewhat ambiguous details in this lyric:
“Well, I finally found a match, and you kept daring me to strike it, and now I have to let it burn to let it be.”
Though phrases in this track are mostly blunt and straight to the point, the song’s true depth lies in the space left for interpretation. Another track that may share the same subject is “Good While It Lasted,” a more reflective track that contemplates the end of long-lasting love.
Standout tracks on Foxes in the Snow include “Gravelweed,” “Crimson and Clay,” and “Wind Behind The Rain,” each exploring emotions that run deep beneath the surface of the prolific writer. In “Gravelweed,” Jason uses a strong metaphor to illustrate feeling like he needed to be “raised” or taught how to be a man by his significant other until he didn’t anymore. “Crimson and Clay” is full of reflection, realizing that his lifelong fears weren’t nearly as dangerous as his struggles with “loneliness and alcohol.” While “Wind Behind The Rain” has a happier message, coming from a place of deep devotion and love, it still plays on what would happen if Isbell’s lover were ever to leave, explaining he’d chase her like “the wind behind the rain.”
Throughout this record, Jason Isbell demonstrates the power of simplicity, showing just how wide the range of dynamics can be on a fully acoustic album. From the delicate, almost harp-like strumming on “Open and Close” to the lively picking on “Don’t Be Tough,” Jason masterfully uses his guitar to shape the mood of each track, making you forget there’s no band behind them. With its dark, foreboding tone, the title track is nothing like his usual picking style, showcasing his ability to create tension and intrigue with just six strings. Across the album, his voice becomes as much a part of the instrumental landscape as his guitar, whether belting or whispering his lyrics.
In such a cohesive work, Isbell’s songwriting and performance remind us that sometimes less is more, and in this case, it’s more than enough to make Foxes in the Snow a defining album in his career. This release highlights his lyrical depth, proving he’s unafraid to confront the toughest emotions and experiences through his music. With an innovative yet minimalistic record, Jason leaves a timeless impact that will forever be in the conversation of the greatest singer/songwriter albums. As the years pass, Jason Isbell’s discography stands the test of time, with each album adding to his impressive legacy.
9.6
