With country evolving into the new pop, country radio stood to benefit as much from a pop-savvy singer as Rucker did from the exposure in that market. The union has proven very good, with a string of hits and awards to Rucker’s credit. Likewise, his Music Circus date was sold out, and just one of three appearances in the region over the weekend.
Rucker hit the stage in a Beatles T-shirt, cowboy boots, and ball cap, delivering the cheery one-two punch of “Love Will Do That’’ and “Alright.’’ Rucker’s smooth croon is pliable enough to blend with the twangy elements of his new songs, and just as easily snap back to the bravado of the Hootie era. Rucker rekindled his past throughout the night, starting with a version of “Only Wanna Be With You’’ that didn’t vary from the original.
In an 18-song performance, Rucker worked in three Hootie hits, the aforementioned Miller tune, and a show-closing cover of Prince’s “Purple Rain.’’ Stack that against the cover of Hank Williams Jr.’s “Family Tradition,’’ a solid bit of honky-tonk hijinks, and the Rucker formula seems pretty clear.
That just-enough dip into country shapes the songs Rucker played from his past two albums, “Learn to Live’’ and “Charleston, SC 1966.’’ Rucker delivered lots of aw-shucks, good-guy sentiments, such as “Craziest Thing’’ and “Southern State of Mind.’’ Occasionally he got rowdy, as with “One Tequila.’’ On “Come Back Song,’’ the hokum was a bit thick. But with “This,’’ Rucker hit a nice balance with a sound that reached back to a time when early rock ’n’ roll and country weren’t such distant cousins and the platitude was sweet without being totally cloying.
Mallary Hope opened fittingly with a set of pop-meets-country solo numbers.
Scott McLennan can be reached at smclennan1010@gmail.com.
