Three time GRAMMY Award-winner and multi Diamond certified artist Darius Rucker has returned with “I Believe”, his first new music since the release of his 2023 album, “Carolyn’s Boy”.

Released on 9 September via MCA, the deeply personal track centres on hope, love, truth and perseverance during uncertain times.

“I Believe” delivers message of hope

Rucker wrote “I Believe” alongside Eric Paslay, Wayne Hector and producer Steve Robson.

The song explores the importance of holding onto personal beliefs when circumstances become difficult, ultimately delivering an optimistic message about finding a way through darker periods.

Rucker has described the track as his “love letter to America” and recently offered an acoustic preview during an appearance on “The Dan Patrick Show”.

“The way the world is, where we are right now, I believe in us,” he said.

Darius Rucker reflects on difficult times

Throughout “I Believe”, Rucker considers moments when uncertainty, fear and negativity can become overwhelming.

Its central message focuses on maintaining faith in love, truth and hope, while encouraging listeners not to give up during challenging periods.

“I think we all have moments when we wonder if things are ever going to get better,” Rucker says.

“For me, this song is about remembering what you believe in when everything around you makes that hard. I believe in love. I believe in truth. I believe there’s always hope, and I believe in the people listening to this song. Sometimes you just need that reminder to keep going.”

Rucker releases first music since “Carolyn’s Boy”

“I Believe” marks Rucker’s first new musical release since “Carolyn’s Boy”, which arrived in 2023.

The new single continues a country career that began with his first country album in 2008 and has since delivered four No. 1 albums on the Billboard Country chart and 10 No. 1 singles at Country radio.

Rucker has also accumulated 11 Gold, Platinum or multi-Platinum-certified hits during his country career.

From Hootie & the Blowfish to country success

Before establishing himself as a solo country artist, Rucker achieved major international success as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of GRAMMY Award-winning band, Hootie & the Blowfish.

The group has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide. Its debut album, “Cracked Rear View”, is Double Diamond certified at 22 times Platinum and remains among the top 10 bestselling studio albums of all time.

Rucker subsequently established a successful career in country music and became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2012.

“Wagon Wheel” becomes career defining hit

In 2014, Rucker earned his third career GRAMMY Award when his recording of “Wagon Wheel” won Best Solo Country Performance.

The song has since been certified Diamond at 11 times Platinum and ranks among the top five bestselling country songs of all time.

“Wagon Wheel” has also surpassed one billion streams on Spotify, making it one of relatively few country songs to reach the streaming milestone.