Southeastern

Southeastern is the fourth studio album by American singer-songwriter Jason Isbell, released on June 11, 2013 on Southeastern Records. Initially set to be produced by Isbell's friend and touring companion Ryan Adams, the album was recorded following a stint in rehab, with Isbell noting, "This time I want to remember it all." Produced by Dave Cobb, the album was released to widespread critical acclaim. In 2020, the album was ranked at 458 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list. Background and recording The album was recorded without the full participation of Jason Isbell's regular backing band The 400 Unit, with Isbell noting: "It really came to the nature of the songs more than anything else. It's a very personal record for me. And I had gone into the studio with the intention of making more of a solo, acoustic album. But Dave [Cobb], the producer, and I both sort of got bored with that idea and we decided to bring a band in for some things." The 400 Unit band members Chad Gamble and Derry deBorja appear on drums and keyboards, respectively. Producer Dave Cobb encouraged Isbell to record his vocals in one take: "I think the big difference is that during the process we kept a lot of live vocal takes and I've not done that in the past. I was sort of terrified, really. Before, we'd spend a couple days at the end of the sessions tuning everything. Dave Cobb really encouraged me to sing with the live tracks while we were recording it." Isbell finished recording Southeastern one or two days before his wedding to musician Amanda Shires, saying he "even went back and did some final touches on Sunday after the wedding before we went on our honeymoon.