Music review: Darius Rucker – ‘Southern Style’
Twenty-one years after Hootie & the Blowfish found the spotlight by delivering hits like “Hold My Hand,” “Let Her Cry” and “Only Wanna Be with You” with the release of “Cracked Rear View,” the bandĢƵ former frontman Darius RuckerĢƵ musical rebirth from mainstream pop-rock singer to country sensation is fully solidified with the South Carolina nativeĢƵ fourth country effort.
For “Southern Style,” Rucker builds off the relaxed and reflective mood of 2013ĢƵ “True Believers” with a common thread found in the sincerity displayed in the 48-year-old singerĢƵ comforting baritone voice. “Homegrown Honey,” the albumĢƵ first single penned by Rucker, Lady AntebellumĢƵ Charles Kelley and songwriter Nathan Chapman, is a smooth and infectious ode to the down-home charm and appeal of Southern women.
“I ain’t ever been accused of recusing myself from a Friday night,” declares Rucker on the party anthem “Good for a Good Time.” The foot-stomping declaration of itĢƵ always the right time for a good time is reinforced by Rucker announcing, “Don’t need no excuse to go out and cut loose beneath the neon light.”
Rucker displays his Carolina soul and easygoing country roll on sweetly melodic arrangements like the title track, “High on Life,” “You, Me and My Guitar” and “You Can Have Charleston.”
The tender ballads “Perfect” and “Need You More” draw inspiration from RuckerĢƵ wife, while “Baby I’m Right” features the playful vocal support of Mallary Hope. “So I Sang” is both sentimental and beautiful as Rucker details how music became his passion and purpose. With “Southern Style,” Rucker promises to continue his rise as a country superstar.
Rucker comes to First Niagara Pavilion on May 15 with CMA New Artist of the Year Brett Eldredge, Brothers Osborne and A Thousand Horses.
Clint Rhodes is the ĢƵ music reviewer. He can be reached at crhodes@heraldstandard.com.