Applauded as the kind of artist and songwriter whose music continues to “embody that classic Country spirit while pushing the boundaries of modern radio music” (American Songwriter), Big Loud Records’ HARDY delivered just that on his debut album A ROCK (9/4), launching to widespread excitement and acclaim.

The 12-track statement is “an album that owes as much to AC/DC as George Jones” (Billboard), debuting as the #4 album on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart this week with over 16.5 MILLION on-demand streams since its release. Its success positions HARDY at the top of Billboard’s Country Songwriters chart simultaneously.

As fans nationwide continue to discover their favorites – from New York Times praised “BOYFRIEND,” “a sharply written song about taking things to the next level,” to redneck revelation “UNAPOLOGETICALLY COUNTRY AS HELL,” where HARDY’s “playing up his bona fides with country vernacular” (Rolling Stone) – the album is landing HARDY some of his career-best reviews. 

 

"issuing his first major statement as an artist with his debut album, A Rock" 
– ABC News Radio

“HARDY is a lyrical genius, and he proves it on ‘A Rock’” – American Songwriter

“one of the most self-assured full-length debut albums in years” – Billboard

“There’s a track on HARDY’s new album for every moment or stage in life” – Country Now

“HARDY’s ability to convey evocative details with universal appeal through his lyrics bodes well for his longevity in the format" – MusicRow

“…party-ready and deceptively deep” – Nashville Lifestyles

“When it comes to music, HARDY never has a plan B” – PEOPLE

“a prolific songwriter with hits like Morgan Wallen’s ‘Up Down’ and Blake Shelton’s ‘God’s Country,’ HARDY refines those skills to tell different kinds of stories and embrace new sounds on A Rock.” 
– Rolling Stone

"Featuring a grungy hard-rock sound and 12 smart, self-penned tracks, the album shows off a singer-songwriter with a style of his own, and it arrives while the whole industry is watching." 
– Sounds Like Nashville

"The 12-song tracklist…finds the singer-songwriter leaning into his storytelling side" 
– Sun Media

"His debut single, 2019's ‘Rednecker,’…shows an artist with a knack for smart, but accessible, songwriting. The 12 songs on his debut album, A Rock, further that picture."  – The Boot

 

Accompanying the new album’s popular rise, the Mississippi native’s current single “ONE BEER” feat. Lauren Alaina & Devin Dawson drives into the Country Top 10 this week across the board, marking HARDY’s first-ever Billboard Hot Country Songs chart Top 10 as an artist. The tune is also freshly certified GOLD by the RIAA, emphasizing its appeal as “a massive hit on country radio” (PEOPLE). 

Last week, HARDY made his debut on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert performing “AIN’T A BAD DAY” for their #PlayAtHome series (watch here), and celebrated the release of A ROCK with his HARDY Album Release Virtual Concert, where over 5,000 unique visitors tuned in from across the country to watch him perform the album top to bottom live. Next month, HARDY takes the stage at Georgia’s Rome River Jam alongside Morgan Wallen, Riley Green and Jon Langston for an innovative, outdoor live show implementing all-new COVID-19 safety measures. For event health and safety information and tickets, visit here.

ABOUT HARDY:
Big Loud Records' HARDY is flying high at Country radio with Top 10 GOLD-certified “ONE BEER” feat. Lauren Alaina & Devin Dawson, the lead single featured on his acclaimed debut album, A ROCK, out now. The project follows 2019’s countrified mixtape HiXTAPE VOL. 1 — praised by Billboard as “one of the most ambitious projects of the year” — and career-launching EPs THIS OLE BOY and WHERE TO FIND ME. As the newly-minted 2020 AIMP Songwriter of the Year, a MusicRow 2020 Next Big Thing artist, CMA Triple Play award recipient and Vevo DSCVR artist, the pride of Philadelphia, MS has earned his reputation as "Nashville's Most Clever New Redneck Songwriter" (Rolling Stone) with FIVE #1 singles as a writer since 2018: Morgan Wallen’s 2X PLATINUM “Up Down," FGL’s 2X PLATINUM “Simple,” Chris Lane’s PLATINUM “I Don’t Know About You,” Blake Shelton’s 3X PLATINUM “God’s Country," and LOCASH's "One Big Country Song." The ACM nominee for Songwriter of the Year and Song of the Year (“God’s Country”) has shared the stage with FGL, Chris Lane, Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell and Morgan Wallen.