Album: The Driver

Introduction
"The Driver" is a debut solo album by American country vocalist Charles Kelley, released on February 5, 2016, through Capitol Records Nashville. Kelley is best referred to as a member of the effective nation group Lady A (formerly called Lady Antebellum), and "The Driver" functions as his very first solo job outside the band. The album consists of nine tracks and features visitor looks by artists Dierks Bentley, Eric Paslay, Stevie Nicks, and Miranda Lambert. The album got critical recognition and made a Grammy election for its title track.

Background and Production
After a non-stop deal with Lady A for over 8 years, Charles Kelley decided to take a short hiatus and focus on his solo profession. He teamed up with manufacturer Paul Worley, with whom the band had worked previously on their early albums. Kelley was inspired to develop an album that showcased his musical influences, varying from traditional seventies rock to modern-day nation sounds.

The album's title track, "The Driver", was the product of a late-night writing session with Kelley, Eric Paslay, and Abe Stoklasa. The tune, composed in the kind of a conversation in between a traveler and a motorist, is a tribute to the life on the roadway and those who support the artists' professions. The track features guest vocals from Paslay and Dierks Bentley.

Cooperations and Featured Artists
"The Driver" consists of numerous visitor appearances, such as the legendary Fleetwood Mac frontwoman, Stevie Nicks, on the track "Southern Accents". This Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers cover provides a duet in between Kelley and Nicks, paying tribute to the late Petty. Miranda Lambert, another well-known country artist, works together on the psychological ballad "I Wish You Were Here", which showcases the artists' singing harmonies with sincere lyrics about missing out on an enjoyed one.

The album likewise includes the tune "Lonely Girl", co-written by Chris Stapleton, a c and w singer-songwriter who has experienced substantial success both as a solo artist and a songwriter.

Reception and Awards
"The Driver" received favorable reviews from critics, who applauded Kelley's choice to explore different sounds and styles outside Lady A. The album peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and No. 35 on the Billboard 200. The title track was nominated for Best Country Duo/Group Performance at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards.

The single "Lonely Girl" gathered attention for its positive tune and soulful vocals, making it a fan favorite from the album.

Tradition and Impact
Though "The Driver" didn't achieve the same sales figures as Lady A's successful releases, it showed to be a vital stepping stone for Charles Kelley in showcasing his flexibility and growth as a creative artist. The album allowed Kelley to display his distinct noise and singing abilities, leaving from the familiar harmonization with bandmates Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood.

Kelley went back to Lady A after the release and promo of "The Driver", adding to the band's success and securing his position as one of the leading voices in contemporary country music.