That was an accident, he admits to EW via a phone call from his Las Vegas hotel room.
Today, EW is thrilled to share the collections soaring lead single, Hope the High Road.
Newly sober and with a clear artistic gaze, he debuted his devastatingly good fourth solo album,Southeastern.
Credit: Danny Clinch
But this isnt just a forum for airing grievances.
Facing despair, Isbell remains steadfast.
Its not just contentious politics that have altered his perspective.
Its caused me to notice things more, which is great for a songwriter, he says.
Before she came along, I went through this period of time where I wasnt afraid of anything.
I had gotten sober and I didnt have a whole lot of fear.
Once she [arrived], everything began to look like a dangerous object to me.
(Cue the albums sprawling, near-seven minute centerpiece Anxiety.)
I also give a shot to pay attention to the world shes seeing, he continues.
Once you know what everything is … every day a little bit more of the magic is gone.
Hope the High Road flat-out cooks with electric fretwork and stomping drumlines.
That, it turns out, also happened by happy accident.
So far, hes digging the results.
I dont sit down to make a run at write rock n roll songs …
I mean, I do sometimes, but that never works, he adds, laughing.
Then it occurred to him: Wouldnt it be nice to try and claim that?
