Released in July 1994 by Atlantic Records, Cracked Rear View is Hootie & the Blowfish’s most successful album, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200 five times during the course of 1995.
It was also the best-selling album of 1995 in the United States, selling 7 million copies, and since then has gone on to sell more than 10.2 million copies, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time.
AllMusic’s Stephen Thomas Erlewine says Hootie & the Blowfish, on Cracked Rear View, “…deliver the goods, turning out an album of solid, rootsy folk-rock songs that have simple, powerful hooks.”
The album played a pivotal role in shaping the career of its lead vocalist, Darius Rucker, who transitioned to country music in the mid-2000s as a solo artist.
Cracked Rear View was an instant sensation, with chart-topping hits such as “Hold My Hand,” “Let Her Cry,” and “Only Wanna Be with You.”
The album has a distinctive sound, blending rock, pop, and a hint of folk, using Rucker’s soulful, raspy baritone as its emotional core, and his heartfelt delivery to win over audiences.
This Analogue Productions (Atlantic Series) reissue of Cracked Rear View has the essential elements that make it a standout for your collection.
They turned to Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound in Nashville for an exemplary cut direct from the master tape.
Pressing on 180-gram vinyl is by Quality Record Pressings, and the album is housed in tip-on old style gatefold double pocket jackets with film lamination by Stoughton Printing.
Cracked Rear View’s emotional depth and Rucker’s distinctive voice left an indelible mark on the music industry, making Hootie & the Blowfish’s debut album a timeless piece of musical history.
Tracklist:
Side 1
1. Hannah Jane
2. Hold My Hand
3. Let Her Cry
Side 2
1. I Only Wanna Be With You
2. Running From An Angel
3. I’m Goin’ Home
Side 3
1. Drowning
2. Time
Side 4
1. Look Away
2. Not Even The Trees
3. Goodbye
Recording information:
Title: Cracked Rear View
Artist: Hootie & The Blowfish
Genre: Pop-Rock
Media: 2x 180g LP Vinyl Stereo 45rpm, Limited, Remastered, . Mastered from Original Master Tape. High Quality Vinyl. Atlantic 75 Audiophile Series. Pressed @ QRP, USA
Label: Analogue Productions
Cat#: AAPA030-45
Released: 2.2.2024 in US
Original release: 1994 by Atlantic 82613-282613-2
EAN: 0753088753077
Discogs rel.#: 29685547
