Score: 5/5
Darius Rucker may have gained his fame through rock band Hootie and the Blowfish, but his solo country music career will keep him at the top of the charts.
Rucker’s latest release, “Southern Style,” is another great collection of smooth and soothing country songs. The singer’s style includes a combination of upbeat and slow tracks that all put a smile on the listeners’ faces.
Rucker’s album has come out at a great time as days are getting warmer and people are preparing for summer. Any song on “Southern Style” can make it into a playlist for a barbeque or beach day.
One thing the singer does regularly is reference his love for the Southern lifestyle and culture. In “Homegrown Honey” and “Southern Style,” Rucker sings of Southern women who keep up the ideals of where they are from. While he may travel to Northern states, Rucker always references back to how he loves the Southern atmosphere much more.
The tone of many of Rucker’s songs are upbeat as well, making listeners want to smile and dance. His twang and smooth voice fits upbeat songs perfectly as well, making each song come out flawlessly.
“Good for a Good Time” and “High on Life” are two songs with a carefree vibe that work perfectly to dance the night away.
Along with feel good songs and Southern culture references, Rucker’s album focuses on a third aspect — love.
His love songs are some of his best. Rucker focuses on how he wouldn’t be as happy, or as good of a person without his love. He also praises the women he sings about, saying they’re perfect the way they are and should never change.
“Need You More” is one of these songs. Rucker sings how he needs the woman in his life more than she needs him.
If you don’t listen to country music because you think it all sounds the same or it’s hokey, drop your assumptions and give Rucker a listen.
Yes, he follows some of the country music formula, but he also writes songs of substance and quality. Even a non-country fan should find a tune or a lyric they can’t help but smile to.