| Artist | Hardy |
|---|---|
| Cover | hardy a rock.jpg |
| Released | September 4, 2020 |
| Genre | Country · country rock[1] |
| Length | 42:01 |
| Label | Big Loud |
| Producer | Joey Moi · Derek Wells · David Garcia · Jake Mitchell |
| Prev year | 2019 |
| Next year | 2021 |
A Rock (stylized in all caps)[2] is the debut studio album by American country music singer Hardy, released on September 4, 2020, via Big Loud Records.[3]
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.[4]
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".[5] Zackary Kephart of Country Universe rated the album one out of five 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.[6]
Track listing
Notes
Personnel
Credits adapted from Tidal.[7]
- Hardy – lead vocals
- Joey Moi – production, mixing
- Derek Wells – production
- David Garcia – production on "Where Ya At"
- Jake Mitchell – production on "Unapologetically Country as Hell" and "A Rock"
- Ted Jensen – mastering
- Andrew Mendelson – mastering
- Jeff Balding – engineering
- Ally Gecewicz – editing, studio assistance
- Elvind Nordland – editing
- Scott Cooke – editing
- Ryan Yount – engineering assistance
- Sean R. Badum – engineering assistance
- Tori Alamaze – art direction, design
- Tanner Gallagher – cover photo, photography
- Chris Hornbuckle – photography
Charts
Weekly charts
| Chart (2020) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian Country Albums (ARIA)[8] | 20 |
Year-end charts
| Chart (2020) | Position |
|---|---|
| US Top Country Albums (Billboard)[9] | 63 |
| Chart (2021) | Position |
|---|---|
| US Top Country Albums (Billboard)[10] | 30 |
| Chart (2023) | Position |
|---|---|
| US Independent Albums (Billboard)[11] | 38 |
| US Top Country Albums (Billboard)[12] | 36 |
References
- ^ Freeman, Jon (July 21, 2020). "How Hardy Became Nashville's Most Clever New Redneck Songwriter". Rolling Stone. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
- ^ "A ROCK by HARDY on Apple Music". Apple Music. September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 23, 2020.
- ^ "A Rock – Hardy". AllMusic. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
- ^ Stefano, Angela (July 21, 2020). "Hardy plans debut album, 'A Rock', for September". Taste of Country. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
- ^ "A Rock review". Country Standard Time. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
- ^ "A Rock review". Country Universe. September 19, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
- ^ "A Rock / Hardy / Credits". Tidal. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
- ^ "ARIA Report". ARIA. August 17, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
- ^ "Top Country Albums – Year-End 2020". Billboard. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
- ^ "Top Country Albums – Year-End 2021". Billboard. Retrieved December 12, 2021.
- ^ "Independent Albums – Year-End 2023". Billboard. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
- ^ "Top Country Albums – Year-End 2023". Billboard. Retrieved November 22, 2023.