Music Review of Porter Robinson’s Album Nurture
20th September 2024What Is ShowShape?
22nd September 2024Nashville nu-metal artist HARDY is best known for writing catchy country hits that play host to an energetic Saturday night with friends, while still indulging the rock influences which helped shape his musicality and career on his second release, The Mockingbird & The Crow.
HARDY strikes an impressive balance between rock and country music on “wait in the truck”, featuring Lainey Wilson as her guest vocalist; yet at times more towards one or the other on songs such as the murder ballad “let her in”. The result is an album that feels exceptionally cohesive and cohesive.
The Mockingbird & The Crow
Hardy released his sophomore album today on all platforms. Titled The Mockingbird & THE CROW, this country-rock artist explores both sides of his personality; with eight tracks dedicated to country music and eight more dedicated to full rock tunes.
Hardy has an intriguing concept, but his execution falls flat. The first half of the record sounds generic country, with an uninspiring and weak twang that comes off like something out of a comedy show. When Hardy attempts to add depth with vocal screaming it comes off amateurish and inept.
Track nine devolves into an unpleasant minor-key grunge-rock song that is just as short. This type of butt rock recalls Buckcherry, Nickelback, and Kid Rock all at the same time – its production is ugly while guitar tones remain unchanged and drums quantized; all telltale signs of someone trying to appease radio and failing miserably.
The Singles
HARDY made his musical debut in 2022 with “Truck Bed”, earning his first Country Airplay #1 and amassing over 4.6 billion streams on both platforms. Dubbed Nashville’s nu-metal king by Los Angeles Times, HARDY continued climbing charts with “One Beer” (co-written with Lauren Alaina and Devin Dawson), game-changing collaboration “Wait in the Truck” featuring Lainey Wilson and his first rock radio #1 single “Jack”.
Hardy’s songs never indulge in false emotion or small-town sentimentality; his wordplay, directness and songwriting skills create an entertaining listen. Tracks like “Give Heaven Some Hell” and “BOOTS” offer rock inspiration while remaining relatable; Hardy doesn’t take himself too seriously as an artist either!
The Tour
Hardy had Morgan Wallen open the show with his infectiously fun bar-based break-up songs and country grit; the audience went crazy for them! Hardy and Wallen make an excellent duo to perform together and everyone enjoyed themselves immensely.
Hardy then brought back longtime collaborator Lainey Wilson for their duet “Wait In The Truck” from 2024 – providing fans with an amazing moment that showed the special bond these two artists share.
Visit the Dorset Museum to experience one of the world’s largest collections of Thomas Hardy artifacts and a faithful reconstruction of his study at Max Gate. Explore his inspirations with a touchscreen map!
The Future
Benjamin Hardy has become well-known for his books like Willpower Doesn’t Work, Personality Isn’t Permanent and Who Not How. A firm believer in intentional transformation – moving away from past decisions towards an imagined future self that then influences present decisions – Benjamin outlines this intriguing concept in his new book BE YOUR FUTURE SELF NOW.
