Back with some Twang: The 2000s

       Welcome back to my glorious page where I will be continuing to wade through the various genres of the modern era. As we cross into the 21st century, it becomes clear that for each decade, there tends to be multiple styles of music that define a certain period. For example, I could have easily talked about Tupac and Biggie in my 90s post for rap, but I already planned on talking about rap/trap music for the 2010s decade. Likewise, I could have probably touched on any pop artist for the 2000s, but I felt that may be quite simple. Instead, my inner “farm-country-Pennsylvania” boy emerges as I bring you my third favorite genre of music: country. Like the decades I’ve covered before, there are obviously too many defining artists of each decade to include all of them into a single blog post, so I will continue with the two artist trend I’ve kept through the first semester. However, once I get past the 2010s, I will most likely continue this blog by doing “artist spotlights” of modern artists I consider to be some of my favorites. But I digress; the corn fields and backroads are the spotlight for today as we take a look at the group, ‘Zac Brown Band’ and the artist, Darius Rucker.

       The Zac Brown Band was formed in 2002 by none other than restaurant owner and Georgia native Zac Brown. After the tragedy of 9/11 in 2001, Brown decided “to pursue what he loves most, music, because life was too short to do something he did not enjoy” (AceShowBiz). Along with bassist John Hopkins and fiddler Jimmy De Martini, the group started their own label in 2003 and Brown eventually sold his restaurant in order to purchase a tour bus to perform at a number of festivals. With a handful of new members, the band were signed with Live Nation Artist Records in 2008 where they released their two-time platinum album “The Foundation” with one of their most popular hits, “Chicken Fried.” In 2010, the group won a Grammy for ‘Best New Artist.’ The Zac Brown Band has evolved over the years and still remains as one of my favorite country groups. From the 2000s, my favorite piece from them comes from “The Foundation,” and is titled “Highway 20 Ride.” Although a lesser known song, Highway 20 Ride it was of the most lyrically touching country songs I’ve heard and is definitely worth the listen (the whole album is honestly worth listening to if you have an open mind about country music).

       Darius Rucker was born on May 13, 1966, in Charleston, South Carolina. Rucker grew up in what he described as “a “typical Southern African-American upbringing, involving long hours at church on Sundays and enduring various financial struggles” (Biography). In 1986, he formed the group “Hootie and the Blowfish” with two of his college friends from USC. After years of success, including two Grammy awards, Rucker continued to perform with the group, yet ventured out into solo performances as well where he also garnered a great deal of fame. In 2008, Rucker released his breakthrough solo album titled “Learn to Live” which earned platinum status in 2009 as well as a plethora of awards including two Country Music Association award nominations in 2009, one being for Male Vocalist of the Year. Personally, my favorite song by Darius Rucker from the 2000s comes from this album, and is titled “Alright“, a feel good, pick-me-up piece.

       As I mentioned, country is probably my third favorite genre of music, but I need to be in a specific mood to listen to it. However, I feel like this is fairly common for all types of music. Certain music sets a certain vibe and mood to any situation. I typically attribute my liking for country to my childhood where me and my father would listen to the newest country albums on our way home from elementary school basketball practice. As nostalgic as it can be, country music will always hold a special place in my heart, and is always comforting to listen to while gathered near a campfire on a summer night.