Given his meteoric rise in country music, it is somewhat surprising to hear that singer Darius Rucker would even utter the name “Hootie,” let alone promise more music from his 90’s rock band. While “Hootie & the Blowfish” was a major force in the 90’s, and their album Cracked Rear View still ranks in the top 20 selling albums of all time, their massive success became mockery quite quickly. With a resurgence in visibility and popularity, Darius Rucker is turning the new spotlight shone on him back on his former rock group.
Darius Rucker broke out of his rock roots with a solo country career that no one could have predicted. With the release of Learn to Live in 2008, the deep-voiced soulful singer had the type of redefining resurrection that is rarely seen in the music industry. It was almost as if he had never recorded before, finding quick fame in the Nashville scene and even winning the New Artists Award at the CMA Awards in 2009. While he briefly dabbled in R&B; when first venturing out on his own, it is his massive success in country music that has redefined his place in the pantheon of recording artists.
It may surprise many to hear that “Hootie & the Blowfish” never actually broke up, and has toured under the radar for years. With five albums released in total since their major debut in 1994, the pop-rock foursome have a larger catalogue of songs than known by most, who remember the days of “I Only Wanna be With You” and “Let Her Cry.” The band has performed across the country for years, and even place at number 47 on the Billboard chart with their last release in 2005 before Rucker ventured out into solo efforts.
Given the warm reception by country fans and the consistent success he has enjoyed with several chart-topping hits in that genre, it seems almost shocking that the South Carolina singer would even consider recording another rock album. In his early days of success in country music, he often talked of the fickle nature of rock and pop music listeners and his appreciation for the loyalty and camaraderie he has enjoyed in Nashville. His early fame in “Hootie & the Blowfish” and subsequent disappearance from the top of the heap must have been a cold, hard reality — one that any performer would want to erase from their memory. But the courageous family man is set to take on rock again, with the promise of new music from his iconic start-up band.
Whether the man is a glutton for punishment or truly believes in the strength of his roots, Darius Rucker is planning a return to the studio with his 90’s bandmates. His new country fans and former rock fans will most likely pay attention, and the lead singer’s solo success will undoubtedly give “Hootie & the Blowfish” their best shot at radio airplay and another chance to reign the rock music world. It may be surprising to hear, but Darius Rucker is just not done with “Hootie.”
