Reagan Hudson – Mama’s Going To Rehab (2024)
As the cattle farmer from North Carolina takes up his guitar, a hush falls on the crowd. Big grins all around as a tittering of excitement ripples through the audience; then, enter Reagan Hudson! Traversing honky-tonk, bluegrass, country, folk and rockabilly, Hudson’s sound has evolved into an eclectic brand of Americana…or something thereabouts. We know it’s electric, engaging and intoxicating, even though this is our introduction to Hudson. Come tap your toes as we delve into his new single ‘Mama’s Going To Rehab’.
Showcasing his superb storytelling prowess, Reagan Hudson’s ‘Mama’s Going To Rehab’ is a tongue-in-cheek narrative of a dysfunctional red-neck family. Reading like one of those Hallmark movies about abuse, addiction, obsession, escapism and ultimately acceptance of the toxic environment leading to the heart-breaking scene where everyone hugs in a journey of self-improvement, ‘Mama’s Going To Rehab’ is dysfunction in all its glory.
Interestingly, while this tale should be heartbreaking with the flair of hope at the end, it is a comedic spin on the wild adventures. The chuckle-inducing slip is Mama going to rehab to have an affair with her counsellor, thus finding love and happiness at the court-ordered rehab facility. For me, it is Hudson’s country twang with rich warmth that adds the “well, this is what it is and better laugh than despair” sentimentality to ‘Mama’s Going To Rehab’.
The lyricism is wonderful with masterful execution, but the melody brings comfort in a jovial flood of sound. Joined by Dale Meyer (electric guitar, bass and keys), James Brock (drums) and Jim Ashton (steel guitar and banjo), the arrangement intertwines acoustic and electric in a patchwork quilt. Seemingly simplistic in its traditional country melody, Hudson’s vocals stand out as the prominent element telling a story; however, the simmering instruments add a blast of kaleidoscopic music despite the barebones appeal.
Sincere, sentimental, honest and genuine, Reagan Hudson finds a balance between tragedy and side-splitting comedy in ‘Mama’s Going To Rehab’. This is the first single from his upcoming album House Arrest Ankle Bracelet, and I cannot wait to hear what else he has in store.
Find out more about Reagan Hudson on his Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Listen to more Americana tunes on The Other Side Reviews Americana playlist:
