Dan Hubbard’s “Vol 1: Letting Go”, is the kind of EP that grows on you with time. Released as his 10th studio project, it brings together six songs that sit comfortably between Americana, soul, pop, and R&B, all carried by honest songwriting and a calm, reflective tone. Nothing here is overdone. The record keeps things simple and lets the emotion come through naturally. The opening track, “Remember”, sets the tone right away. It looks back on a personal turning point, and a sense of gratitude runs through it, making it easy to connect with. “Sad Eyes” follows with a softer, more romantic mood, built around the quiet details of falling for someone. Then there is “Open Up”, which stands at the heart of the EP. The idea of letting go is framed as meaningful rather than something to fear, which gives the whole project a clear emotional direction.
As the EP moves forward, Hubbard explores different shades of connection and distance. “Bind Up” brings in a bit more edge, mixing desire with spiritual imagery in a way that feels grounded and real. “Roommates” captures a very specific kind of heartbreak, where two people slowly grow apart while sharing the same space. It is subtle, but it hits hard. The closing track, “These Waters”, draws from a personal family moment and turns it into something calm and reflective, leaving a lasting impression without trying to tie everything up neatly. I like how direct this EP is. It doesn’t try to impress, and that honesty makes it stronger. For me, “Vol 1: Letting Go” is one of those records you return to when you want something real and unforced.
There is also a clear sense that Hubbard is expanding his sound. He stays rooted in his singer-songwriter style while bringing in fuller arrangements and a slightly wider palette. It all fits naturally and never takes attention away from the songs themselves. The fact that several tracks from this EP were recognized in songwriting competitions speaks to the strength of the writing across the project. If you are looking for music that sits with you and reveals more over time, this EP is worth keeping close. Take a moment to follow Dan Hubbard, keep up with his future releases, and add a track from “Vol 1: Letting Go” to your playlist. These songs work best when you give them space, whether that is on a late-night drive or a quiet afternoon. Save it, share it, and come back to it when you need something grounded and sincere.
