It isn’t a secret, if you follow us, that we are huge fans of Darius Rucker. Probably one of the most infectiously cheery people in the country music industry, everything about Rucker just seems to tick all the boxes. If you were/are a fan of Hootie and The Blowfish then it’s likely you will be a fan of Darius’ solo material as well – whether you are a country music fan or not!

Rucker always had a little bit of country to his music in his Hootie days. Let her Cry being one he cites as his first country song, it is a song that is always on the set list at his shows alongside Only Wanna Be With You and Hold My Hand!

Over the years, Rucker has treated us with some of country music’s finest tunes such as Alright, Come Back Song, Southern State of Mind, It Won’t Be Like This For Long, This, his versions of Wagon Wheel and Straight to Hell and so much more!

Recently, Rucker released his new album Carolyn’s Boy. This is his first solo album in six years which seems insane as it really doesn’t feel that long!

The album is in dedicated to his late mother and of calling the album Carolyn’s Boy, Rucker says;

“I wanted to name the record Carolyn’s Boy because Mom never got to see any of my success,” Rucker explained during the ‘TODAY’ interview. “She died before any of this happened, so it’s just another homage to the greatest woman I’ve ever known.”

Knowing the meaning behind the title and dedication makes this album an emotional one before even hearing it. That being said, it isn’t an album full of melancholic songs, it wouldn’t be a Darius Rucker album if it was!

Starting with Beers and Sunshine, a previously released single, starts the album off with that cheery disposition that we love so much in his music. A great beat and fun melody, this song is going to be another fan favourite on tour!

The up beat tunes keep coming with In This Together and it is so wonderfully Rucker. There’s something in the melodies and instrumentation of his music which has such a unique stamp. A song to chant a-long to, we hope this will be a song added to his tour setlist.

Never Been Over is a beautiful ballad. Another thing he does well is his emotive ballads! With Rucker’s beautiful story telling, melodic vocals and the stunning musicianship from the pedal steel and mandolin, this song is really quite heartbreaking and is about the end of a relationship.

Fires Don’t Start Themselves was a big single release from the album. Catchy, danceable and all things fun, this is song is thoroughly enjoyable.

Teaming up with the exceptional Chapel Hart for the song Ol’ Church Hymn was a great move. Together, they are simply perfection. Chapel Hart deserve this collaboration and so much more! I just hope Darius brings them on tour with him in the UK as that tour would be unmissable. We adore Chapel Hart in the UK, they gave us one of the best performances that The Long Road Festival in the UK has ever seen! Whilst their involvement in this song doesn’t go beyond harmonies, it really is a beautiful and spiritual song that will fill an arena so well.

7 Days continues the gospel streak a little bit melodically speaking and I guess title wise too. A mid tempo track written with longtime collaborators and friends Ross Copperman, Ashley Gorley and Charles Kelley – the song isn’t a favourite but still very good!

Same Beer, Different Problem gives us Wagon Wheel vibes in its energetic melody. In fact it is quite similar all the way through but we can forgive that as it’s a lot of fun and Darius does fun best!

Darius teams up with Ed Sheeran for the song Sara which is allegedly about an ex girlfriend from 5th grade. An expected great song, the ballad is moving with some sweet sounds from the guitar throughout. The song is a relatable one for anyone who wonders about a past love or friend and wondering how they are doing?

Have A Good Time is another mid tempo song that will get the toe’s tappin’ along! Sure Would Have Loved Her is very traditional country sounding and is a definite timeless track.

Southern Comfort is another arena filled, fun country tune! 3 am in Carolina takes us back to those vulnerable ballads that Rucker always hits is so well with!

Lift Me Up is a cover of Rihanna’s song from blockbuster film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The song has a breathtakingly beautiful intro and is just so emotional throughout. Well crafted in its production, musicianship and vocal delivery, this is one of the most heavenly covers that Rucker has ever done and he really makes it his own. I will likely cry if he performs this on tour!

Closing with Stargazing, the heartfelt, passionate song is the perfect end to what is a fantastically brilliant album!

I just can’t help but be in a good mood whenever I listen to Darius Rucker’s music! He is so authentically country and doesn’t seem to show any signs of going too generically modern anytime soon! Using traditional instruments throughout, this album is of a timeless sound and Rucker’s zesty, storytelling vocals are sublime!

There are no fillers on this album, it’s an album full of great tunes that will lift you up, make you nostalgic and have you feeling emotional! All these songs would be a welcome addition to his up coming tour in the UK.

As someone who has seen Darius Rucker on tour many many times, I have never once been disappointed and simply cannot wait for this tour next year! Rucker is one of the best performers in the music industry and always delivers an exceptionally entertaining set! In fact, we described him as The Greatest Showman a few years back and that title has not changed!

Here are the full tour dates:

Saturday, April 27 – Manchester O2 Apollo
Sunday, April 28 – Newcastle O2 City Hall
Tuesday, April 30 – Birmingham O2 Academy
Wednesday, May 1 – Bristol Beacon
Friday, May 3 – London Eventim Apollo
Sunday, May 5 – Leeds O2 Academy
Monday, May 6 – Glasgow O2 Academy
Thursday, May 9 – Dublin Olympia Theatre
Saturday, May 11 – Belfast Waterfront Hall