Darius Rucker - True Believers

You know, there are things that just make you happy when you see them or in this case, hear them. That was my immediate and very first reaction when I popped the new release from Darius Rucker, True Believers, into my cd player. Now, I must admit I have been like a kid in a candy store waiting for this record. Yes. I have a big man crush on Mr. Rucker…always have and I have no shame in admitting that whatsoever. I can still remember exactly where I was when I first heard "Let Her Cry" pouring out of my speakers (thank you Tanna Guthrie from the now defunct KY-102) and have been hooked ever since. Mr. Rucker simply has "that" vocal quality that is easy, effortless, smooth, earnest and just damn pleasing to hear. There is not a voice like it in the music world today!

True Believers is Mr. Rucker's fourth solo album release; his third country album and it is "all that and a bag of chips." Mr. Rucker's voice emotes and shares the stories in the lyrics with tremendous heart, an inspirational depth of soul and a gentle…yet intense when need be…and flowing manner. Mr. Rucker is a man who pours every ounce of himself into each track and leaves nothing to chance. He is also a singer who brings an insane (this is a good thing) sense of joy to his craft. That joy is felt by each and every listener as one cannot help but be carried away in the energy and emotion of every note. His music is just so damn personable! It's like sitting in the room with him and just hanging out. So easy; so tireless; so un-selfish; so fun!

The timing of this release could not be better. There is not much better than driving down the road, windows down, hair flying and blasting the music up to "11!" That infectious sense of happiness is covered well in several tracks on this record. Oh, the ballads are equally represented and appreciated, however, as summer is upon us the up tempo tracks blow out that pent up winter energy that has been dying to get out. Leading the way is the records second single, "Wagon Wheel." If that does not get you smiling, singing and banging the steering wheel, then please get to the closest ER; you have no pulse! He enlists none other than Lady A in the background to make it feel even better. The lead single and title track, "True Believers," an ode to his wife Beth, has that same energy and does a nice job of setting the tone of the record. One of my favorite tracks perfectly captures the days of my youth. "Radio" paints the picture of my carefree (mostly) days as a teenager in Iowa. Is it just me or does the track entitled "Take me Home" remind you of something from Elton John? The production just sounds like something Mr. John would create.

If you are headed to the lake for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, do yourself and your friends a favor, throw True Believers in the player, drop the windows, open the sun roof and crank the music. I cannot think of a better way to kickoff summer (unofficially) than with friends, family and one Darius Rucker!