HARDY, A Rock

Hardy is no stranger to the top of the charts as a songwriter for others, including co-writing Hardy is no stranger to the top of the charts as a songwriter for others, including co-writing Blake Shelton’s “God’s Country” and Morgan Wallen’s “More Than My Hometown.” On his full-length debut, he proves as masterful at penning songs for himself as for others. As the title suggests, the tracks owe as much to AC/DC as to George Jones, but it’s Hardy’s lyrics that separate him from the pack. There’s a cleverness to his insights here, such as on chart topper, “One Beer,” featuring Lauren Alaina and Devin Dawson, about one too many drinks leading to a shotgun marriage, or “Boots,” in which he sleeps in his shoes because he knows his girlfriend is kicking him out come morning so he’s ready for a speedy retreat. The subject matter is well-trod, but in Hardy’s hands, he brings fresh ideas that should serve him well for decades. “God’s Country” and Morgan Wallen’s “More Than My Hometown.” On his full-length debut, he proves as masterful at penning songs for himself as for others. As the title suggests, the tracks owe as much to AC/DC as to George Jones, but it’s Hardy’s lyrics that separate him from the pack. There’s a cleverness to his insights here, such as on chart topper, “One Beer,” featuring Lauren Alaina and Devin Dawson, about one too many drinks leading to a shotgun marriage, or “Boots,” in which he sleeps in his shoes because he knows his girlfriend is kicking him out come morning so he’s ready for a speedy retreat. The subject matter is well-trod, but in Hardy’s hands, he brings fresh ideas that should serve him well for decades.