CD review: Darius Rucker “Charleston, SC 1966”

From Friday’s Weekend Look section of The Oklahoman.

Country

Darius Rucker “Charleston, SC 1966” (Columbia Nashville)

Hootie & the Blowfish frontman Darius Rucker broke into country music in a big way with his 2008 platinum-selling album “Learn to Live.”

With his country debut, Rucker, 44, scored three No. 1 singles, notched a fourth top five hit and earned the Country Music Association’s top new artist title. So, it’s no surprise that his second country album, “Charleston, SC 1966,” includes virtually no surprises but rather adheres closely to the blueprint that enabled his smashing crossover success.

His sophomore effort bears his birth date and hometown and finds Rucker, appropriately enough, crooning about middle-aged contentment and concerns on the spirited opener “This,” the solemn workaholic’s warning “We All Fall Down” and the sly “Might Get Lucky,” which he co-wrote with his country hero Radney Foster.