Georgia Blue

In 2020, Jason Isbell promised fans that he would record an album of Georgia-related cover songs if the state went blue during that year’s presidential election. Isbell, alongside his band the 400 Unit and a stellar lineup of guest musicians, makes good on that offer with Georgia Blue, a 13-track collection of classic songs and deep cuts originally by Georgia artists. Isbell and the 400 Unit put their Southern rock stamp on staples by a diverse roster of native music icons like R.E.M., Gladys Knight, and Drivin’ N’ Cryin’, making for an album that’s part ear-candy and part history lesson. Guests include blues singer-songwriter Adia Victoria (“The Truth”), progressive bluegrass virtuosos Béla Fleck and Chris Thile (“Nightswimming”), up-and-coming country artist Brittney Spencer (“It's a Man's, Man’s, Man’s World,” “Midnight Train to Georgia”), and fellow Alabamian John Paul White (“Midnight Train to Georgia,” “Driver 8”).