Billy Hubbard’s new self-titled album offers listeners a fresh mix of folk, blues, and grassroots Americana, showcasing his talent for relatable storytelling and excellent guitar work. With a collection of ten songs, the album shifts between different moods, tempos, and emotions, yet remains together, helped by Hubbard’s soulful voice and wonderfully composed instrumentation. Each track feels personal and is accurately reflective of all the ups and downs of life.
The album kicks off with “Castin’ Away My Blues,” setting a chill and laid-back tone right off the bat. This track quickly draws you in with its easygoing groove and passionate guitar work, giving it a comfortable, road-trippy feel. Hubbard’s lyrics have a sense of personal freedom and moving on, particularly in the line, “I used to think you were the only one for me, but there’s a whole lot of fish out there in the deep blue sea.” The song flows effortlessly and is a great start to the record, creating a light atmosphere while introducing a bluesy undertone.
The third track, “Lonesome When I’m With You” shifts the emotional gears quite a bit. This ballad is undoubtedly the highlight of the album, featuring a beautiful duet with a female vocalist who complements Hubbard’s voice perfectly. The harmonies add a haunting, yet tender quality to the song, painting a vivid picture of a relationship that simultaneously feels both toxic and healthy. The simplicity of the melody allows the lyrics and vocal performance to take the spotlight, making it a standout track for its emotional lyrics and depth.
“Got to Be Real” switches up the tone dramatically after the emotionally draining “Lonesome When I’m With You.” This track gives the album a burst of energy and positivity, with a faster-paced Americana vibe. Hubbard’s songwriting skill shines here as he sings about authenticity and self-acceptance, perhaps best summed up in the chorus line, “I’ve just got to be real, no matter how it feels.” The upbeat rhythm and lively guitar riffs make it impossible to sit still while listening, and the message of staying true to yourself is a refreshing contrast to the previous song’s emotional weight. It’s Hubbard’s reminder that even through hardship and reflection, joy and freedom are just as important.
“Take Me Back” brings the tempo back down with a mellow, melancholy feel. This track is more self-reflective, with Hubbard’s lyrics pertaining to personal flaws and a longing for redemption: something relatable to everyone. With lines like “I know I’m not all that I should be, but let your grace and sweet mercy cover me”, how can you not relate to its raw lyricism? The song feels like a quiet prayer or confession, and its subtle instrumentation allows the weight of the lyrics to become more prevalent. It’s certainly one of the record’s best moments,: a pause for a quiet reflection in the middle of Hubbard’s emotional journey.
The next track, “When I Look Into Your Eyes”, is a slow and tender love song that blends with the blues and folk of the previous tracks, but this time adds a melancholy feel. This track almost sounds like a lullaby, gentle and soothing, with Hubbard’s vocals really helping to create a relaxing tone. The simplicity yet brilliance of the melody, paired with even more heartfelt lyrics, makes for another slowed-down love song that feels wonderfully timeless.
Closing out the album, “Goodbye Waltz” offers a distinctly old-timey ditty. The slow waltz rhythm is perfect for slow-dancing, and the lyrics, particularly the line “I’ll waltz with you until we’re swept away,” evoke mental images of an old couple dancing through life’s final moments together. The vintage-ness of the song makes it different from any other song on the album, but it fits perfectly as a closer to Hubbard’s emotional voyage.
Billy Hubbard’s self-titled album is a beautiful exploration of human emotions, relationships, and the passing of time, not to mention some killer guitar work. His blend of folk, blues, and grassroots creates a contemporary sound that appeals to fans of authentic, heart-driven music. The standout tracks—”Lonesome When I’m With You,” “Got to Be Real,” and “Goodbye Waltz”—showcase Hubbard’s versatility and skill as a songwriter, while his sublime guitar work ties everything together with a handful of soul. Whether it’s a lively Americana anthem or a soft ballad, Hubbard’s music feels deeply personal to the listener. He delivers a deeply satisfying collection of songs that will resonate with anyone who has a flair for the storytelling aspect of folk and blues music.
Written by Jack Rotolo