HARDY 'the mockingbird & THE CROW' Album Review

Platinum-selling and award-winning artist HARDY has finally released his album, the mockingbird & THE CROW. The highly anticipated record aims to take this singer-songwriter to the next level with its infusion of country and rock.

HARDY has long proved he is a force to be reckoned with in Nashville. As a songwriter, he goes by his name Michael Hardy, while he takes on HARDY as an artist. He has written No. 1 songs for Blake Shelton, Florida Georgia Line, and Morgan Wallen. HARDY has already let fans hear some of the new music found on his new album. "wait in the truck" featuring Lainey Wilson is a tale shedding light on domestic abuse while the song "JACK" touches on alcohol abuse.

It's clear that this album was designed to be two parts: the first half is meant to show HARDY's country music side, while the other half is a heavy rock sound. Tracks like "beer" and "drink one for me" carry his signature down-home style. It's what would be expected on a country record. "happy" is a track in particular that stands out. It's about realizing what is truly important without expectation or material things: "Happy don't have lies to tell / It doesn't want nothin' from no one else / And he never does concern himself with who's right or wrong."

A HARDY record wouldn't be complete without an appearance from his friend and longtime collaborator, Wallen. "red" features the "You Proof" singer and sees the buddies taking their harmony further. They each sing about all of the parts of a country boy's life that involve the color red. "I ain't talking politics, I'm talking small town / And if you're from one, you know what I'm talking 'bout / It's everywhere, I swear, from the courthouse bricks / To a crushed Bud heavy can fading in the ditch." Both HARDY and Wallen embrace their roots in their music, and the lyricism here showcases that.

The rock-infused half of the album kicks into full swing as soon as "SOLD OUT" comes on. Perhaps the most electrifying song on the record is ".30-06." HARDY has performed the track live on a few occasions, quickly becoming a fan favorite. The production contains angst and drum beats that can appeal to a wider audience beyond the country genre.

The album concludes with "THE REDNECK SONG." It culminates nicely at the end of the project, as it ties everything together sonically. The inclusion of crowd echoes during the chorus making it an anthem-like song. This entire record was made to be played in front of a live audience, where everyone can scream and rejoice in the name of music.

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