As reported in my Music Spotlight column in 2020, James Robert Webb was a gifted musician before he became an acclaimed radiologist. However, like many of us with dual careers, he didn't want to choose one over the other; instead, he focused on both. Since he earnestly pursued his music career as a country music singer-songwriter in 2016, Webb has released three country albums, an exquisite piano instrumental album called Telescope, and multiple EPs and singles.
His 2020 self-titled album featured the songs "Something Out of Nothing" and "Stealing Home," which hit #1 on the Texas Regional Radio Report chart. In 2022, he was named the Country Breakout Awards' Independent Artist of the Year (an honor bestowed by Nashville's Music Row Magazine), and a year later, he was a 2023 New Faces nominee at the Texas Regional Radio Report Music Awards.
Now, after a successful flurry of singles following his energetic EP, Ride or Die, Webb is dropping his highly anticipated outlaw country-inspired fourth album, Weekend Outlaw.
The idea for the record comes from a mashup of Loverboy's "Working for the Weekend" but with the outlaw vibes from Willie, Waylon, and the Boys. The album is artfully planned with cinematic storytelling because Webb, in addition to being an accomplished pianist and guitarist, is a masterful lyricist. Webb calls his unique brand of music "Outlaw Soul."
The punchy title track, "Weekend Outlaw," is the perfect song to put you in the weekend mood. Just like us, he explained, "I've got to work 9:00 to 5:00 to pay the bills, but on the weekend, I'm going to pursue the things I love. And that could be fishing, or that could be mountain climbing, or that could be playing music, or doing journalism."
You should also note the serious guitar riffs that would make any Southern rocker proud.
One of Webb's most popular songs to date is "Gentlemen, Start Your Weekends." The video was filmed at a racetrack and is popular with country music and NASCAR fans alike. The remixed version of this song from Weekend Outlaw features the hip-hop artist Classic Williams. The song hits on all cylinders.
He continues the weekend road warrior theme with the title track from his previous EP, "Ride or Die." If you have that one person you do life with who will be with you until the end, "Ride or Die" will be your new go-to song.
Webb implores us not to put off doing what we love with his introspective tune, "Time's A Wastin'." The lyrics state When my days are done, And this life is through, I don't want to regret the things I didn't do which is a good reminder to all of us.
Introduced with a wailing fiddle, "Lovesick Drifting Cowboy" was Webb's first number one at Texas radio. The lyrics evoke Hank Williams, but Webb's vocals on this song are reminiscent of Randy Houser, who is one of the finest country soul singers on the planet.
There is no better way to spend a weekend than to get "Lost in Vega$" with your ride or die. Also, you will want to take a walk in the "New Moonlight" with your forever person.
There is no better place to unwind than your "Local Participatin' Honky Tonk." With a ragtime piano and country fiddle, it is one of my favorite songs on the record. "They got two-for-ones, from 10:00 til 2:00," the clever lyrics state. It's the perfect song for the hardworking, blue-collar guy or girl.
Webb admits the relationship has come to an end, and it's time to move on in the tune "Buenos Noches, Nacogdoches." The simple song will be relatable to many who have hung on too long.
He's not a big writer of love songs, but in the track "Adore," he states, "Trust in me, I'll be there for you. Can't you see that I adore you?" They're the words that every girl dreams of hearing.
The record concludes with "She's Not You," a song about not being able to get past that one relationship. Even though it appears you have found the perfect partner, you can't get past the fact that she's not you.
If you order a physical CD or Vinyl of Weekend Outlaw, you will get the 80s rock-inspired bonus track "Indiana Jones," who was the biggest outlaw of them all.
Weekend Outlaw is for people who make the most of the time they have and pursue what makes them feel alive, no matter what others think.
You can follow James Robert Webb on his website, X, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and all streaming services.
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Bethany Bowman is a freelance entertainment writer. You can follow her blog, Instagram, Facebook, and X.
Weekend Outlaw Track List
Gentlemen, Start Your Weekends
Ride or Die
Time’s A Wastin’
Lovesick Drifting Cowboy
Lost in Vega$
New Moon Light
Local Participatin’ Honkey Tonk
Buenos Noches, Nacogdoches
Adore
She’s Not You