With his debut album ‘Texas Forever,’ emerging country music artist Hudson Westbrook transforms a bold first impression into a significant declaration, merging sincere songwriting, Texas toughness, and an active involvement that has already positioned him as one of the most discussed newcomers in country music.
Stream: ‘Texas Forever’ – Hudson Westbrook
You only get one shot at a first impression, but Hudson Westbrook is ensuring he won’t need a second chance.
Featuring 17 tracks, his debut album Texas Forever conveys a statement as grand and unapologetic as the state he hails from. The album goes beyond being just a collection of songs; it’s an in-depth exploration of his identity as an artist—driven and unafraid to express himself.
Texas Forever – Hudson Westbrook
“I’m incredibly proud of this record,” Westbrook shares. “Texas has significantly influenced who I am. We wrote about 50-60 songs for this project, narrowing it down to 17 that I believe truly represent my current life and what I enjoy creating as an artist: songs that reflect my upbringing, yet resonate with many people.”
His swift ascent began well before Texas Forever was released on streaming platforms. While attending Texas Tech, his singles started charting locally and gaining online traction. Songs like "Take It Slow" and "Two Way Drive" attracted fans beyond the campus, with "House Again," a contemplative ballad inspired by his parents’ divorce, climbing into the top 25 on country radio.
It didn’t take long for Westbrook to realize that music was more than just a pastime.
“When you see a group of high school students waiting almost two hours to meet you outside a grocery store, you know something's happening. That's when I thought, okay, this is getting serious.”
The turning point came at a live show when Westbrook announced to the audience that he was officially leaving college to pursue music full-time. The twist? His mother hadn’t been informed yet.
“I introduced ‘Two Way Drive’ and said, ‘And I dropped out!’ My mom was in the crowd, and I’ll never forget her expression,” he recalls with a laugh. “Backstage, she just said, ‘What the heck did you do?’ But she’s always been supportive.”
To say she’s supportive would be an understatement. Westbrook’s mom is now intimately involved in his merchandise line, assisting in designing and managing items that fans purchase at concerts and online.
“She keeps me grounded and ensures that everything we produce reflects who I am,” he states.
This hands-on approach characterizes every aspect of Westbrook’s brand. He participates in every decision—from album artwork to tour visuals, merchandise, and social media presence.
“I’ve always believed that if my name is on it, I need to fully believe in it,” he explains. “This is my career, my vision. No one can represent me better than I can.”
Hudson Westbrook © Ian Noh
Hudson Westbrook © Ian Noh
Growing up on a cattle ranch, Westbrook was immersed in the tough rhythms of small-town Texas life.
While his family background in oil and gas might have led him in one direction, music drew him in another. He was the kid at the rodeo with a guitar always by his side. Influenced by artists like George Strait, Tracy Lawrence, Turnpike Troubadours, and Parker McCollum, he has developed a sound that merges contemporary country storytelling with the enduring spirit of Texas tradition.
This foundation of influences and resilience fuels his debut album, an ambitious project with 17 co-written songs. Noteworthy tracks include the upbeat love anthem "Only Girl," while "Painted You Pretty" explores heartbreak with artistic detail. "Darlin'," a softer, unexpected ballad, reveals a vulnerable and deeply personal side of Westbrook.
“I aimed for every track to feel cohesive while showcasing different facets of me—my roots, my heartaches, the good times with friends,” he expresses. “It’s the kind of album perfect for a bonfire, yet also fitting for late-night solo drives.”
To bring Texas Forever to fruition, Westbrook gathered a small but effective team of collaborators. He wrote with Lukas Scott, Ryan Beaver, Dan Alley, Neil Medley, Beau Bailey, and Reid Haughton. A songwriting retreat in Ashland City, Tennessee, yielded nine songs, seven of which made the final album.
“It was one of those magical weeks where everything fell into place,” he recalls. “I found a group of people who truly understood what I wanted to express.”
The outcome is an album that combines traditional instrumentation (steel guitar and fiddle) with modern hooks and melodies. Critics have already likened Westbrook's sound to an amalgamation of early Parker McCollum and the raw authenticity of Zac Bryan.
Hudson Westbrook ‘Texas Forever’ © Peyton Dollar
Hudson Westbrook ‘Texas Forever’
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With his debut album ‘Texas Forever,’ emerging country music sensation Hudson Westbrook transforms a bold first impression into a significant declaration, combining sincere songwriting, Texas toughness, and a hands-on method that has quickly established him as one of the most discussed newcomers in country music.