Charles Kelley Draws Critical Acclaim For "Polished Yet Immensely Supple" (NPR) First Solo
GRAMMY Nominee Performed on
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Friday
NASHVILLE, TN – Dubbed by Entertainment Weekly as “one of the best voices in Music City” and landing on their “Must List,” today Charles Kelley releases his first-ever solo album THE DRIVER (Capitol Records Nashville). Fans tuned-in for a special performance of the album’s GRAMMY nominated lead/title track on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Friday (2/5).
"Kelley's soulful tone and incredible range shines on the album" (Huffington Post) with the nine-track disc already garnering attention from critics.
"It's polished yet immensely supple, a collection with room for his rousing mythologies of music's pull, patient seduction and autobiographical confessions." - NPR
"He relies on his strength, love songs in the key of blue-eyed soul: the elegantly aching 'I Wish You Were Here' (with Miranda Lambert singing lovely harmony) and 'Lonely Girl,' which shuffles with a kind of prim swagger." - New York Times
"A theme album in an age of singles, 'The Driver' is another fine example that country music is poised to shift away stifling trends and strive toward a more individually expressive era.” - Associated Press
"Kelley can be the captain of his own ship, steering 'The Driver' into territory not often explored…it's intimate, introspective stuff." - Rolling Stone
"Charles Kelley is taking a risk — and it’s paying off...It’s nice to see that Kelley has many facets when it comes to music. One of the best is that he continues to stay true to himself — all while telling stories. This is an artist who knows which lane he wants to be in, pushes forward and remains 'The Driver.'” - Albuquerque Journal
“Charles Kelley is going out on his own with his excellent first solo album…when you hear the Kelley solo album you will want more of the man on his own. His strong voice, plus producer Paul Worley's excellent contributions should have this just-released album climbing to the top of the charts. What a debut this is.” - The Virginian-Pilot
"Strong vocals shine on each cut." - St. Louis Dispatch
Additionally, Kelley will hit the road on for THE DRIVER TOUR picked up by Enterprise this spring with special guest Josh Kelley launching April 9 in Washington, D.C. at The Fillmore. Each ticket transaction will include a download of the new album.
Stepping outside of Lady Antebellum, one of the world’s most popular groups, Kelley’s THE DRIVER was produced by Paul Worley and features appearances from Miranda Lambert, Stevie Nicks, Dierks Bentley and Eric Paslay. For the album, Kelley explores new territory with a raw sound that pushes his vocals into a lower, grittier key. In addition to his success as part of seven-time GRAMMY award-winning trio Lady Antebellum, Kelley has also penned No. one hits recorded by Luke Bryan and Darius Rucker. For more information on new music and the upcoming tour, visit www.charleskelley.com.
