For his first single, JT Hodges has come out of the gate with a song about hunting. It does not involve bird calls or camouflage, but rather the most universal pursuit known to man. In a rollicking song that recalls a hot night in Memphis, Hodges sings: “She said, ‘Look me up when you get back to town.’” His answer: “‘Look you up?’ I said. ‘Hell, I’m gonna hunt you down!’” Catch-and-release never sounded so steamy.
Country fans are wanting to hunt Hodges down, too, after getting a listen to this undeniable summer hit single. Besides “Hunt You Down,” there’s plenty more to be pursued in “JT Hodges,” the Texas newcomer’s alternately tender and raucous Show Dog — Universal Music debut. The singer/songwriter worked with a trio of top producers — Mark Wright, Don Cook, and Mark Collie — who collaborated for the first time to bring their find to the public. Those aren’t the only Nashville “names” putting their imprint on this freshman effort: Hodges’ co-writers include top veterans like Rivers Rutherford and Chris Stapleton. Vince Gill even adds his harmony vocal and a guitar solo to one ballad. What these insiders already know, fans are quickly finding out: Behind those baby blue eyes lies the seasoned soul of a true country artist.