Steve Harwell Taking Lessons From Darius Rucker

Former Smash Mouth frontman Steve Harwell is the latest rocker to go country. But the singer insists he's not just following a trend -- he's following his heart. And he's also following in the footsteps of one of his buddies and greatest inspirations, Darius Rucker.

"We're on the same path," Steve tells Nashville's Tennessean newspaper of the Hootie and the Blowfish frontman who's now a solo country superstar. "I'm fortunate enough to have him on a track on my new record. I've wanted to make this record for a long time. It's kind of an alternative country. It's what people have been waiting to hear."

Steve's album, tentatively titled 'All The Way Gone,' has been in the works for over a year, he revealed to The Boot earlier this summer. His first single, 'Like I Don't Love You, will hit country radio this fall.