Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit: Here We Rest

There's no place like home. After several steady years on the road as a Drive-By Trucker, then with his own 400 Unit, Alabama native Jason Isbell is back home. On Here We Rest (named for his home state's first motto), he sings about where he lives, and tells affecting and vivid stories about the people who live there. A highly respected songwriter by both critics and fans, Isbell takes his craft to the upper echelon with this fine release. The 11 musically eclectic tracks range from the folky "Alabama Pines" to the bluegrass shuffle of "Codeine," and the juke joint rocking "Never Could Believe." But the knockout punch comes last, in a stunning first-person tale of a returning veteran anxious to fit in and wondering if he can acclimate to his old lifestyle after a harrowing "Tour of Duty." This album makes me want to go home, if I can just figure out where that is. (5 our of 5 stars)