Hootie and the Blowfish will release Looking for Lucky, their first studio album in two years on Aug 9. The album finds a balance between giving us more of what was so popular with Cracked Rear View and demonstrating how much the band has grown, both as composers as well as performers.
The group collaborated with several other songwriters on many of the tracks in an attempt to push things in a new direction. They also called in Don Gehman to produce the release for the band’s own label, Sneaky Long Records. The result is a varied mix of warm music that in the end is pure Hootie.
I find Looking for Lucky to be very reminiscent of the band’s breakthrough album, Cracked Rear View. Maybe it’s the distinctly unique voice of lead singer Darius Rucker but I suspect it is the powerful and timely lyrics that keep the album true to form.
A good example of this is the first single, “One Love.” Lyrically, the song is powerful and on the button with current times true to Hootie style.
Old religions, new generations
Caught in a struggle about a righteous way
Can’t see the forest for the frustrations
So many lyin’, so many dyin’
But only one love
The song shows the growth of the group musically. Unmistakably soft pop, the song also has hints of gospel and in some ways sounds like a wishful prayer. “Another Year’s Gone By” is another track that is in the same vein. It was emotionally inspired by 9/11. Both songs touched the soft side of me making them quick favorites.
Country influences are strongly heard on the songs “The Killing Stone” and “Autumn Jones,” not only in the style of the music but in the choice of instrumentation. Yes, that’s slide guitar on “The Killing Stone” and steel guitar on “Autumn Jones.”
Article comments
1 - Phillip Winn
I hope it's better than Fairweather Johnson. That's wasn't so hot.
2 - Connie Phillips
I missed Fairweather Johnson all together, so I can't really comment. If I were to compare it to any of their earlier ones, it would be Cracked Rear View
3 - Matt Paprocki
I'd go more Musical Chairs, with a great mix, again, like Chairs. I can't stop listentiing to this album. It's their best in years, and oddly political, like you touched on. Having just got back from hearing some of these songs in concert, it's even better there.
Get out of My Mind will be stuck in my head for weeks. It's got such a great hook. Smile is their obligatory catchy yet unberably cheesy tune they put on every album. Just fantastic. I can only hope they find their way back into the mainstream after their drop from Fairweather.
4 - Connie Phillips
Matt,
It's good to hear the concert was so good. I almost went myself as it was practically in my back yard. I didn't buy tickets in advance becasue I thought I would still be out of town, then when that changed I figured it was too late for decent seats.
Sounds like I missed a good one.
5 - matt slade
IMHO, Fairweather Johnson is a classic, and this album is right up there with it.
6 - Phillip Winn
Hmm, that seems like a mixed review to me!
7 - Connie Phillips
I'm not sure how I missed Fairweather Johnson in the first place, but all this discussion has my interest sincerely peaked. I'm going to have to check this CD out for myself.
8 - B. Moore
Love the new CD (Lucky). Have loved all of Hootie and the Blowfish CD. They are GREAT!!!! Received my CD on Friday August 5...the extra CD that you get from ordering from the Fan Club was AWESOME...it is called the B side.....great stuff.
9 - Sean
Best Album since CRV! I ordered it off of their website so I received it last week along with a B Sides disc. I hate to say it, but they left the best song of the bunch off of the record. "I Deal" on the B Sides disc is GREAT! I'm not sure who makes the decision as to what songs make the album, but they missed the boat here. Still an excellent record though...Highly recommended.
10 - Connie Phillips
Thank you B.Moore and Sean for the information on the fan club issue.
Sounds like the extra CD is pretty cool.
11 - Matt G.
i thought "Looking for Lucky" is a great new album. I also attended a concert in Atlanta GA. It was one of the best shows i have ever seen.