A Rock Explained

A Rock
Type:studio
Artist:Hardy
Cover:hardy a rock.jpg
Length:42:01
Label:Big Loud
Prev Title:Hixtape, Vol. 1
Prev Year:2019
Next Title:Hixtape, Vol. 2
Next Year:2021

A Rock (stylized in all caps)[1] is the debut studio album by American country music singer Hardy, released on September 4, 2020, via Big Loud Records.[2]

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.[3]

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."[4] 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.[5]

Track listing

Notes

Charts

Year-end charts

Chart (2023)Position
US Independent Albums (Billboard)[9] 38
US Top Country Albums (Billboard)[10] 36

Notes and References

  1. Web site: A ROCK by HARDY on Apple Music. Apple Music. September 4, 2020. September 23, 2020.
  2. Web site: A Rock – Hardy. AllMusic. September 21, 2020.
  3. Web site: Hardy plans debut album, 'A Rock', for September . . September 21, 2020 . Angela . Stefano . July 21, 2020.
  4. Web site: A Rock review . Country Standard Time . September 21, 2020.
  5. Web site: A Rock review . Country Universe . September 19, 2020 . September 21, 2020.
  6. Web site: ARIA Report. ARIA. August 17, 2020. September 21, 2020.
  7. Web site: Top Country Albums – Year-End 2020. Billboard. December 10, 2020.
  8. Web site: Top Country Albums – Year-End 2021. Billboard. December 12, 2021.
  9. Independent Albums – Year-End 2023. Billboard. November 27, 2023.
  10. Top Country Albums – Year-End 2023. Billboard. November 22, 2023.