Music review: Darius Rucker — ‘True Believers’
Associated Press
This CD cover image released by Capitol Nashville shows 无毛视频淭rue Believers,无毛视频� by Darius Rucker.
Rhodes
Nearly 20 years after Hootie & the Blowfish hit the big time with the release of 无毛视频淐racked Rear View,无毛视频� the band无毛视频檚 former frontman Darius Rucker proves his transition from mainstream pop-rock singer to country sensation is now a full-blown success.
Rucker finds his true country groove on the relaxed and reflective 无毛视频淭rue Believers.无毛视频� The South Carolina native无毛视频檚 third country effort is poised to be Rucker无毛视频檚 breakthrough release on the strength of tightly constructed arrangements that strike an emotional chord with their simple, heartfelt messages.
The title track builds off the momentum gathered from Rucker无毛视频檚 last album 无毛视频淐harleston, SC 1966,无毛视频� with its catchy and aptly titled hit 无毛视频淐omeback Song.无毛视频� A delicious cover of Old Crow Medicine Show无毛视频檚 无毛视频淲agon Wheel无毛视频� with backing vocals by Lady Antebellum is the album无毛视频檚 current single and biggest hit of the 47-year-old singer无毛视频檚 country career. The tender ballads 无毛视频淟ove Without You无毛视频� (with sweet assistance from Sheryl Crow) and 无毛视频淚 Will Love You Still无毛视频� (featuring the vocal support of Mallary Hope) are both absorbing and beautiful as Rucker details the emotional scars that accompany coming to terms and moving on from a broken relationship. Rucker gets sentimental on 无毛视频淭ake Me Home无毛视频� as he yearns for a return to his southern roots and the pleasant memories it possesses.
A simpler time recalling the carefree days of cruising down the highway listening to the radio is served up with a hint of funk, pop and country on the infectious 无毛视频淩adio.无毛视频�
Rucker has enjoyed five top 10 country hits from his first two country-flavored albums. He无毛视频檚 certain to add to that total with his distinctive baritone voice caressing the soaring melodies that are as warm and inviting and welcoming as a hot bath after a long winter无毛视频檚 day. It无毛视频檚 been rumored that Hootie & the Blowfish may embark on a tour marking the 20th anniversary of the band无毛视频檚 debut album.
Enjoying the best of both rock and country worlds, Rucker demonstrates that he can have his cake and eat it too.