Rucker captures top spot

Carolyn's Boy

Darius Rucker has referenced his South Carolina roots numerous times in his career, but his first solo release in six years is a more direct tribute to his late mother, Carolyn, and not just in the title. Raised on church music, soul singers and country songs at home growing up, Rucker includes more than a hint of each here. "Old Church Hymn," featuring Chapel Hart, evokes those childhood Sunday mornings in the pews, in a deep gospel tone that blossoms into an organ-driven, rousing singalong. ...

When Was the Last Time

Darius Rucker is so darn likeable, he likely gets away with creating subpar music more than most. However, "When Was the Last Time" is a consistently good album, which is as respectable as it is likeable. Rucker knows how to sing crowd pleasers, like the fun and funny "Count the Beers" and the all-star collaboration "Straight to Hell," which also features Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan and Charles Kelley. He shines brightest, though, on the more serious songs. ...

Southern Style

Although opener "Homegrown Honey" has a few hip-hip sonic elements fueling it, "Southern Style" is a fairly traditional - well, as traditional as Darius Rucker can get - album. "Homegrown Honey," along with the title cut and "Half Full Dixie Cup," make a play for Rucker's Southern credentials, and for the most part support these claims. Rucker is an easygoing vocalist, and this latest effort goes down smoothly. It's still taboo for country ...