Hudson Westbrook is a Texas-bred troubadour hailing from the small town of Stephenville. He got his start playing music not too long ago, but his musical talent and storytelling have proven that it doesn’t take long to grow a following. While still enrolled in college at Texas Tech, the rising singer/songwriter began posting his original songs on TikTok, and before he knew it, his music took off on the platform, helping create a launching pad for his success.
A self-taught musician, Westbrook first earned recognition with his debut single, “Take It Slow.” Soon enough, he was getting countless requests to share more of his music with the world. With a strong vocal that’s reminiscent of modern-day artists like Parker McCollum, but the kind of storytelling that falls in the vein of classic country artists like George Strait, there’s no doubt Westbrook has already claimed his spot in the genre as a red dirt star on the rise.
On Nov. 15, Westbrook released his seven-track debut self-titled EP, which debuted in the top 10 on the iTunes Country Chart as well as in the top 10 on Spotify’s Top Debut Albums U.S. chart. Ahead of the highly-anticipated project’s drop date in partnership with River House Artists, he shared early releases — “House Again,” “Dopamine,” “Two-Way Drive,” and the viral “5 to 9.” Folks had to wait to hear “Pray Your Name,” “Take Your Time” and a cover of Jacob Stelly’s “Johnny Walker,” but now, with the entirety of the collection out, it’s leading the way for more to come from the burgeoning star.
Opening strong with “Pray Your Name,” Westbrook’s EP, Hudson Westbrook, is quick to show his soft and tender side as he sings of his fondness for someone he misses. In the poetic lyrics, he longs for consistency in romance as a road warrior, who seems far from complacent.
“I’ve watched seasons change / Been through fire and rain / Three six five, I pray your name / Honey, truth be told / ‘Til I’m gray and old / Even the devil knows / I pray your name,” Westbrook sings over a toe-tapping melody.
Westbrook keeps the longing for commitment coming in the second offering, bringing a gloomy mood with the heartfelt “House Again” — a slow ballad that features a melody that calls to mind Keith Urban’s “Blue Ain’t Your Color” and Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush.” But this track, which racked up millions of streams since its October release, puts Westbrook’s vocals front and center as he croons over a lost love and appreciated homemaker, who seemingly flew the nest for a new life.
“A kitchen that used to be a dance hall / With music on and the lights off / But now it’s just 4 empty walls / Where I lay my head and get no rest at all,” Westbrook cries out ahead of the vivid chorus. “Now it’s just 4 empty walls / Where I lay my head and get no rest at all / The porch swing don’t swing / The doorbell don’t ring / And now it’s just wood on concrete / And numbers on a mailbox on a used to be street / I guess you or I should have left when you did / The house you made a home is / Now just a house again.”
Listeners get to hear one of Westbrook’s biggest songs thus far with the third track, “5 to 9,” which landed a spot on Spotify’s Viral Top 50 USA Chart. The song finds Westbrook more upbeat as he offers a twist on Dolly Parton’s classic “9 to 5.” Unlike Parton’s hit “5 to 9” takes a closer look at life after the tiring work-week. Instead, Westbrook focuses on being off the clock, highlighting the after-hours with the one he loves, he sings: “Put your high heels on and diamonds around your neck / You worry about being ready by five, I’ll worry ’bout the rest / I’d give a paycheck to a bar in Dallas just to see you smile / I make my livin’ from nine to five / But we’re only livin’ from five to nine.”
On “Take Your Time” Westbrook’s sultry side comes to life as he delivers lovey-dovey lyrics with equal parts grit and soul. Sonically, the track is reminiscent of Chris Stapleton’s version of “Tennessee Whiskey,” and features a gentle sway, with a light shuffle on the drums and velvety smooth guitar licks.
“So take your time taking mine / Cuz when I’m with you all it wants to do is just fly on by / Take all that I have, all that you can I don’t mind / Just take your time taking mine,” Westbrook sings.
The appropriately titled “Dopamine” is just that for listeners, who will be compelled to replay the song several times before moving on to the next track. With its catchy rhythm and easy-to-sing-along-to lyrics, “Dopamine” is a surefire radio-ready track. The track is country to its core with the inclusion of words like “whiskey” and “picket fence.” But it’s not just another tune that incorporates words associated with the country lifestyle. Westbrook’s honest vocals and highly relatable lyrics turn the tune into a potential hit that deserves attention.
“Cause you make me want to take all of my good whiskey/ And pour it right on down the drain / Something in the way you kiss me is sending dopamine to my brain / And I ain’t felt like smoking I ain’t been going out these days / And baby I know why / Cause I’m chasing a high that money can’t buy,” Westbrook effortlessly sings with a relaxed tone.
As with several songs on his EP, Westbrook shines a light on the state of Texas, just as many of his superiors have done in their music. On “Two-Way Drive,” he name-checks Fort Worth and Lubbock and mentions 6th Street and I-30. But the track goes much deeper, reading like a love letter to a former love interest, with Westbrook asking how she’s doing while he’s studying at Texas Tech.
“You’re too far, I’m at an empty bar I swore that I saw your car / I could drive those white lines and tell you what’s been on my mind / Lubbock to Fort Worth is a two-way drive / And you ain’t mine,” Westbrook croons the chorus of the track.
Lastly, Westbrook makes room for a cover song, offering his vocals on a cover of fellow Texan Jacob Stelly’s “Johnny Walker.” Westbrook’s rendition is impressive as he captures the lyrics effortlessly, putting his twang on the tune and making the song uniquely his own.
Westbrook has a string of dates going into the end of 2024. Next year, he will also take the road for his headlining tour, beginning in Jan. 2025. In addition, he will serve as a supporting act on Ian Munsick’s trek in early spring. For a complete list of shows, visit Westbrook’s official website here.
Hudson Westbrook EP, tracklist:
- Pray Your Name (Hudson Westbrook, Neil Medley, Ryan Beaver)
- House Again (Hudson Westbrook, Dan Alley, Neil Medley)
- 5 to 9 (Hudson Westbrook, Lukas Scott)
- Take Your Time (Hudson Westbrook, Lukas Scott, Marv Green)
- Dopamine (Hudson Westbrook, Reid Haughton)
- Two-Way Drive (Hudson Westbrook)
- Johnny Walker (Jacob Stelly)
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