Outer South is the follow-up to last year’s self-titled Conor Oberst album in which Oberst shed his long-standing stage name Bright Eyes. Lyrically, Oberst moves away from Bright Eyes’ dark introspection and shakiness towards an altruistic, roll-with-the-punches outlook on life and relationships. Oberst has also taken a more collaborative approach, sharing songwriting and lead vocal duties with bandmates Jason Boesel, Nik Freitas and Taylor Hollingsworth. With Outer South, Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band continue to hone the sunny folk melodies with southern rock inspired Americana, resulting in a 16-track collection of Dylan-esque reflections full of freewheeling rock and roll.