Rating 4/5

Hootie & The Blowfish may be one of the most successful alternative rock troupes of the late 80s and early 90s, but frontman (the group may have slowed their output in 2008, but they are still working) Darius Rucker has been channeling his creativity into various solo records over the last decade. While 2002's R'n'B tinged 'Back To Then' may have been met with a lukewarm response, it would appear that Rucker has more than warmed the cockles of the country music world.

Having unveiled his debut country effort in 2008 - 'Learn To Live' - it would also appear that the genre sits nicely with Rucker's current intentions. Having quickly followed 'Learn To Live' with 2010's 'Charleston, SC 1966', Rucker's third country release 'True Believers' is easily his most accomplished to date.



Having openly stated that his approach to 'True Believers' was to create a record that 'leapt out of the radio', it would appear that Rucker's personal ambitions are to no longer be labelled as the lead singer of the 20 million record selling Hootie & The Blowfish, but rather to be accepted and celebrated within the new country movement.

Given the growing popularity of new country within the UK - from Taylor Swift (is she really country anymore?) through to Lady Antebellum - it is about time that one of Nashville's male soloists hits the high end of the charts - so why should it not be a man who has already graced the Album Top 20 three times with a different outlet?

{{'a truly splendid example of toe-tapping Country'}}While The Voice UK's Mike Ward is hoping his breed of Country might set a trend in the UK, young US imports Hunter Hayes and Scott McCreery are likely candidates for the honour - however, we would not rule our Rucker. For 'True Believers' is a truly splendid example of toe-tapping Country.

While 'Miss You' is perfect radio fodder, and a cover of Old Crow Medicine Show's' Wagon Wheel' (featuring the aforementioned Lady Antebellum) is irresistibly sunny, it is a more emotionally charged Rucker that really connects with his listener. Partnering up with the incredible Sheryl Crow for the blissfully beautiful 'Love Without You' was an inspired move, while the accented 'Lost In You' provides the album's standout moment.