Nurture Album Review by Sharon Porter Robinson
17th August 2024How to Use ShowShape in Flash
19th August 2024Hardy has earned himself a stellar reputation as one of Nashville’s premier hitmakers, writing songs for such notable performers as Morgan Wallen and Lainey Wilson.
On his latest album, 2023’s The Mockingbird & The Crow, he taps into his rock roots that first influenced him before considering country songs as possible subject material. This genre-bending album produced two No. 1 hits simultaneously across both rock radio and country radio formats.
The Mockingbird & The Crow
When HARDY announced his part-country, part-rock double album the mockingbird & THE CROW, many were skeptical but intrigued. On the mockingbird half, he takes an impressive victory lap through Music Row’s songwriting dexterity while packing as many trademark wordplay elements into each track as possible.
The back half is more aggressive. While rapping about drinking beer and revelry may not seem out of line with Nashville’s establishment, when presented as rock songs on this record it comes off as cheapened redneck pride commodification.
Solid effort but perhaps not quite what some had expected. Still a very enjoyable listen and one worth checking out.
Jack
After co-writing Morgan Wallen’s hit single “Up Down” and touring across the United States for his One Night at a Time Tour, Hardy returns with his most unabashedly rock song yet: the raucous “QUIT!!”, featuring Hardy discussing bro-country tropes while featuring an explosive Rage Against the Machine-esque bridge from metalcore band A Day to Remember’s Jeremy McKinnon.
Hardy’s track “Odysseus and The Mockingbird & The Crow” embodies his signature uncompromising style perfectly, reflecting his unfaltering persona and career arc. Capable of writing big hits for country radio yet stubborn enough to strike out his own path and find an avenue between worlds; that is what drives The Mockingbird & The Crow to life on Big Loud Records’ sophomore release LP The Mockingbird & The Crow.
Wait In The Truck
Hardy has contributed numerous hits for artists like Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett and Morgan Wallen; now his 2023 project The Mockingbird & The Crow displays his skills as a singer-songwriter. Boasting songs spanning both country and rock genres, Hardy hopes this album will become his breakthrough into both realms.
Wait In The Truck by Lainey Wilson is an emotional murder ballad that tells the tale of someone murdering their abuser, making it one of the most impactful country singles of 2022. Additionally, its music video highlights Wilson testifying in court proceedings while visiting Hardy in prison; for which she and Hardy won CMT’s Collaborative Music Video of the Year award.
One Beer
Hardy made his mark as an artist with “Rednecker,” then went full force into country with the singalong hit “One Beer”. Here, Hardy provides another tragic tale centered around beer to country fans.
Although there are moments of talent within this song, its lyrics never fully engage listeners and HARDY’s delivery often feels more like someone speaking aloud than singing to himself. Lauren Alaina and Devin Dawson remain criminally underutilized while its intended purpose remains unmet.
At 8% ABV, this beer packs an intense punch! Milk sugar balances its hoppy punch perfectly while adding a chocolate note that will surely become one of your holiday favorite beers! Drink responsibly.
Kill Sh!t Till I Die
After making his mark as a country music songwriter, HARDY began receiving encouragement to pursue artistry himself. Although initially reluctant, eventually the Mississippi native agreed and is now an in-demand performer with his own signature sound.
The Mockingbird & the Crow is his second full-length album and marks his first foray into rock more fully than ever before. A 17-track record, it is neatly divided between eight polished country tunes and eight jock jammy aggro rock tunes, with each side connected by the title track which slowly transitions between plaintive strums to fuzztoned out riffs.
Since his tour bus overturned last year, HARDY has been hard at work on his new record and performing it live at sold-out concerts with Lainey Wilson and Dylan Marlowe as opening acts.
