Country singer-songwriter Billy Hubbard released his self-titled album after signing with Spectra Music Group months prior. What people might not know is that Hubbard’s musical roots go back as far as the 1930’s and 40’s with his mother’s musical group, the “Tennessee Pardners” who toured around the South with other critically acclaimed artists. The dedication to his craft is evident by the time and devotion he has poured into the album for over a year at theWelcome To 1979 Studio. Many heavy hitting names were featured on this album including country music Hall of Fame Grammy-winning Charlie McCoy on harmonica, Grammy-winning artist Shawn Camp on fiddle and mandolin, Bethany Jean Smith on vocals, and plenty of others. With this line-up alone, it is easy to see the talent present in this album.
Hubbard opens with “Castin’ Away My Blues.” The song effortlessly blends the laid-back, sun-soaked spirit of Jimmy Buffett with the nostalgic charm of classic country music. It features breezy, tropical melodies that transport listeners to a coastal paradise, complete with the gentle sway of palm trees. It might make you want to kick back with an ice cold margarita.
“Lonesome When I’m With You” and “Mighty Low” bring another layer of sound with the brilliantly talented Bethany Jean Smith. The arrangements are simple, yet effective, allowing the vocals to take center stage. In “Lonesome When I’m With You,” Hubbard’s voice, rugged and heartfelt, begins the song, recounting the stages of love and longing with a sense of nostalgia. His delivery is raw and genuine, drawing the listener into the story. Smith’s voice enters like a breath of fresh air, pure and hypnotic, with a crystalline clarity that captivates the listener. Her tone is both soothing and powerful, conveying a deep sense of vulnerability and strength. As she responds to Hubbard, her lyrics echo themes of love, loss, pain, and sadness, painting a vivid picture of the relationship’s highs and lows. Her voice is angelic and it complements the whiskey filled voice of Hubbard perfectly, creating a harmonious blend.
The album ends with track 10, “Goodbye Waltz,” and paired with it, a heartbreaking and sentimental backstory. Based on Hubbard’s last phone call with his mother, who then unexpectedly passed away, the song opens with a gentle, somber melody played on an acoustic guitar, immediately setting a reflective and melancholic tone. Despite the melancholy, there is a thread of hope woven throughout the song that rises with a sense of bittersweet acceptance, as Hubbard finds solace in the belief that his mother is still with him in spirit. As a special dedication, Shawn Camp played Arlene’s vintage Gibson mandolin. Billy Hubbard is a seasoned musician with a rich background in the music industry. His dedication to creating meaningful music shines through in his performances, collaborations, and songwriting. As an artist, he continues to evolve while staying true to his country music roots. This album is one that will pull at your heartstrings with all of the highs and lows that come with exquisite songwriting. Billy Hubbard is truly a one-of-a-kind embodiment of soulful country music.
Written by Olivia Golembiowski