While many have strong opinions—both positive and negative—about country music, there is no denying the passions that the genre has for three things: beer, love and the U.S.A.
Eric Church is a man who has brought us country fans many new anthems including “Creepin,” “Love Your Love The Most” and of course “Springsteen.” In his new album “Outsiders,” there is a ton of potential for greatest country hits in the making.
Church has done a fantastic job of making an album feel like a true experience. He knows how to incorporate every type of music you could want, from acoustics to even some rap, all while keeping the essence of true country music alive and well.
His title track “Outsiders” will have everyone chanting, “That’s who we are, that’s how we roll” at the beach this summer and the tailgates this fall. It is truly a sing-along anthem that will get people excited to turn up the radio when it comes on. Another track similar to “Outsiders” is “Cold One” which, has a rock-and-roll sound at first, but the fiddle comes in to save the day and give the country lovers something to stomp their boots to.
Church truly shines when it comes to the lyrics in his ballads. “Dark Side’s” lyrics “once that hammer drop, you don’t wanna be the one to try and make me stop” and the passionate “Like A Wrecking Ball’s” words “Damn you really turn me on paintin’ your toenails pink” will make you feel both heartache and true love all in one song.
“Give Me Back My Hometown” shines and definitely has the capability to be this album’s “Springsteen.” The soft guitar and the triumphant drums will make anyone proud and nostalgic of where they came from; after all, everyone has a hometown to which they have attached memories.
There is no doubt Church is continually solidifying his spot in country music’s big names. He’s become known as country’s bad boy, never being scared to sound mad or be vulnerable. I truly do not think that anyone can sing about whiskey, his hometown or losing and finding love quite like Church. While many are saying this is his best album yet, time will tell if he can fill some big shoes—his own.
Church’s new album is a truly wonderful experience to listen to, and while he may be singing about outsiders, there are sure to be many more spotlights on Church after this most release.
