Yes Grady!!! This song is incredible. Isbell is incredible. The lyrics, the picture, the perspective, the genuine tremble in his voice. And that title, it pulled me in with the intrigue and surprised me with the depth.
Couldn't agree more Madie! This song is HAUNTINGLY BEAUTIFUL!... and Grady does a great job breaking it down and explaining Isbell's songwriting talent!
If you havent already, watch the Austin City Limits version of this song. Not only is the song amazing, the way he looks at Amanda WHILE hes singing it to/with her on stage is awesome.
Your reaction is exactly how I reacted - tears in the eyes...when it hits the chorus, as in Elephant where you are wondering where this is going, you feel overwhelmed with the realization of what the song is really about. I spent all last weekend tabbing out the chords to this entire album which got me close to the lyrics...
Yes!! I LOVE Jason Isbell! I love the emotion you can feel and hear in all his songs. This song makes me tear up every time. Thanks for giving credit where credit is due because I feel like he is often overlooked!
The first time I heard If we were vampires was in Richmond Ky, in April 2017 at his concert at the EKU center. He came out and did it as a wrap up encore, my sister and I both die hard Isbell fans just looked at each other, like whatttttttt is this perfection, we were both amazed. and as soon as the album dropped we bought it up, it was wonderful, I love Isbell, for people who havent heard him, omg, what is your life really missing!!!! Thank you for sharing this. Jason Isbell changed my life and my outlook with his song New South Wales,which isnt even one of his most popular or most heard songs, but the meaning it had TO ME, turned me on to all of his writing. WRITING has been missing from our music for way too long!!!
If you don't know, Amanda Shires who does the backing vocals on the chorus is Jason's wife, which makes it all the better and more hauntingly beautiful
His song writing reminds me of one of my favorite songwriters Kris Kristofferson. Both of these guys have such a command of the english language their songs are timeless and crafted so well that they suck you into the stories.
I have a hard time getting through this song. I think about my mom... my dad died at 64, after 40 years of marriage and she's spending her days along. Makes me cherish the time I have with my spouse that much more. What a song. Damn.
Very cool, Grady. This song hit me so hard that I couldn't make it through the first listen. Then I listened 5 or 6 times in a row with tears running down my face. It's like Isbell tore the lyrics out of my soul.
I mean, let's not forget that Isbell was part of Drive-By Truckers who are a keystone of Southern Gothic music and have a fantastic history of writing songs that deal with the shortness/fragility of life. Like "The Living Bubba," for instance.
After more than 60 years, my daddy only lasted a few months after my mom left us. It was so hard to lose them both so close together, but I knew he was lost without her. I'm a believer, though, so I know they're together, young and healthy, and I'll see them again someday, and we will have eternity together.
Beth Hart and Tom Waits have done this kind of stuff for a lot longer. When a good song writer hits the mainstream that Jason did with this album, people have been caught off guard because they have accepted poorly written tunes in the mainstream for so long.
I love Tom Waits, but he hasn't wrote a song like "If we were Vampires" or "Elephant". Jason Isbell could be the next Townes or Guy if he keeps it up. Tom Waits is up there, but to me Warren Zevon is also a superior songwriter to Waits along with Townes and Guy.
Waits and Springsteen are on the same page of songwriting to me and they are two on my favorites, just a different tier then the folks I mentioned above.
Tom's more abstract of a songwriter, Jason hits you in the gut and heart, he's easier to connect to, Guy and Townes were the same way. Songwriting and poetry in its finest form.
Grady, you're an Avett fan? Love! Seen them 24 times myself. If you saw Souls Like The Wheels live then you are one lucky guy. It's only been played live one time.
Hey man, just found your videos. I gotta say it’s really cool to see someone that appreciates the same music as I do, and who shares a lot of the same views as myself, breaking down some lyrics. If you get a chance look into brent Cobb or cody jinks. Both very good country artists that are pretty unknown and are pretty unbelievable writers. Would love to see you break down some of their writing! Take care brother
I’ve recently started listening to Isbell and love him my boss turned me to him and now me and my best friend listen to him all the time. Personally I like the songs white mans world and Cumberland gap.
Awesome you did a Jason Isbell vid ,but could you do some more Carrie Underwood? Just kidding, awesome to see anybody listening to JI. I would love to see more Americana in your mix. Maybe even some Alt Country. Thanks for your channel and keep it crankin
Love this reaction. Isbell is such a unique songwriter and performer. If you are interested in similar, honest, morbidly beautiful love songs and other songs with just amazing imagery, you really should dig into Josh Ritter’s music. He and Isbell have a good, long history together and mutual respect. Check our Ritter’s song called “The Curse” and “The Temptation of Adam” for two examples of beautiful, strange, love stories that speak to so many of us. Ritter’s latest album, Fever Breaks, is amazing and it was produced by Isbell and the 400 Unit are his backup band. Josh Ritter is the real deal.
It would be great to see you check out some more Texas country and alternative country guys like Jason boland, Jason eady, Zane Williams, and max stalling
Isbell. He pronounces it with the E almost silent. Not like the word "bell". Other than that, you're spot on with your review. This is another instant Isbell classic.
Subbed just for this video. If I hadn't of know the song I may not of listen to the end with the bad audio put your review at the end more than made up for it. He is truly a great songwriter.
I know about it - I just didn't listen. I will always have a love for Jason, especially for getting me into the alt country scene, but just wasn't motivated to hear this one after some of the stuff he said about the unvaxxed that I thought was cruel. Just needed to bench him for a while cuz I was having trouble compartmentalizing my feelings on that stuff.
Yes Grady!!! This song is incredible. Isbell is incredible. The lyrics, the picture, the perspective, the genuine tremble in his voice. And that title, it pulled me in with the intrigue and surprised me with the depth.
Couldn't agree more Madie! This song is HAUNTINGLY BEAUTIFUL!... and Grady does a great job breaking it down and explaining Isbell's songwriting talent!
If you havent already, watch the Austin City Limits version of this song. Not only is the song amazing, the way he looks at Amanda WHILE hes singing it to/with her on stage is awesome.
That song alone took years off my life. Never actually cried because of a song until this one..
Your reaction is exactly how I reacted - tears in the eyes...when it hits the chorus, as in Elephant where you are wondering where this is going, you feel overwhelmed with the realization of what the song is really about. I spent all last weekend tabbing out the chords to this entire album which got me close to the lyrics...
Just spot on! Elephant, Cover me up and Flagship are in the same realm. Jason lives in a different place as a song writer. Excellent work Grady!
Yes!! I LOVE Jason Isbell! I love the emotion you can feel and hear in all his songs. This song makes me tear up every time. Thanks for giving credit where credit is due because I feel like he is often overlooked!
The first time I heard If we were vampires was in Richmond Ky, in April 2017 at his concert at the EKU center. He came out and did it as a wrap up encore, my sister and I both die hard Isbell fans just looked at each other, like whatttttttt is this perfection, we were both amazed. and as soon as the album dropped we bought it up, it was wonderful, I love Isbell, for people who havent heard him, omg, what is your life really missing!!!! Thank you for sharing this. Jason Isbell changed my life and my outlook with his song New South Wales,which isnt even one of his most popular or most heard songs, but the meaning it had TO ME, turned me on to all of his writing. WRITING has been missing from our music for way too long!!!
Man, can't listen to this without tearing up. serious stuff. Isbell has been a favorite of mine for a long time. This jumped to my favorites.
If you don't know, Amanda Shires who does the backing vocals on the chorus is Jason's wife, which makes it all the better and more hauntingly beautiful
Jason Isbell, “Tell the truth enough you find it rhymes with everything.”
Just found you. I love Jason soooo much. I see him, Amanda, and the unit every time I can. Been a fan since he played tiny tiny venues.
His song writing reminds me of one of my favorite songwriters Kris Kristofferson. Both of these guys have such a command of the english language their songs are timeless and crafted so well that they suck you into the stories.
This song is one of my top five
This is the content we need in 2020/2021
I've said it once and i'll say it again..Jason Isbell is the truth!!
I have a hard time getting through this song. I think about my mom... my dad died at 64, after 40 years of marriage and she's spending her days along. Makes me cherish the time I have with my spouse that much more. What a song. Damn.
You should check out some of" Town Van Zandt" songs .He was an amazing writer and singer
Townes*
Heck yeah Townes is dank
Great point about the specifics in the lyrics, makes it so real. Definitely the best love song I have ever had the pleasure to listen to.
This was my introduction to you r channel. Fun to revisit it. Still one of my top two or three favourite songs of all time.
Very cool, Grady. This song hit me so hard that I couldn't make it through the first listen. Then I listened 5 or 6 times in a row with tears running down my face. It's like Isbell tore the lyrics out of my soul.
I mean, let's not forget that Isbell was part of Drive-By Truckers who are a keystone of Southern Gothic music and have a fantastic history of writing songs that deal with the shortness/fragility of life. Like "The Living Bubba," for instance.
After more than 60 years, my daddy only lasted a few months after my mom left us. It was so hard to lose them both so close together, but I knew he was lost without her. I'm a believer, though, so I know they're together, young and healthy, and I'll see them again someday, and we will have eternity together.
He's the best there is
Beth Hart and Tom Waits have done this kind of stuff for a lot longer. When a good song writer hits the mainstream that Jason did with this album, people have been caught off guard because they have accepted poorly written tunes in the mainstream for so long.
I love Tom Waits, but he hasn't wrote a song like "If we were Vampires" or "Elephant". Jason Isbell could be the next Townes or Guy if he keeps it up. Tom Waits is up there, but to me Warren Zevon is also a superior songwriter to Waits along with Townes and Guy.
Waits and Springsteen are on the same page of songwriting to me and they are two on my favorites, just a different tier then the folks I mentioned above.
Tom's more abstract of a songwriter, Jason hits you in the gut and heart, he's easier to connect to, Guy and Townes were the same way. Songwriting and poetry in its finest form.
Grady, you're an Avett fan? Love! Seen them 24 times myself. If you saw Souls Like The Wheels live then you are one lucky guy. It's only been played live one time.
That song almost didn't make it on the album. It was a last minute addition. Great story behind how he wrote it.
Hey man, just found your videos. I gotta say it’s really cool to see someone that appreciates the same music as I do, and who shares a lot of the same views as myself, breaking down some lyrics. If you get a chance look into brent Cobb or cody jinks. Both very good country artists that are pretty unknown and are pretty unbelievable writers. Would love to see you break down some of their writing! Take care brother
I’ve recently started listening to Isbell and love him my boss turned me to him and now me and my best friend listen to him all the time. Personally I like the songs white mans world and Cumberland gap.
Awesome you did a Jason Isbell vid ,but could you do some more Carrie Underwood?
Just kidding, awesome to see anybody listening to JI. I would love to see more Americana in your mix. Maybe even some Alt Country. Thanks for your channel and keep it crankin
Cool you’re in Cville, I’m right up the road in the Zet. You see Jason when he came on 9/30?
This may be my new favorite review of yours!
Love this reaction. Isbell is such a unique songwriter and performer. If you are interested in similar, honest, morbidly beautiful love songs and other songs with just amazing imagery, you really should dig into Josh Ritter’s music. He and Isbell have a good, long history together and mutual respect. Check our Ritter’s song called “The Curse” and “The Temptation of Adam” for two examples of beautiful, strange, love stories that speak to so many of us. Ritter’s latest album, Fever Breaks, is amazing and it was produced by Isbell and the 400 Unit are his backup band. Josh Ritter is the real deal.
Check out Cody Jinks, great songwriting, he's more traditional country too
I love Jason Isbell, and I loved your reaction. But I really wish I could hear the music as well as I can hear your commentary.
It would be great to see you check out some more Texas country and alternative country guys like Jason boland, Jason eady, Zane Williams, and max stalling
Isbell. He pronounces it with the E almost silent. Not like the word "bell". Other than that, you're spot on with your review. This is another instant Isbell classic.
Subbed just for this video.
If I hadn't of know the song I may not of listen to the end with the bad audio put your review at the end more than made up for it.
He is truly a great songwriter.
Hey man, New Jason Isbell out today! Would love to hear your thoughts!
This song is gorgeous ❤
This is a love song, but its even more so a song about marriage.
Just found your channel.. great videos...
Have you covered Sturgill yet?
Will you be doing a review for Brad Paisley's Love & War?
Oh, "Gradio Friendly" could catch on!
"Dying to listen to it". Pun intended or nah?
Can you please review HEART BREAK by Lady Antebellum?
This was a great review..
I have to say. Watching this video makes me really dumbfounded how Weathervanes isn’t on Grady’s radar.
I know about it - I just didn't listen. I will always have a love for Jason, especially for getting me into the alt country scene, but just wasn't motivated to hear this one after some of the stuff he said about the unvaxxed that I thought was cruel. Just needed to bench him for a while cuz I was having trouble compartmentalizing my feelings on that stuff.
@@GradySmith thank you for your honesty and transparency on this 👍🏻
Nice review!
Could you react to "star crossed losers" by The Fratellis?
could you react to happens like that by granger smith
Can you listen to the song by Ilse Delange - So Incredible :)
Is that hat just for decoration? You never set a hat down like that.
“I’ll follow you into the dark” by Death Cab For Cutie
You cut out a lot of emotion guy lol. Understood, but you should have just played out how you felt