Are you searching for a new, fresh pop-alternative voice to add to your playlist? Zach Hood, a 23-year-old music artist from a small town in Alabama, offers a variety of engaging and emotional tunes in his new debut album, “Whispering Pines.” Named after the apartment building where he once lived with his mother, the album features ten thoughtfully crafted songs that employ creative lyrics and imagery to tell stories of Hood’s life, relationships and personal journey.
Hood has consistently been very transparent in crafting his raw, emotional lyrics which are complemented by either catchy pop beats or solemn, moving backing tracks. Hood started his music career with a handful of singles that are definitely worth a listen, including “13 Missed Calls,” “Flashbacks,” “Isabelle,” “Main Character” and “Pink Ferrari.” Following these, Hood released his EP album, “BLOSSOM”, in 2022. This album features touching and beautiful storytelling of various feelings and moments he has experienced. However, Hood’s greatest achievement to date is undoubtedly his impressive, press-play-worthy collection of songs found in “Whispering Pines.”
“Whispering Pines” opens powerfully with Hood’s gorgeous love ballad, “Dust n’ Bones,” followed by his wistful duet with musician ROSIE in “Happily Ever After.” In the subsequent tracks, “i miss missing u” and “30,” Hood reflects on a past relationship and his struggles with mental health. He also touches on deep emotions with his poignant and honest song, “how to change a tire,” which explores his journey of making sense of his emotions and life after the abandonment of his father during childhood. Hood sings, “But I’m on the side of the road and I’m all alone with this flat, ripped-up reminder that you left and let us down and you never showed me how to change a tire.”
Some of the more upbeat tracks in the album include “Fireflies and Southern Weather,” “Weatherman” and “Sleepwalking,” featuring artist Sasha Alex Sloan. “Fireflies and Southern Weather” reflects Hood’s return to the southern U.S., after spending a couple of years in Los Angeles. During his time there, he discovered that he felt more fulfilled when living in his Southern roots, which ultimately led him to move to Nashville, Tennessee.
In “Weatherman,” Hood provides unique imagery to convey his realization that a relationship is coming to an end, singing, “‘Sound the alarm,’ the weatherman is screaming, ‘There’s a storm, it’s coming, I can feel it.” Meanwhile, “Sleepwalking” showcases the harmonious blend of Hood’s and Sloan’s smooth voices for a bittersweet duet. The album concludes with “Hole In My Pocket,” an emotional, soulful piece that contains, yet again, creative imagery to articulate complicated feelings. Within this song, Hood explains, “Hole in my pocket, I tend to lose things . . .I think I lost the love of my life.”
Hood is not only a talented artist who, I think, deserves more recognition, but he is also incredibly friendly. I had the opportunity to meet him on his first tour, “I Tend To Lose Things,” this past November. When speaking with him, he expressed his appreciation for fans who consistently support him. His energy is truly inspirational, and I hope that his listeners continue to appreciate his craftsmanship and the fact he truly pours his heart into all of his music.
