Ben Thompson delivers sun-soaked stories, salty humor, and red-dirt charm in a beach-lovin’ album.
If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing into the sunset with a frozen drink in one hand and a country tune in the other, Barefoot with a Stetson has just the soundtrack for you. “Trop Rockin’ from Texas,” the latest album from Ben Thompson’s beachside alter ego, officially released July 2, 2025, and it’s everything the name promises—laid-back, lighthearted, and steeped in both Texas grit and tropical breeze.
The 10-track collection plays like a personal invitation to trade your work boots for flip flops and hit the shoreline. Whether it’s chasing a tan, sipping something strong, or shaking off the stress with a good laugh, “Trop Rockin’ from Texas” is more than just a mood—it’s a lifestyle, and Ben’s making sure you feel every ounce of it.
The album opens with “Salt in the Air,” a signature track that captures everything Barefoot with a Stetson stands for. Equal parts tongue-in-cheek and sun-soaked daydream, the song sets the tone with lines about rum, palm trees, and a life best lived barefoot under a cowboy hat. With a mix of steel drum flair and outlaw twang, it’s easy to imagine this playing on repeat at beach bars from Port Aransas to Puerto Rico.
Following that up, “Island Life” and “I Need Some Sunshine” keep the vibe rolling, tapping into the universal urge to escape. On “I Need Some Sunshine,” Thompson channels the sweet relief of a tropical drink after a long grind, with lyrical nods to jerk chicken, frozen cocktails, and mirrored aviators. It’s funny, catchy, and unapologetically full of flair.
Another standout is “Board Shorts and a Killer Tan,” a breezy anthem to the simple joys of sailing, suntans, and the kind of good times you only get out on the water. With a rhythm that rolls like a calm tide and lyrics that describe coastal imagery, it’s easy to see why Thompson called this one out as a personal favorite.
But this isn’t just about the beach. There’s depth to the album too—“Difficult Choices” takes a slight turn, slowing down the pace and showing a reflective side to Thompson’s writing. Even when the mood dips into something more grounded, the sun isn’t far behind.
“Trop Rockin’ from Texas” is a unique blend of Trop Rock and classic redneck country humor. Thompson’s not afraid to crack a joke, throw in a “little weed” reference, or shout out the joys of daiquiris and reggae bands. Songs like “Eatin’ Seafood” and “Essential Spanish” keep the tone playful and conversational. It’s music made for road trips, boat rides, and beach cookouts—not for overthinking.
Ben Thompson’s story adds to the album’s appeal. He’s not some polished Nashville act chasing chart spots—he’s a hard-working entrepreneur (and trucking company founder) who picked up the guitar in childhood, never let go, and now uses music as a creative outlet from a life spent on the go. Based in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, and raised in small-town Arkansas, Thompson pulls inspiration from church roots, family memories, and frequent Caribbean escapes.
He’s already racking up radio spins across Trop Rock stations like Beachfront Radio and Radio Trop Rock and has taken the stage at events like Gulf Coast Days, with Trop Rock’n Duval in Key West on the horizon this October. Add in a million-plus views on YouTube and a rapidly growing Spotify audience, and Barefoot with a Stetson is clearly catching the ears—and eyes—of the Trop Rock community.
But music is just part of the vision. Thompson is building a full-on tropical lifestyle brand with his website, BarefootWithAStetson.com. Soon to feature original merch, videos, apparel, beach gear, and more, the site will be a hub for fans of sunshine, southern storytelling, and good vibes. And yes—he’s hoping Stetson Hats notices.
From front to back, “Trop Rockin’ from Texas” is exactly what it promises: fun, escapist, real, and refreshingly self-aware. If you’re someone who needs a break from the 9-to-5, Barefoot with a Stetson has a cold drink, a warm breeze, and a song for you.
Find “Trop Rockin’ from Texas” streaming now on Spotify, YouTube, Amazon, Apple Music, Pandora, and iHeart Radio. Grab your shades, kick off your shoes, and press play.
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