During the six years that separate
Carolyn's Boy from its predecessor
When Was the Last Time,
Darius Rucker reunited with his old mates in
Hootie & the Blowfish, a decision that seemed to have absolutely no effect on the form or content of this 2023 album.
Rucker picks up precisely where he left off with
When Was the Last Time, never acknowledging COVID-era turmoil or any musical trend: he's simply resumed making resolutely relaxed music. "Beers and Sunshine," a number one Billboard Country Airplay hit from back in 2020, serves as the record's touchstone. Sunny, cheerful, and just clever enough not to be dull, "Beers and Sunshine" has many companions on
Carolyn's Boy, including "Same Beer Different Problem," which has just enough recognizable drinking song tropes to be comforting, and just enough twists to sound fresh. The same could be said about a nostalgic ode to lovers lost ("Sara," which was co-written by
Ed Sheeran), family, and home, all familiar topics for
Rucker and delivered in a familiar fashion, but the singer/songwriter and his collaborators -- primarily longtime associate
Ross Copperman, but there is a bevy of co-writers here, along with the vocal group
Chapel Hart on "Ol' Church Hymn" -- are sharp craftsmen, managing to make
Carolyn's Boy into a satisfying piece of polished professional country-pop. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
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