Darius Rucker – “History In The Making”

Songwriters: Darius Rucker, Frank Rogers and Clay Mills.

Darius Rucker’s music career has been one of dichotomies. Like his commercially successful but critically spotty stint as frontman of rock outfit Hootie & the Blowfish, Rucker’s foray into country has produced strong album sales and a handful of number one hits, but has also earned him reviews that rarely go further than “manufactured” and “mediocre.” Similarly, Rucker’s live shows rarely disappoint, but his album Learn to Live lacks the energy and soul essential to truly powerful music.

These stark contrasts indicate a musician, who, although undeniably talented and possessing a strong sense of what his audience wants, has been led down the narrow, cleanly paved and closely guarded road to commercial success.

For his fourth single from Learn to Live, Rucker’s team decided to release the crowd-pleasing “History in the Making,” a formulaic but catchy little number about a relationship of “historic” proportions.

Rucker’s voice is one of the song’s redeeming qualities. His singing has a little more spark and a little more swagger than on past singles, particularly in a nice set of hook-laden harmonies that crop up before the bridge. But the track’s boring instrumentation and the song’s predictable lyrics keep it from ever transcending department store background music fare.

Thematically, “History In The Making” is set up to be an instant prom or wedding classic. Lines like “This could be/One of those memories/We wanna hold on to, cling to/The one we can’t forget” practically beg for slow dancing under the stars (or, more realistically, under the dim gymnasium lights). Looking at songs like “Let Her Cry” and “Drowning,” though, we are reminded that Rucker is capable of more.

It’s not a bad song, but it sounds like one of those stiff, calculated, quasi-inspirational numbers you’d hear an American Idol contestant being forced to sing right after winning the competition. Looking at how similar songs have fared in the past, however, Rucker should have no problem achieving a commercial hit here, especially considering his string of three consecutive #1s.

Let’s just hope that next time around Rucker’s allowed to let a little more of his personality and his creative energy shine through. Perhaps then his recordings will live up what those who leave his live shows can’t quit raving about.

Listen: Darius Rucker – “History In The making”