Description
The Avett Brothers – True Sadness – Double Vinyl Records
By the time True Sadness was released on June 24, 2016, The Avett Brothers had long been known for their ability to fuse folk, bluegrass, and rock with deeply personal and emotionally raw songwriting. This album, their ninth studio release, saw the band pushing their sound further than ever before, incorporating modern production techniques, electronic elements, and polished arrangements while still maintaining the soulful vulnerability that made them beloved.
At its core, True Sadness is an album about growth, loss, and resilience. Inspired by major life changes—including divorces, marriages, and personal struggles—Seth and Scott Avett crafted a record that feels both deeply introspective and universally relatable. While sadness permeates the lyrics, there is also an unmistakable hopefulness that underlines even the heaviest moments, making the album a journey through heartache toward self-discovery.
Musically, the album blends traditional folk instrumentation with a modern edge, a shift largely influenced by longtime producer Rick Rubin. Songs like “Ain’t No Man” break new ground for the band, using driving percussion and gospel-style harmonies to create one of their most upbeat and infectious tracks. It’s a song about self-assurance and perseverance, proving that even in life’s darkest moments, joy and strength can emerge.
The title track, “True Sadness,” leans into melancholy and self-reflection, layering rich harmonies over a rhythm that feels almost hypnotic. “No Hard Feelings” stands as one of the album’s most powerful moments—a tender, meditative ballad about letting go of anger, embracing mortality, and finding peace, reminiscent of the Avett Brothers’ most soul-stirring work. Meanwhile, “Smithsonian” and “Satan Pulls the Strings” add unexpected sonic textures, incorporating distorted vocals and electrified folk-rock energy, proving the band wasn’t afraid to experiment.
While True Sadness wasn’t as universally praised as earlier albums like I and Love and You (2009) or Emotionalism (2007), it showcased a band willing to evolve, balancing heartfelt storytelling with modern production techniques. The album debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, marking one of their most commercially successful releases, and tracks like “Ain’t No Man” and “No Hard Feelings” became staples in their live shows.
More than anything, True Sadness is an album that embraces the contradictions of life—happiness and sorrow, love and loss, nostalgia and hope. Even as the Avett Brothers explore new sounds, their commitment to honesty and emotional authenticity remains the heart of their music, making True Sadness a compelling and deeply moving addition to their catalog.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
Ain’t No Man
Mama, I Don’t Believe
No Hard Feelings
Smithsonian
You Are Mine
Satan Pulls The Strings
True Sadness
I Wish I Was
Fisher Road To Hollywood
Victims Of Life
Divorce Separation Blues
May It Last
