When some artists make the switch from recording rock or pop tracks to country-western music, it means their career is dwindling (i.e., Jessica Simpson and Jewel), and they are under the impression that the genre will bring them back to stardom. But Darius Rucker, who is back after releasing his 2008 platinum country album "Learn to Live" with the equally impressive record "Charleston, SC 1966," is simply returning to his roots.
Rucker, the first African-American country artist to earn a spot on the country charts since Charley Pride, was the lead singer of popular rock band Hootie & the Blowfish for nearly 22 years, but he believes his future is in country music. As indicated by the title of his sophomore effort, he was born and raised in South Carolina, where he has fond memories of being brought up in a typical Southern fashion. "Charleston, SC 1996" reflects not only his Southern upbringing, but his reaction to his newfound fame as a country artist.
The record is pure country music, nicely accompanied by Rucker's rich vocals, traditional country instruments, and inspiring lyrics. The record's opening track, "This," is the strongest song of the entire album. It is a grateful tune, where Rucker expresses how content he is with his life, mistakes and all. While the theme of "This" is similar to that of his wildly popular single "Alright" from his first album, its lyrics are different enough to where the track still stands out on its own.
"Come Back Song," the first released single of the album, is catchy and sincere. It is a little repetitive after being played on the radio so often before the album's release, but its charm still remains. While "come back" songs are nothing new, Rucker's lyrics are honest without being overly sappy and give the song a unique spin.
The album has a variety of songs as opposed to the plethora of love songs that many artists release as a record. "Southern State of Mind" is a stand-out track that expresses Rucker's love for the Southern way of living. "No matter what state I'm in, I'm in a Southern state of mind," Rucker declares, informing people from other parts of the country who don't understand his lifestyle. The song will strike a familiar chord with anyone who appreciates the way life is in the South.
"We All Fall Down" is a sad and slow song that differs from the rest of the tracks. It is a song heavy with emotion and acknowledgement that even the most successful people go through rough patches during their lifetime. The song may vary from the rest in regards to its pace and tone, but it has the same hopeful spirit as the rest of Rucker's songs.
"I Don't Care," Rucker's duet with Brad Paisley, is a fun song that is less heavy than the other songs on the album. It is more of a typical country song, bragging of the carelessness of going out for beers at questionable hours and hook-ups with random women.
"In A Big Way," the final track on the album, is a bit more wholesome and praises a Mayberry way of life.
While many artists have difficulty living up to their first album with their second, "Charleston, SC 1966" exceeded my expectations. Rucker had no problem producing strong, varied tracks, while still remaining true to his music. Rucker chose correctly when he pursued a career in country music, and if "Charleston, SC 1966" is any indication, he will have a long and thriving career in the genre.
