Album Review: After Midnight by JT Hodges (2016)
Alright, let’s talk about JT Hodges’ After Midnight. Released in 2016 under Buffalo Sound Records, this album is a solid mix of country vibes with just enough folk and world influences to keep things interesting. It’s the kind of record that makes you wanna grab a cold one, sit on the porch, and think about life—or maybe just forget it for a while.
The first track, Let’s Be Ghosts, really sticks out. Honestly, it’s haunting—not in a creepy way but more like that feeling when you’re driving late at night and everything feels kinda magical. The lyrics are simple yet punchy, and JT’s vocals have this raw edge to them, like he’s singing straight from the heart without trying too hard to impress anyone. You can tell the production team (shoutout to Jason Massey) knew how to let the song breathe without overdoing it. It’s the kind of tune that sneaks up on you after a couple listens—before you know it, you’re humming it while brushing your teeth.
Then there’s Drink You Down. This one’s got swagger. Like, big-time swagger. If Let’s Be Ghosts is the quiet guy at the bar who’s secretly fascinating, Drink You Down is his loud cousin who walks in cracking jokes and demands everyone’s attention. The beat has this steady groove that’s impossible not to tap your foot to, and the guitar riffs? Chef’s kiss. It’s the perfect blend of fun and grit, making it an instant fave for anyone who digs classic country with a modern twist.
Props also go to the mastering wizard Jason German and mixer Ben Phillips—they did a bang-up job keeping the sound tight without losing its soul. And hey, Lindsay Grace killed it with the photography; the cover art matches the vibe of the music perfectly.
Overall, After Midnight isn’t gonna change your life or anything, but it’s a damn good listen if you’re into country tunes that feel authentic. What surprised me most? How much I ended up liking Let’s Be Ghosts. At first, I thought it was gonna be another forgettable ballad, but nah—it wormed its way into my brain and set up camp.
Final thought: Listening to this album feels like hanging out with an old friend who tells great stories but doesn’t take themselves too seriously. Oh, and fun fact—the engineer Andrew Petroff probably deserves a medal for dealing with all these moving parts. Good stuff, JT. Now someone pass me another beer.
