User ratings in Music are temporarily disabled. More info

Something More Than Free
by
Something More Than Free Image
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 25 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 39 Ratings

  • Summary: The fifth full-length solo release for the singer-songwriter was produced by Dave Cobb.
Buy Now
Buy on
  • Record Label: Southeastern Records
  • Genre(s): Country, Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Alternative Country-Rock, Roots Rock, Southern Rock
  • More Details and Credits »

Top Track

If It Takes a Lifetime
I been working here Monday it'll be a year And I can't recall a day when I didn't wanna disappear But I keep on showin' up Hell bent on growing up If... See the rest of the song lyrics
See Full Track List »
Powered by

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. The Telegraph (UK)
    Jan 14, 2016
    100
    Happily, the words are wonderful and Something More Than Free is an album that grows and grows on you. Producer Dave Cobb is in fine action again and gets the best from the settings behind Isbell's effecting voice. Some of the songs are simply splendid.
  2. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    Jul 14, 2015
    95
    Isbell isn't your average songwriter, and on Something More Than Free, there's a pretty strong argument to be made that he's outplaying anyone else in the game right now.
  3. Exclaim
    Jul 15, 2015
    90
    Still walking the high wire, with Something More Than Free, Jason Isbell continues his streak of genre-defining masterworks.
  4. PopMatters
    Jul 13, 2015
    80
    What Something More Than Free does best is confirm that Isbell is a rare talent, one who doesn’t need a major life event to inspire him to make great music.
  5. Billboard.com
    Jul 24, 2015
    80
    The achingly good Something More Than Free, captures the mix of excitement and fear that comes when the sun rises on a new day.
  6. NOW Magazine
    Jul 16, 2015
    80
    A couple of songs, like How To Forget, are well written but not quite interesting enough musically. Still, this album proves that Isbell is still one of the best songwriters in his genre.
  7. Pitchfork
    Jul 14, 2015
    58
    Isbell is obviously familiar with the music of the region, yet Something More Than Free sounds nondescript and--worse--placeless.

See all 25 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. CandysIsaac
    Aug 7, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Jason delivered another master piece, the man is a genius no doubt, his vocals are on point same applies for his lyrics ''You thought God was an architect, now you know He’s something like a pipe bomb ready to blow''… Expand
  2. redaktor
    Aug 20, 2016
    10
    Jason Isbell solo (or with the 400 Unit) is far superior to his overrated former band, Drive-By Truckers. This is superb Americana songcraft:Jason Isbell solo (or with the 400 Unit) is far superior to his overrated former band, Drive-By Truckers. This is superb Americana songcraft: heartfelt, resonant lyrics together with deft melodies. And not a duff track in the bunch.… Expand
  4. Roloo
    Jul 18, 2015
    10
    One of the best new Americana albums in recent memory. If you are a fan of roots music and classic song writing there will be plenty to loveOne of the best new Americana albums in recent memory. If you are a fan of roots music and classic song writing there will be plenty to love with this album.… Expand
  5. Marcbackman
    Jul 25, 2015
    9
    Simply put, this is a lovely, calm, and confident record. Isbell isn't singing about anything dramatic, but he finds beauty in the mundaneSimply put, this is a lovely, calm, and confident record. Isbell isn't singing about anything dramatic, but he finds beauty in the mundane effortlessly. "How to Forget" is, in particular, truly sublime.… Expand
  6. herndonrules
    Jan 18, 2016
    8
    Isbell is arguably the finest combination songwriter/performer currently mining the alt country vein. Each song is a short story, madeIsbell is arguably the finest combination songwriter/performer currently mining the alt country vein. Each song is a short story, made grander by the performance style he chooses for each song. Any number of great moments on this record, which is a "grower", particularly given the genius of "Southeastern". My only minor criticism, which I'd offer for both this record as well as Southeastern, is the general lack of up tempo stuff. Having seen Jason come up with DBT, and listening to his earlier solo records, it's obvious that he is a hell of an electric guitar player. I'd like to hear a bit more rawk added to the mix in the future.… Expand
  7. MostlySober207
    Jul 23, 2015
    8
    I've been a Jason Isbell for many many moons, this album I feel is just wonderful, the lyrics are so wonderfully thought out and the chords heI've been a Jason Isbell for many many moons, this album I feel is just wonderful, the lyrics are so wonderfully thought out and the chords he uses are just perfect. I'm giving this album a 8 out of 10. I don't feel it met or exceeded his previous work in Southeastern. I feel the songs will grow on me with time, but I just felt Southeastern was a more personal record and you could feel those lyrics more than this one. I may be crazy I may be bias, It's a solid album and I'm glad he released it.… Expand
  8. EMGC
    Sep 9, 2015
    7
    I feel like the critics are almost always an album behind, especially when it comes to emerging artists (Drenge is another good example). ThisI feel like the critics are almost always an album behind, especially when it comes to emerging artists (Drenge is another good example). This album is solid, but it definitely lags behind its predecessor. The melodies are a little more tame and the lyrics a little less touching. And yet, somehow, this album is currently rated the same as Southeastern.… Expand

See all 9 User Reviews

Related Articles

  1. Best of 2015, Music

    The Best Albums of 2015

    The Best Albums of 2015 Image
    Published: December 29, 2015
    We reveal our final official list of 2015's highest-scoring albums.
    More »

Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Best Album of 2015
21
#21 Most Shared Album of 2015

Current Music Releases

Full List »
99 Band on the Run [50th Anniversary Edition] - Paul McCartney & Wings
95 If I don't make it, I love u - Still House Plants
95 The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow - Charles Lloyd
91 COWBOY CARTER - Beyoncé
91 The Carnegie Hall Concert - Alice Coltrane
90 1989 (Taylor's Version) - Taylor Swift
90 Iechyd Da - Bill Ryder-Jones
90 This Could Be Texas - English Teacher
89 I Got Heaven - Mannequin Pussy
89 Black Bayou - Robert Finley
89 Tigers Blood - Waxahatchee
88 Only God Was Above Us - Vampire Weekend
88 What Now - Brittany Howard
88 Hey Panda - The High Llamas
88 All Born Screaming - St. Vincent
88 Orquídeas - Kali Uchis
88 The Past Is Still Alive - Hurray for the Riff Raff
87 Filthy Underneath - Nadine Shah
87 i/o - Peter Gabriel
87 Blue Lips - ScHoolboy Q
All Current Music »