A Rock
A Rock | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | September 4, 2020 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 42:01 | |||
Label | Big Loud | |||
Producer |
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Hardy chronology | ||||
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Singles from A Rock | ||||
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A Rock (stylized in all caps)[3] is the debut album of American country music singer Hardy. It was released on September 4, 2020, via Big Loud Records.[4]
Content[]
Joey Moi and Derek Wells produced the entire album, with co-production from David Garcia on "Where Ya At" and from Jake Mitchell on "Unapologetically Country as Hell" and the title track. The album is a followup to Hardy's EP Hixtape, Vol. 1. "One Beer", featuring Devin Dawson and Lauren Alaina, is the lead single.[5]
Critical reception[]
Jeff Lincoln of Country Standard Time reviewed the album favorably, complimenting Hardy's unconventional appearance for a country musician, as well as his lyrical skill and combination of country and rock influences. He concluded his review with "it's got authentic appeal, and Hardy's found the right label at Big Loud Records. Country music was always more than the hats anyhow."[6] Zackary Kephart of Country Universe rated the album 1 out of 5 stars, stating that "he’s a detailed writer, and that’s why, I think, most people haven’t immediately written this off as an attempt at any sort of revival of the trend itself. It’s just that his details are completely unlikable". He also criticized the mixing and production of Joey Moi and Hardy's limited vocal range. Despite Kephart's negative review, the album has transcended country music, with single One Beer (featuring Lauren Alaina and Devin Dawson) reaching platinum certification.[7]
Track listing[]
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|
1. | "Truck" |
| 3:38 |
2. | "Boyfriend" |
| 3:39 |
3. | "Give Heaven Some Hell" |
| 3:37 |
4. | "Boots" | 3:13 | |
5. | "Where Ya At" |
| 2:59 |
6. | "Ain't a Bad Day" |
| 3:22 |
7. | "One Beer" (featuring Lauren Alaina and Devin Dawson) |
| 2:53 |
8. | "So Close" (featuring Ashland Craft) |
| 3:45 |
9. | "Broke Boy" |
| 3:52 |
10. | "Hate Your Hometown" |
| 3:28 |
11. | "Unapologetically Country as Hell" |
| 3:55 |
12. | "A Rock" |
| 3:40 |
Total length: | 42:01 |
Notes
Charts[]
Weekly charts[]
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Year-end charts[]
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References[]
- ^ Freeman, Jon (July 21, 2020). "How Hardy Became Nashville's Most Clever New Redneck Songwriter". Rolling Stone. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
- ^ "Future Releases for Country Radio Stations". AllAccess. Retrieved November 30, 2020.
- ^ Jump up to: a b "A ROCK by HARDY on Apple Music". Apple Music. September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 23, 2020.
- ^ "A Rock – Hardy". AllMusic. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
- ^ Stefano, Angela (July 21, 2020). "Hardy plans debut album, 'A Rock', for September". Taste of Country. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
- ^ "A Rock review". Country Standard Time. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
- ^ "A Rock review". Country Universe. September 19, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
- ^ "ARIA Report" (PDF). ARIA. August 17, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
- ^ "Hardy Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
- ^ "Hardy Chart History (Independent Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ "Hardy Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard.
- ^ "Hardy Chart History (Top Country Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ "Top Country Albums – Year-End 2020". Billboard. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
- 2020 debut albums
- Hardy (singer) albums
- Big Loud albums
- Albums produced by Joey Moi