Something More Than Free at Ten: The Unfussy Sound of a Master at Work
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
When Jason Isbell released Something More Than Free in 2015, the question on everyone’s mind was simple: how do you follow a masterpiece? His 2013 breakthrough, Southeastern, had earned him a new level of critical and popular acclaim, pulling his songs from the barrooms and into the public consciousness. Two years later, Isbell answered with an album that was at once a gentle exhale and a firm affirmation of his craft. Stripping back the raw vulnerability of its predecessor, Something More Than Free explored the quiet dignity of everyday life with a workman’s grace, earning him two GRAMMYs and further cementing his place as one of the most vital songwriters of his generation.
Now, a decade later, the album returns in a newly remastered edition, featuring updated mixes by the legendary Sylvia Massy and a previously unreleased B-side. The reissue offers a chance to revisit these classic songs with fresh ears, revealing a clarity and warmth that breathes new life into Isbell’s lyrical and musical landscapes.
Here is a look back at the album, song by song.
1. “24 Frames” The album’s opening track and first GRAMMY winner, “24 Frames” is a masterclass in elegant simplicity. The new mix highlights the crisp acoustic guitar and Isbell’s clear, steady vocal as he meditates on the fleeting nature of happiness and the ever-present shadow of pain. The subtle organ swells feel more present, adding a new layer of melancholy to the timeless question posed in the chorus.
2. “Flagship” A gentle, moving portrait of a couple finding solace in each other on a road trip. The new mix brings the intricate guitar interplay between Isbell and Sadler Vaden to the forefront, making the song feel even more intimate. The harmonies are impeccably balanced, and the soft percussion provides the perfect rhythmic foundation for this story of quiet, enduring love.
3. “How to Forget” A searing electric guitar riff and a driving rhythm section give this track a classic rock feel. Isbell’s raw, slightly gritted vocal perfectly conveys the frustration of trying to move on from a relationship that still haunts you. The updated mix adds a punch to the drums and bass, giving the song a newfound aggression that makes its emotional core even more impactful.
4. “Children of Children” One of the album’s most heart-wrenching songs, “Children of Children” is a powerful and empathetic narrative about teenage parents. The song is a testament to Isbell’s storytelling prowess, painting a vivid picture of a young woman grappling with an adult world thrust upon her. The subtle steel guitar and Isbell’s emotive delivery are even more potent in this new version, drawing the listener deep into the song’s sorrow.
5. “If It Takes a Lifetime” A classic Isbell tune about finding peace and contentment in sobriety and hard work. With its shuffling beat and an almost-optimistic melody, the song serves as a reminder that the path to a good life is a long and continuous one. The new mix emphasizes the acoustic guitar and the warm, reassuring presence of the 400 Unit.
6. “The Life You Chose” A melancholic yet beautiful track with a somber, walking bassline and a lonely electric guitar melody. This song’s narrative of a difficult parting feels raw and honest. The updated mix gives the instrumental break a wider soundstage, allowing Vaden’s guitar to soar with both sadness and resignation.
7. “Something More Than Free” The album’s title track is a beautiful ode to the dignity of manual labor and finding purpose in the things you do. The new mix makes the acoustic and electric guitars feel more intertwined, and the warm piano melody feels more pronounced. It’s a song that captures the spirit of the entire album—a simple, honest search for meaning in a complicated world.
8. “Speed Trap Town” A poignant and dusty narrative about a young man returning to his hometown, only to find it frozen in time, hollowed out by economic decay. Isbell’s masterful lyrical details paint a picture of a place where “the stoplights blink and the billboards lean,” and a future that never arrived. The remastered sound gives the subtle banjo a clearer presence, adding to the song’s desolate, Americana-soaked atmosphere.
9. “Hudson Commodore” This song has a distinct vintage rock feel with its driving rhythm and bluesy guitar licks. The re-mix gives the track a gritty, garage-band punch, making it sound even more like it was recorded in a sweat-filled room. It’s a fun, raucous number that showcases the 400 Unit’s ability to deliver a swaggering rock and roll sound.
10. “Palmetto Rose” A soulful track about a girl from the South who leaves her small town for the city. The song has a gentle, rolling rhythm and a warm, organ-driven melody. The updated mix brings out the subtle vocal harmonies and the crisp sound of the acoustic guitar, giving the song an airy, spacious feel.
11. “To a Certain Extent” The final track of the original album is a tender, country-tinged ballad about the complexities of love and family. The song feels like a sigh of relief at the end of a long journey. The new mix highlights the delicate slide guitar work and the intimacy of Isbell’s vocal, making it a beautiful and fitting conclusion.
The New Addition: “Should I Go Missing” As a treat for fans, Isbell has included the previously unreleased B-side “Should I Go Missing.” The song is a bluesy, stomping jammer, highlighted by some of the grittiest slide guitar playing you’ve heard from Isbell. It feels like an authentic, low-down blues-rock track that would have been right at home on an album from a bygone era. The song’s raw energy and swagger are a welcome surprise, and it’s easy to imagine this becoming a fan-favorite staple at his upcoming live shows.
A Worthy Re-appraisal
Ten years on, Something More Than Free holds up not just as a successful follow-up to a landmark album, but as a masterpiece in its own right. The new, revitalized mixes by Sylvia Massy serve to only deepen its impact, highlighting the nuanced instrumentation and timeless storytelling. From the lyrical brilliance of “24 Frames” to the raw swagger of “Should I Go Missing,” this reissue is a gift to fans—both old and new—and a firm reminder that Jason Isbell’s craftsmanship is something truly special.