Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Miles | Bangerz N Bopz 🔥

In the 59^th edition of Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 (2024), we highlight “Miles” performed by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit.  

Bring on the bold, fierce songs! Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 serves up background info and insight into songs of various styles, especially songs that raise eyebrows and stir the pot.  Featured records can be classic or brand new. In the 59^th edition of Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 (2024), we break down “Miles” performed by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit.

“There’s miles between us / But boy, you should’ve seen us when we met,” Jason Isbell sings in the first chorus of “Miles”. He continues, “I loved your anger and / The way you’d catch a stranger in your net.” Hmm, sounds like there was toxicity… “Miles” is the 13^th track on Weathervanes, the 2023 album by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit. The seven-minute-plus juggernaut was written and produced by Isbell, one of the most gifted songwriters. Early on, the guitars, bass, and drums are assertive. The organ adds some seasoning – some spice.  The instrumental intro runs for more than 45 seconds. In no rush, The 400 Unit lets it ride out, and it’s awesome 👏.

“Coming home early, catching on late / Guess I had too much on my plate,” Isbell sings in the first verse, referencing the fractured relationship with the narrator’s wife.  Isbell delivers strong vocals following the extended intro. He brings the melodies to life superbly.  In the second verse, he shifts to a changing relationship with his daughter, who is growing up: “As she leaves, I’ll tell her don’t get hurt and don’t get pregnant, but / She won’t acknowledge me at all.” The key change and change of harmonic scheme between the verses and chorus is cool. This speaks to Isbell’s musicianship. A ‘fire’ guitar solo enters and keeps things fresh just before the three-minute mark. There is a change of pace at the three-and-a-half minute mark, yet another engaging moment. The instrumental is stunning during this ‘switch-up’, top-notch. After the four-minute mark, it builds up to what sounds like a ‘brand-new song’. Within the form, it is the bridge that is starkly different from anything else:

“In the name of survival, we get used to this

In the name of forgiveness, we get boarded

For our own entertainment, we ball up our fists

Take it out on the kid at the grocery store.”

Once more, Isbell compels with his vocals, which are authentic, emotional, and sincere. Within the last minute, “Miles” shifts one final time for the third and final chorus: “There’s miles between us… / You didn’t even see the hand that turned the page… ” “Miles” is lengthy, but worth every minute and every second of its duration. The songwriting is realistic and quite relatable. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit rock.

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit // Weathervanes // Southeastern // 2023

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Miles: Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 No. 59 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Southeastern; cottonbro studio, Harry Shelton, Kool Shooters, Lucas Pazeta, Mavluda Tashbaeva, Teddy Yang, Wesley Souza from Pexels]