Music Review: Darius Rucker - Learn to Live

When I first got Darius Rucker's debut country album, I really wondered what I was actually purchasing. In fact, I don't believe I had ever heard of the guy. A quick internet search brought me a few nuggets of information: he used to be the lead singer of the hit band Hootie & the Blowfish, he recorded a solo album before in the past, and he was from Charleston, South Carolina.

I got real interested in hearing what he had to offer on Learn To Live, and after a ton of listens, he really hit it on the nose with this album. Every song on the album sounds like it could be released to radio and be a moderate success, and Rucker's pure vocal sound is a refreshing listen in the country genre.

Rucker's first cut from the album, "Don't Think I Don't Think About It," charted at #51 in its' debut week, and made it's way to the Top 20. September was a big month for Rucker, as his debut country single hit #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs. However, this is just one of many tracks that strike listeners on this hit-filled album.

Songs like "It Won't Be Like This For Long" are heartfelt reflections on everyday life, and Rucker's powerful lyrics come together in an awesome way. On the flip side of the serious, "Learn To Live" sets an upbeat, fun sound for some other songs on the album. Rucker seems to have a blast with "Drinkin' and Dialin," a song that can unite big drinkers and their experiences with drunk dialing friends.

There is a great deal of song diversity on the album, as no song seems to sound the same as the last. It is truly one of the most enjoyable listens of the year, and one of the best country albums to be released in the past decade. Pick up a copy of this CD for any music lover: Darius Rucker is going nowhere but up with this stellar debut country album. Personally, I couldn't think of a better stocking stuffer for the holiday season.