5 Songs I Love w/ Brooke Hall

Following the release of her latest single, "The Ride", Flex caught up with Brooke Hall to find out what inspires her heartfelt, story-driven indie sound. Drawing on small-town memories, personal experiences and a love of vivid storytelling, Brooke's music captures the fleeting moments that leave a lasting impression. If you enjoy Brooke's picks, be sure to check out "The Ride" at the end of the article.

1. Lynyrd Skynyrd – “Sweet Home Alabama”

I was in the school band playing saxophone and desperately wanted to switch to drums, but my band director wouldn’t allow it. That Christmas, when I was in eighth grade, my parents bought me my first drum set. My dad owned Lynyrd Skynyrd’s greatest hits album, and I would come home from school every day, put that CD in my player, and practice along from start to finish.

“Sweet Home Alabama” was one of the songs that stuck with me the most. In many ways, Lynyrd Skynyrd taught me how to play drums. Those afternoons spent learning every beat and fill laid the foundation for my musical journey, and that song will always remind me where it all began.

2. Jason Isbell – “If We Were Vampires”

As a songwriter, I’ve always studied great writers and tried to learn from them. Years ago, I saw Jason Isbell open for Will Hoge at Headliners Music Hall in Louisville, Kentucky, and I was immediately drawn to his songwriting. His ability to paint vivid imagery and make listeners feel every word has had a lasting influence on me.

“If We Were Vampires” is one of those rare songs that makes me stop and reflect every time I hear it. It pulls me completely into the story and reminds me of the power a song can have when it’s written with honesty and purpose. That’s something I continually strive for in my own work.

3. Matchbox Twenty – “3AM”

“3AM” has been one of my favorite songs since high school. It’s rooted in real life, and I think that’s one of the reasons it has always resonated so deeply with me. The melody is both driving and comforting, while the lyrics feel honest and vulnerable.

I open every show with this song because it immediately puts me in the right mindset as a performer and songwriter. It’s a reminder that some of the most powerful songs come from telling the truth and staying true to who you are as an artist.

4. Collin Raye – “Love, Me”

Growing up, country radio was always playing at my grandparents’ house. Those songs became some of my earliest lessons in storytelling. I was fascinated by how country music could tell an entire life story in just a few minutes.

“Love, Me” was one of those songs that kept me hanging on every word. It taught me the importance of emotional connection and narrative in songwriting. Even today, when I write, I want listeners to feel the story the same way I felt this one.

5. Ashley McBryde – “The Jacket”

I first discovered Ashley McBryde years ago in a dive bar in Memphis, Tennessee. From the moment she started playing, I was captivated by her storytelling and the way she could draw listeners into a song.

“The Jacket” is a masterclass in songwriting. The way she follows the journey of a simple object and turns it into something deeply meaningful is incredible. It reminds me of the items we all hold onto because they’re connected to people and memories we love. As a songwriter, it’s the kind of song I study because it challenges me to keep growing and becoming better at my craft.

Listen to "The Ride"