Three-time GRAMMY award-winner, Darius Rucker is making fans smile with the arrival of his first solo project in six years, and a little help from his late mother’s joyful spirit. The project, Carolyn’s Boy, is a tribute to Rucker’s late mother who he fully credits for making him into the man and artist he is today.
LISTEN NOW: Darius Ruckers shares details of his new album, ‘Carolyn’s Boy’
“I was making this record and it was after COVID and everything and I was [scrambled] up one day being in a bad place,” he shared of how he came up with the title. “I was just a little down and I brought myself up by saying, ‘At the end of the day I’m just Carolyn’s Boy,' and that’s when I decided I was going to name the record that. My mom was a major influence on me. She was the biggest influence in my life, I don’t think I’d be here, or the person I am if it wasn’t for her.”
With songs that capture everything from Carolyn’s joyful spirit to the memories Rucker holds dear, there’s definitely something for everyone on this project that Rucker says covers a lot of ground.
“The inspiration was the same as usual for me — to get a bunch of great songs,” he expressed. “I don’t go out and do those projects that are all about one thing, I like to write a bunch of songs about a bunch of different things.”
That’s exactly what Rucker did with all 14 tracks, 11 of which he co-wrote.
“This album is a little different from my past stuff — probably a little more personal,” he shared. “It’s where I am right now in my career. It’s gotta be different just because I’ve grown up a little.”
Helping him capture exactly where he’s at were some standout co-writers including global superstar, Ed Sheeran on “Sara”, HARDY for “3am in Carolina” and Lady A’s Charles Kelley on “7 days.” Other standouts on the track list include Rucker’s previously released, “Ol’ Church Hymn” featuring Chapel Hart as well as a cover of Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up.”
“What makes me most proud about this album is the songs. I love listening to this record, the songs really stand out and make me want to listen again. That really makes me proud.”
Rucker has been beaming with that pride as he traveled across the country all summer on his Starting Fires Tour, named after his current single from the project. Rucker is also preparing to take the songs across the pond for his recently announced European tour kicking off early 2024.
Find more information and tickets to upcoming shows here and be sure to check out Darius’ new album, Carolyn’s Boy, available now.
Carolyn’s Boy Track List:
1. Beers And Sunshine - (Darius Rucker, JT Harding, Josh Osborne, Ross Copperman)
2. In This Together - (Darius Rucker, Derek George, Bobby Hamrick, Joy Williams)
3. Never Been Over - (Darius Rucker, Lee Thomas Miller, John Osborne)
4. Fires Don’t Start Themselves - (Ben Hayslip, Jacob Rice, Dan Isbell)
5. Ol’ Church Hymn feat. Chapel Hart - (Darius Rucker, Greylan James, Ben Hayslip, Josh Miller)
6. 7 Days - (Darius Rucker, Ross Copperman, Ashley Gorley, Charles Kelley)
7. Same Beer Different Problem - (Darius Rucker, Tofer Brown, Sarah Buxton, Brad Tursi)
8. Sara - (Darius Rucker, Joel Crouse, Kyle Rife, Ed Sheeran)
9. Have A Good Time - (Darius Rucker, Monty Criswell, Derek George, Bobby Hamrick)
10. Sure Would Have Loved Her - (Darius Rucker, Wyatt Durrette, Levi Lowrey)
11. Southern Comfort - (Chris LaCorte, Matt Rogers, Josh Osborne)
12. 3am in Carolina - (Darius Rucker, Ross Copperman, Michael Hardy)
13. Lift Me Up - (Temilade Openiyi, Robyn Fenty, Ryan Coogler, Ludwig Goransson)
14. Stargazing - (Darius Rucker, Brinley Addington, Jess Cayne, Matt Morrisey)