New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Billy Hubbard delivers rustic instrumentals and soft-sung lyrics in his eponymous album. The project that came out on October 20 of last year blends in perfectly with the autumn air and weather that soars through much of the world during that time. On this project Hubbard sings about love, loss, turmoil within relationships and triumphing through difficult times. It is near impossible not to envision a quiet country road bar, with dim lighting, beers, and live music when listening to this 43-minute musical montage.
One trait that makes this album standout is how raw the instruments sound. It sounds as if Hubbard and his collaborators all went into the studio and recorded the tracks straight with the instruments. He also works closely with his collaborators, having multiple features by fellow musicians Charlie McCoy and Bethany Jean Smith. There also is a single collaboration with Shawn Camp in the album's closing track, "Goodbye Waltz."
Another strong suit of the project is that each of the 10 tracks flow so well into one another. The easy slide of songs created by beautiful instrumentation really allows the project to feel as if it is telling one long story, and with many of the songs having the same thematic storyline, one of love and heartbreak, it truly feels as if every aspect of this album is intentional and well-thought-out.
Throughout the project from the happiest love songs to the bluest of heartbreak tracks, the majority of the track listing features songs that allow the audience to really bask in and feel the story, but that also move along nicely. Furthermore, there is a great back-and-forth that occurs with vocals sometimes shining through and then instruments taking the lead with a solo run. In brief, a strong sense of balance keeps this project sharp, effective, and interesting.
Acoustic and electric guitar, along with soft yet powerful drums guide listeners through this emotive listening journey. Soft, intimate vocals set the town for Billy Hubbard and every feature on the album enhances the song, especially songs with Bethany Jean Smith, her powerful vocals helping a track truly convey its emotional weight.
"Castin' Away My Blues" and "Lonesome When I'm With You" featuring Bethany Jean Smith both explore the theme of heartache and a dwindling romantic connection. These tracks highlight how the album discusses break-ups in a wider lens while still fostering two emotions. "Castin' Away My Blues" is has a bittersweet tone to it, yet Hubbard seems confident in the path he must take to heal. The song's instrumentation, that cleverly lines up with the song, sounds as if you could hear it on the beach; on this song, an acoustic guitar sound and seemingly a steel guitar sound takes the lead during the melody. "Lonesome When I'm With You" explores an impending loss of love and is much more somber in its tune. A soft drum background and a slow-played electric guitar lead audiences through a tale of grief and toxic relationships. "It's so hard for me to say/ that although you are right beside me/ you feel so far away."
In a more romantic note, "When I Look Into Your Eyes" narrates a journey of an old lover reflecting back on meeting his person and determining that this is someone he wishes to grow old with. "In the string of our lives/ I fell in love with you," Hubbard sings reflectively and tenderly. The song's slow place makes it easy to dance to or to share with someone a listener cares about in a quiet moment. The electric and acoustic guitar takes center stage on this softer love song.
"Mighty Low" also featuring Bethany Jean Smith and "I Think of You" break the track listing out of the mold of mostly slow songs. These are songs that, while not exceptionally fast, fit the pacing of the album well and stand out as tracks that one could dance to. Both songs have a pronounced electric guitar melody and vocals that are a little louder than their surrounding songs.
Billy Hubbard is an album that is unique in its old-time, rich sound, and raw emotion. The project blends sentimental lyrics and multi-layered instrumentation perfectly with a lowkey, chill atmosphere. This is an album that can transport you or it can be used as a soundtrack to your everyday life; no matter what this album means to oneself, it is an album that won't be easily forgotten.
