With his debut album ‘Texas Forever,’ rising country music star Hudson Westbrook turns a fearless first impression into a defining statement, blending heartfelt songwriting, Texas grit, and a hands-on approach that has already made him one of country music’s most talked-about newcomers.

Stream: ‘Texas Forever’ – Hudson Westbrook

You never get a second chance to make a first impression, but Hudson Westbrook is making sure he doesn’t need one.

With 17 songs on his debut album Texas Forever, the 21-year-old from Stephenville, Texas, is making a statement as big and unapologetic as the state he calls home. The album isn’t just a collection of tracks; it’s a deep dive into who he is as an artist – ambitious and unwilling to hold back.

“I’m so proud of this record,” Westbrook says. “I love Texas, it’s shaped so much about who I am. We wrote 50-60 songs for this project and narrowed it down to 17 that I think really represent where I am in my life right now and what I love making as an artist: songs that sound like where I grew up, but read like something that just about anyone could relate to.”

His rapid rise started long before Texas Forever hit streaming platforms. While still a student at Texas Tech, his singles began charting locally and gaining traction online. Tracks like “Take It Slow” and “Two Way Drive” found fans far beyond campus, with “House Again,” a reflective ballad inspired by his parents’ divorce, breaking into the top 25 on country radio.

It wasn’t long before Westbrook realized music wasn’t just a hobby.

“When you’ve got a group of high school kids 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 tipping point came during a show when Westbrook told the crowd he was officially leaving college to pursue music full-time. The catch? His mother hadn’t heard the news yet.

“I introduced Two Way Drive and said, ‘And I dropped out!’ My mom was in the audience, and I’ll never forget her face,” he laughs. “Backstage, she just said, ‘What the heck did you do?’ But she’s always been supportive.”

Supportive is putting it lightly. Westbrook’s mom is now deeply involved with his merchandise line, helping to design and manage items that fans scoop up at shows and online.

“She keeps me grounded and makes sure everything we put out reflects who I am,” he says.

That hands-on mentality defines every part of Westbrook’s brand. He’s involved in every decision – from album art to tour visuals, merch and social media presence.

“I’ve always believed that if my name is on it, I need to believe in it 100 percent,” he explains. “This is my career, my vision. No one is going to represent me better than me.”

Raised on a cattle ranch, Westbrook grew up steeped in the rugged rhythms of small-town Texas life.

Though his family’s roots in oil and gas might have pointed him in one direction, music pulled him toward another. He was the kid at the rodeo with a guitar always within reach. Inspired by artists like George Strait, Tracy Lawrence, Turnpike Troubadours, and Parker McCollum, he’s crafted a sound that blends modern country storytelling with the timeless soul of Texas tradition.

That foundation of influences and grit fuels his debut album, a project that’s nothing short of ambitious: 17 songs, each co-written by Westbrook. Standout tracks include “Only Girl,” which serves as an upbeat love anthem, while “Painted You Pretty” dives into heartbreak with a painterly sense of detail. “Darlin’,” a softer, unexpected ballad, shows a side of Westbrook that feels vulnerable and deeply personal.

“I wanted every track to feel like it belonged, but also to show different parts of me – my roots, my heartbreak, my good times with friends,” he says. “It’s the kind of album you can put on at a bonfire, but also listen to when you’re driving alone at night.”

To bring Texas Forever to life, Westbrook assembled a small but powerful team of collaborators. He wrote alongside Lukas Scott, Ryan Beaver, Dan Alley, Neil Medley, Beau Bailey and Reid Haughton. A songwriting retreat in Ashland City, Tennessee, produced nine songs – seven of which made the final cut.

“It was one of those magic weeks where everything clicked,” he says. “I found a group of people who really got what I wanted to say.”

The result is an album that balances traditional instrumentation (steel guitar and fiddle) with contemporary hooks and melodies. Critics have already compared Westbrook’s sound to a blend of early Parker McCollum and the raw authenticity of Zac Bryan.

The past year has been a whirlwind. Westbrook has already sold out headline shows, played the Grand Ole Opry, and is gearing up to tour with Parker McCollum this summer.

For a kid who once thought he’d be working the family ranch, the pivot is surreal.

“Sometimes I still feel like that kid in Stephenville, just picking up a guitar in my room,” he admits.

With Texas Forever out in the world, Westbrook isn’t slowing down. He’s already writing for his next project, exploring new sounds while staying true to his Texas roots.

“This is just the beginning,” he says. “I’m excited to see how these songs connect, but I’m even more excited about what’s coming next. I’ve got so much more to say.”

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:: stream/purchase Texas Forever here ::

:: connect with Hudson Westbrook here ::

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 © Ian Noh

Texas Forever

an album by Hudson Westbrook