Darius Rucker, former Hootie and the Blowfish frontman, has firmly established his transition from alternative/rock music to country music with his third country music album “True Believers.” The title track is an inspirational tune complete with slide guitar and even a pop/rock lead guitar riff. It’s an interesting mix and this entire album is solid both instrumentally and lyrically.
The album is clearly country, but it has some “Hootie” moments and although the style is different, it is recognizably Darius Rucker. His vocal quality has not faltered. Rucker’s version of “Wagon Wheel” is a sure hit and “Love Without You” came as a pleasant surprise with backing vocals from Sheryl Crow. Listening to the funky twang of the tune “Radio,” I could not help reminiscing. I was imagining cruising down the highway with the windows down and singing along with the “Radio.” The honky tonk piano on “Take Me Home” is also noteworthy.
The lyrics on this album are easy to relate to from the first song to the last. Although I did not find any of the tracks to be overly exciting, I certainly appreciate the variety of instrumentation on this CD. The rock beats mixed with traditional country music and newer country pop keep this one interesting.
