The Nashville Sound
by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 21 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 21
  3. Negative: 2 out of 21
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  1. DavidWasHere
    Jul 23, 2017
    8
    As a Jason Isbell fan, I can't say this is as good as Southeastern or Something More Than Free. Some of the songs don't bring enough of a punch or could have been refined (White Man's World as an example, and no not because of the message), and it does run through familiar territory, the Nashville Sound is still a must listen. Filled with Isbell's trademark songwriting, texture inAs a Jason Isbell fan, I can't say this is as good as Southeastern or Something More Than Free. Some of the songs don't bring enough of a punch or could have been refined (White Man's World as an example, and no not because of the message), and it does run through familiar territory, the Nashville Sound is still a must listen. Filled with Isbell's trademark songwriting, texture in instrumentation thanks to his 400 Unit and production with Dave Cobbs, as well as the balls to go for a strong political message and social themes, the Nashville Sound is yet another knockout from Isbell and definitely a must listen. Country music should be grateful for songwriters like him!… Expand
  2. chagen77
    Aug 8, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Not the trendy pick but my choice for Isbell’s best, most cohesive record… Expand
  3. alekblonk
    Jun 16, 2017
    9
    Isbell has proved time and time again he can write good, passionate and personal songs. Songs that do not need an entire circus behind it. Isbell's voice is enough to make you want to hear this album many times. With the 400 Unit, making everything even more superb.
  4. turntabledoc
    Jun 29, 2017
    10
    One of those rare albums that sounds okay on the first listen, great by the fifth, and damned near perfect by the tenth. Isbell is on his game, and it's pretty thrilling to have someone like him consistently delivering the goods.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Record Collector
    Jun 23, 2017
    80
    The pressures of everyday living crop up again on the confessional Anxiety and Something To Love, while White Man’s World serves up a thick slice of barbed social commentary. He’s at his most heartbreaking, however, on Chaos And Clothes, chronicling the aftermath of a doomed romance.
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  2. PopMatters
    Jun 21, 2017
    80
    In all, The Nashville Sound presents a full circle, Isbell returning to the band he started before moving to Nashville and earning success through a unique voice and divergent style.
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  3. Pitchfork
    Jun 19, 2017
    63
    Despite Isbell’s general aimlessness, The Nashville Sound features several winning moments.
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