Southeastern, the new solo album fromJason Isbell, contains 12 new compositions and the most personal songs of self-reflection and discovery he has written to date. The lyrics of the beautiful and haunting opening track Cover Me Up, make it immediately apparent that Isbell is speaking from an entirely new viewpoint. The song features his strongest vocals to date, but also kicks the door to his soul wide open for all to see.Isbell struggled, fought his demons and has remained sober for over a year now. Also, he was recently married and has entered the next chapter of his life. However,Southeasternis not an album preaching sobriety, but a work of repentance, self-realization and most importantly, personal growth. By no means isSoutheasterna wholly solemn offering.Tracks such as Stockholm (with Kim Richey) and Traveling Alone (with Amanda Shires) offer laid back tempos and memorable choruses, while Flying Over Water and Super 8 are strong reminders of Isbells deep roots in rock. The poetic and deeply intimate lyrics are the common thread that runs throughout the album, perhaps no better illustrated than on Live Oak. Theres a man who walks beside me, he is who I used to be / and I wonder if she sees him and confuses him with me / and I wonder who shes pining for on nights Im not around / could it be the man who did the things Im living down.Southeasternwas produced byDave Cobb(Jamey Johnson, Secret Sisters) and in addition to guest appearances by Richey and Shires also features a guest spot by Will Johnson. Gatefold 180g vinyl with download card fromSoutheastern Records.Few songwriters today write with Isbells combination of lyrical economy, deep-seated empathy, and masterstroke axe melodies. Austin Chronicle1. Cover Me Up2. Stockholm3. Traveling Alone4. Elephant5. Flying Over Water6. Different Days7. Live Oak8. Songs That She Sang In The Shower9. New South Wales10. Super 811. Yvette12. Relatively Easy