A simply phenomenal debut album. Even though we’re only three weeks into the new year, there have been a plethora of stellar albums released so far in 2026. Of course, Zach Bryan got the year started with a bang on January 9th with the release of his sixth studio album, With Heaven On Top, which rocketed to #1 on the Billboard 200 this week. Additionally, last week, we got an incredibly impressive debut album from the young duo, Low Gap, who have undoubtedly put the independent scene on notice upon its release. Today, we’re finally getting the long-awaited debut album from who can only be described as one of the most underrated and talented artists in today’s new batch of young stars, Kashus Culpepper. Since breaking out upon the release of his debut single, “After Me?,” back in June of 2024. Culpepper has been one of the hottest young stars in the alt. country scene. Mixing in a beautiful blend of country, blues and soul, the Navy veteran has already flexed his versatility, collaborating with the likes of Marcus King on the rockin’ “Southern Man,” Chase Rice on his track from ELDORA, “Tall Grass,” and 4x Grammy-winner, Sierra Ferrell on the tender, Willie Nelson-inspired “Broken Wing Bird” back in June. He’s backed that up with a plethora of stellar solo releases over the past year, including the likes of “Who Hurt You,” “Jenni” and his cover of Tom Jones’ “Sexbomb” for the soundtrack of the Netflix film, The Wrong Paris. Signing with Big Loud Records and joining the likes of Charles Wesley Godwin, Morgan Wallen, Gavin Adcock, Dylan Gossett, ERNEST and more, it feels as if the “Jenni” singer is on the verge of breaking out in a big way — and it looks like that day is today with the release of his debut album, Act I. If you’ve been keeping up with the buzzy Alabama native, he finally announced Act I back on October 24th. Discussing the album in his Instagram caption, Culpepper noted that Act I has a little bit of everything in it, focusing on the wide range of emotions captured throughout. He’d also hope that listeners find a piece of themselves in the record. “This record has so many emotions in it. Love. Heartbreak. Joy. Anger. Hope. Everything that makes us human. It’s been a journey creating these songs. At times it even feels like a movie, looking back on the moments that shaped it.  Lord knows I’m grateful for every moment. I hope you can find a piece of yourself in these songs, and in this album.” Additionally, in a post announcing the album’s release today, he’d express how excited he is to kick off this new chapter of his career before thanking everyone along the way that helped make Act I come to life. “Creating music has been the greatest joy of my life. What a magical thing it is. My debut album ACT I serves as a beginning of that journey. I want to thank my label, band, fans, friends and family for helping me bring this album to life! And thank you to every musical idol I’ve ever had.” View this post on Instagram From the moment you press play on the album, it becomes clear that you’re in for an absolute treat. Setting the stage brilliantly, Culpepper opens Act I with a short but sweet faux radio station intro that smash cuts immediately to the rockin’ pre-released track with Marcus King, “Southern Man.” If that instant shot of adrenaline was a bit too much (but who are we kidding, it was phenomenal), Culpepper immediately switches the vibe with a sultry ballad, “Alabama Beauty Queen,” which is bound to be one of the standouts on the record. It’s hard to overstate just how refreshing it is to hear the Alabama native play to strengths both on the album as a whole but especially on this track, leaning perfectly into a blend of blues and country. At a hefty 18-song, hour and seven-minute runtime, you’d think that Culpepper was running the risk of adding a few too many tracks to the record. However, when you make your way through the album, it becomes abundantly clear that he added the perfect amount of curveballs and stylistic switch-ups sonically to keep you engaged throughout. This is thanks mainly to Act I’s diverse set of songs both sonically and thematically, which are produced masterfully by Brian Elmquist. The aforementioned “Southern Man” and “Mean To Me” give the record a shot of adrenaline right at the beginning and the middle of the album. Conversely, Culpepper wears his heart on his sleeve and delivers some gorgeous ballads on the aforementioned Sierra Ferrell duet, “Broken Wing Bird” and “Cherry Rose.” As for the curveballs, “That’s The Feeling” serves as a bit of an eighties throwback. Almost feeling a bit yacht rock-inspired, the song is undeniably a groove, being elevated tenfold by his seemingly effortlessly smooth vocals. Additionally, “Woman” switches it up quite a bit. Feeling a bit jazzy at its core, Cullpepper delivers another impressive vocal performance here as well, which gets elevated tenfold by his harmonies with the background vocals provided by Jillana Jones and Kanene Donehey Pipkin. Just in case you thought the sultry, blues-inspired country tracks may have been missing earlier in the record, the 27-year-old singer/songwriter brings the album home with the inclusion of his breakout hit, “After Me?,” and the twangy, fiddle-heavy “House On A Hill” before wrapping the album up beautifully with the aforementioned “Cherry Rose,” which serves as the perfect bow to place on this gem of a record. Overall, Act I is truly one of the most impressive debuts you’ll hear not only in country music but in music in general in 2026. With many young artists’ debuts you oftentimes hear flashes of brilliances that are bound to be perfected in later releases and projects but are still lacking complete cohesion. With Act I , however, it feels like a veteran effort from the rising star. It’s beyond clear that he has found the sound that not only allows him to flex his incredibly sultry, soulful vocals but also push the boundaries of the genre in the most exciting way possible. This is far from a traditional country record, but with that being said, it’s a masterclass of blending traditional country, blues and soul while still keeping storytelling at its forefront. Culpepper has proven time and again that he’s primed for a successful, long-lasting career in the alt. country scene, and Act I only adds to this notion. Though it’s quite early, I predict this album being at the top of many “Best Albums” list when the year comes to a close. “Southern Man” (feat. Marcus King) “Alabama Beauty Queen” “That’s The Feeling” “After Me?” Kashus Culpepper Tour Dates January 28 – Key West, Florida – Mile 0 Fest February 4-5 – New York, New York – Mercury Lounge February 6 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – The Foundry at The Fillmore February 7 – Cambridge, Massachusetts – The Sinclair February 12 – Perth, Australia – Astor Theatre February 14 – Newcastle, NSW – Foreshore Park February 15 – Melbourne, Australia – Forum Theatre February 17 – Thirroul, NSW – Anita’s Theatre February 18 – Sydney, Australia – Enmore Theatre February 21-22 – Fortitude Valley, QLD – Fortitude Music Hall March 5 – Nashville, Tennessee – The Basement East March 27 – Hollywood, Florida – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & CasinoThe post Kashus Culpepper Sets The Stage For His Career On Impressive Debut Album, “Act I” first appeared on Whiskey Riff.