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Weathervanes
by
Weathervanes Image
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 13 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 11 Ratings

  • Artist(s): Jason Isbell
  • Summary: Some tracks on the latest full-length release from Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit were written when Isbell was working on Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. AllMusic
    Jun 9, 2023
    90
    This LP is a triumph, an outstanding set of songs and performances from someone who has already proved they're one of the strongest, truest voices in American roots rock.
  2. Sputnikmusic
    Jun 6, 2023
    84
    Weathervanes is a bit of a downer. Regardless, though, it’s Isbell’s reliably exceptional songwriting, the bursting-out-of-the-gate energy of the 400 Unit (just listen to the barnburner that is “When We Were Close”), and a talent for subtle but inescapable hooks which make the doom and gloom of these songs not only bearable, but rather inviting.
  3. Consequence
    Jun 5, 2023
    83
    While the writing on Weathervanes is carefully crafted and wildly impressive, what sets the record apart in a discography full of tattoo-worthy couplets is the contributions of The 400 Unit. They’ve undoubtedly been an integral part of Isbell’s past few efforts, but the band has never sounded so locked into an album’s singular vision.
  4. Classic Rock Magazine
    Jun 5, 2023
    80
    Thoughtful, compassionate, heartbreaking and more, it's a record that is above all, deeply human. [Jul 2023, p.84]
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  5. Uncut
    Jun 5, 2023
    80
    Weathervanes is another imperious demonstration of Isbell's signature ability to simultaneously project confidence and vulnerability, both musically and lyrically. [Jul 2023, p.32]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Mojo
    Jun 5, 2023
    80
    It's a familiar mix of delicate acoustic tracks and crunching country rock - but The 400 Unit has evolved via the deepening emotional heft of their leader's songwriting. [Jul 2023, p.86]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Slant Magazine
    Jun 5, 2023
    60
    Ultimately, then, Weathervanes showcases both the Isbell who can bring the entire world into focus with just a few lines and an acoustic guitar, and the Gibson-toting Isbell with the hot-shit backing band. But he continues to come so close yet so far from reconciling the two.

See all 13 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. bvaljalo
    Jun 9, 2023
    10
    Best album since Southeastern, hands down, even exceeds Nothing More Than Free which was also excellent. Might even be better than SE basedBest album since Southeastern, hands down, even exceeds Nothing More Than Free which was also excellent. Might even be better than SE based on the closing song Miles which masterfully combines Neil Young, Petty, Beatles, Floyd, and Zeppelin, which lyrics that are devastating. For anyone who's been a little disappointed with Nashville Sound and Reunions, this is a return to form, I promise you. Isbell fans are going to be ecstatic over this record. If you love his old stuff ... trust me, just get this. After the first listen I bought tix for his upcoming Tempe show, despite them being really expensive.… Expand
  2. Jungstir
    Jun 16, 2023
    10
    Jason Isbell a Florabama favorite and Drive By Truckers member hit all the right notes on this release combined with a music score for theJason Isbell a Florabama favorite and Drive By Truckers member hit all the right notes on this release combined with a music score for the next Scorsese movie Killers of the Flower Moon and Documentary release Running With His Eyes Closed on HBO or Max and the journey with development of the Reunions album in 2020. Long May You Run Sir.… Expand
  4. mooradj00
    Jun 12, 2023
    9
    Self-produced with the most interesting and engaging sounds Isbell & co. have recorded. The songwriting is as strong as ever, with incrediblySelf-produced with the most interesting and engaging sounds Isbell & co. have recorded. The songwriting is as strong as ever, with incredibly vulnerable lyrics about himself and others, distilling these years in American life in 13 killer tracks. Easily his best album since Southeastern (possibly tied for my favorite with that breakthrough behemoth). At an hour long, there's plenty to explore here and lots to come back to again and again.… Expand
  5. Desig
    Jul 3, 2023
    8
    Impressive! On the first few times listening to this album, Jason Isbell really comes across with powerful messages and unique easy-goingImpressive! On the first few times listening to this album, Jason Isbell really comes across with powerful messages and unique easy-going songwriting in an already crowded space. The production and overall vibes are excellent.… Expand
  6. Lajaleaa
    Jul 11, 2023
    6
    It's a nice to be brought back to this raw and oily sound of american rock and country. It is still a cliché for itself, and Jason IsbellIt's a nice to be brought back to this raw and oily sound of american rock and country. It is still a cliché for itself, and Jason Isbell preferred to stay in a safe place, exploring those chords we already know and grew up with to the extent of making them part of a very pop current. That current is over now and, as I said, it is nice to hear and feel like when this rock meant something strong, yet, there is nothing strong enough to hold on to or save out from what the history already made of it.… Expand
  7. SameName
    Jun 22, 2023
    0
    This really missed the mark. Gave it a few listens and it's not doing anything for me. Oh well. Too many great musicians out there to forceThis really missed the mark. Gave it a few listens and it's not doing anything for me. Oh well. Too many great musicians out there to force it with his music.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

97
#97 Best Album of 2023
60
#60 Most Discussed Album of 2023

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