Something More Than Free (studio album)
by Jason Isbell

From HoldenM 08/20/2019 01:16

A step or two below Southeastern, but a damn fine album, nonetheless.

I'm not the biggest country fan. However I can say this is really good. Hell even great. Just doesn't impress me on a insane level. But I definitely would recommend to anyone that adores country as well to people like me who were never that crazy for the genre to begin with.

From jhuik 11/18/2017 17:38

I think songs like Children of Children and surreptitiously catchy, accessible and likable songs like 24 Frames make this his best album. What stunningly candid and enjoyable lyrics. You just want to say thank you for writing such great songs.

From buzzdainer 04/27/2017 22:07

Although Something More Than Free doesn't quite have the same raw, vulnerable, strangely triumphant energy that Jason Isbell's previous release, Southeastern, had, it nearly makes up the difference with a greater sense of maturity and artistic purpose. These are gorgeously and lovingly crafted, quintessentially American rock songs, my favorite of which has to be "24 Frames," a song of soaring tenderness, with one incredible verse in particular: "This is how you talk to her when no one else is listening / And this is how you help her when the muse goes missing / You vanish so she can go drowning in a dream again." I'm sure this is Isbell's experience being married to a fellow singer-songwriter, Amanda Shires. But it's also about the generosity of spirit that's needed for creative people to maintain loving relationships. Great stuff, Jason. Keep it coming.

From jhuik 05/07/2016 22:19

One of the best singer-songwriters in the world. Really great lyrics chock full of heartland wisdom for a new millennium.

From zdwyatt 07/17/2015 13:31

There's a review that criticizes these songs as mere character sketches in which "very little happens." If that's what you're taking away from these songs, you're just not listening. I've said it before, but his ability to create a whole world in four minutes is masterful.

The arrangements are warm and meticulously crafted, clearly played by the best in the industry. The lyricism is poignant and gives off an aura of quality- this album oozes quality. An overwhelming success, even for an established critical darling such as Isbell.

From samistake2ice 07/09/2015 13:56

After the first listen: So much more hope than in Southeastern. I still wouldn't call it gleeful, but more grateful for the strength to deal with the hardships that life brings. No doubt that Isbell is still a beautiful lyricist.