Darius Rucker: Songs That Should’ve Been Singles
We went through Darius Rucker's impressive country catalog and chose eight songs that we wish had made it to country radio.
The process of choosing a single for radio is often as arduous a task as writing the song. Each month, Sounds Like Nashville will feature a different artist and explore songs from his or her catalogue that we wish made it to radio. Make no mistake, this is no critique of the artist or label, it’s simply a list of songs we love so much that we think deserve to be in the spotlight. This month, we take a closer listen to Darius Rucker’s back catalogue and find eight gems that warrant airplay.
“Forever Road” – from Learn to Live
“Forever Road” is the first track on Rucker’s 2008 country debut, Learn to Live, where he sings of how rain or shine, he will be there for his girl. “Let my arms remind you / I’ll always be beside you / Holding on until this ride is through,” he croons. Co-written with Chris Stapleton and producer Frank Rogers, “Forever Road” is an upbeat radio friendly jam that showcases Rucker’s booming baritone alongside infectious musical accompaniment.
“Learn to Live” – from Learn to Live
A song that has Rucker recalling the wisdom his grandfather bestowed upon him, “Learn to Live” features a powerful vocal delivery from the singer. While he sings of venturing off on his own and doing things he’s not proud of, he reflects on his grandfather’s sage advice. “He’d say, you gotta live and learn / You gotta crash and burn / You gotta make some stances, and take some chances / You gotta laugh and love and take all life has to give / You gotta live and learn so you can learn to live,” he sings on the chorus. With memorable fiddle accompaniment and boot stomping rhythms, “Learn to Live” is a positive mantra to help us all get by in life.
“Might Get Lucky” – from Charleston, SC 1966
This sultry number has Rucker crooning about how if he plays his cards right, a romp in the hay with his wife might occur. As he explains, accomplishing his honey-do-list and entertaining his kids throughout the day just might turn her on. “The key to get a second look and a ‘come here, honey’ is treat her right in the daylight and I might get lucky,” he notes.
“Southern State of Mind” – from Charleston, SC 1966
The South Carolina native is proud of his roots and this is evident throughout the beautiful “Southern State of Mind.” From attempting to order sweet tea during visits in New York City to holding doors and saying “Yes, ma’am” in California, wherever Rucker goes he’s a Southern gentleman. His smooth singing style further accents his Southern roots and upbringing on this sweet ode to the South.
“She’s Beautiful” – from Charleston, SC 1966
A striking ballad to a woman who is stunning on the inside and out, “She’s Beautiful” has Rucker applauding all the best traits he sees in his wife. On the descriptive song, Rucker compares the beauty of a woman to that of some of the breathtaking scenes of nature: a prairie wind, snow on the ground and a sunrise. “I was blessed the day I found her / I’m one lucky man / ‘Cause the more I know, the more I need her / The more I love, the more I see her heart is a shining star,” he sings.
“Love Without You” – from True Believers
Written by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, “Love Without You” is a stirring heartbreak ballad featuring Sheryl Crow that tells the story of a man struggling at the end of a relationship. The stripped down song has Rucker’s yearning vocals at the forefront as he laments of how he’s not quite ready to move on. “I can walk into a room without you / And I don’t get drunk and talk about you / So I guess I’ve learned to live without you / I just don’t know how to love without you,” he sings on the chorus. With added harmonies from Crow, the song strikes a chord.
“Need You More” – from Southern Style
This soaring power ballad has Rucker comparing his love to the things we need most in life. “Kinda like a cup of coffee needs the AM / Hard times need a good friend / Kinda like a sinner’s prayer when hope’s gone . . . I need you more,” he croons. Rucker’s memorable vocals accompanied by rousing string arrangements transform the love ballad into a commanding song deserving of radio airplay.
“So I Sang” – from Southern Style
A powerful and poignant story song, “So I Sang” has Rucker recounting the major role music has played throughout his life. On each verse, he shares how he turned to singing at a pivotal moment. Not the best athlete as a child, he never made the game-winning home run and instead focused on playing guitar and singing. He later recalls how his mother worked overtime to buy his first guitar and when she passed away, he was asked to say a few words at her funeral. Unable to put her impact into words, instead he sang her favorite songs. A track that showcases the power of music and gives a more intimate glimpse into Rucker’s life, “So I Sang” sticks with the listener long after the song is over.
