Eric Church: “Country Music Has Become Too Homogenized, Too Commercial.”
Eric Church has been on sort of an “anti-publicity” publicity campaign for his latest record Mr. Misunderstood. He isn’t all over the place making appearances, he’s not granting many interviews, and there hasn’t been a lot of ads or other promo for the record. By releasing the album as a complete surprise on the night of the CMA’s on November 3rd, and giving away tens of thousands of copies to his fan club before it ever hit store shelves, he’s been relying more on good will and word of mouth to get the Mr. Misunderstood message out.
That has made an Eric Church interview these days a pretty rare instance, but he did talk with the Las Vegas Sun a while back in a fairly unpublicized piece that flew under the radar, but is stirring up dust now that it’s been discovered he had some pretty pointed words for where country music stands today.
“Country has become a bigger umbrella. It’s good and bad,” Church told the newspaper. “Country has become too homogenized and too commercial. It has lost what makes it special. It’s great that it’s popular, but then it starts to become watered down.”
This isn’t the first time Eric Church has criticized the direction of modern country, and he’s done it in his music as well. His song “Lotta Boot Left to Fill” from 2009 challenged the status quo of artists who were more about image than substance. In 2012 Church criticized singing competitions, and specifically The Voice, putting him at odds with Blake Shelton and his then wife Miranda Lambert. Church also had a song on his previous album The Outsiders that criticized the country music business.
So what should country music represent according to Eric Church?
“The song that speaks to the American condition,” he says. “It’s middle America. Eight out of 10 people. Maybe it’s not the No. 1 choice, but they listen to country. Consistency, as well.”
Eric Church also had specific praise for George Strait in the interview.
“He is incredible — especially his longevity. He has stayed true to who he is as an artist. It is an incredibly difficult thing to do, and he has been able to do that. And he’s had more than 60 No. 1 songs — some labels don’t have that!”
Many have wondered what would have happened if Eric Church ended up winning Male Vocalist of the Year instead of Chris Stapleton on that November evening at the CMA’s, or if Church had walked away with the night’s top prize—Entertainer of the Year. Would Mr. Misunderstood have become the blockbuster that Chris Stapleton’s Traveller did due to the buzz around Eric’s surprise release? Was some of the air taken out of Mr. Misunderstood because Chris Stapleton became the big story of the night and not Eric? We can only assume at this point, but Church has held fast to his (anti) marketing plan of letting the music sell itself, which may be a smart choice since it’s one of his most consistent records.
Justin
June 27, 2016 @ 6:48 pm
These are my top Country Singers of all-time
1. George Strait 60#1s 46 cma/acm awards 69 million albums sold (most awards/nominations in history) (2nd highest selling country artist behind Garth…12th highest US albums sold)
2. Hank Williams 11#1s no album info awards didn’t exist
3. Alan Jackson 35#1s 34awards Nearly 60 million albums
4. Merle Haggard 38#1s 25awards 3platinum/5goldalbums
5. Garth Brooks 19#1s 30awards top selling solo artist of all-time (all time he is 2nd to Beatles 123)
6. Dolly Parton 25#1s 19awards 100 million albums
7. George Jones 14#1s 11awards 2platinum/9goldalbums
8. Johnny Cash 13#1s 15awards 21.5albums
9. Alabama 43#1s 27awards +75albums
10. Reba McEntire 25#1s 19awards +56albums
11. Willie Nelson 12/23#1s (just 12 solo) 18awards 35albums
12. Conway Twitty 55#1s 11awards +50albums (2nd all time in no. 1 songs)
13?? Tim McGraw 27#1s 27awards+40albums
I know these artists and they didn’t make my list: Jimmie Rodgers, Roy Acuff, Ernest Tubb, Lefty Frizzellm Bob Wills
Justin
June 27, 2016 @ 7:03 pm
Trigger? Anybody? I like a good debate…just FYI I’m new to this site and I’m a fan. Brocountry is horrific and I’m glad this site brings it to light.
Daniel
June 27, 2016 @ 7:19 pm
I wouldn’t really gauge the best on number 1’s or awards, IMO Waylon Jennings should be above many of those up there. It’s all subjective though.
Justin
June 27, 2016 @ 7:40 pm
Daniel,
I considered him too. If I’m being fair I’m 32 years old…so it is hard for me to realize how big he was. Country Music Television ranked him no. 5 as “Greatest Men of Country Music” in 2003. He won only 5 awards though (1 male vocalist) total and is really mostly known for the Willie duets. 15 number ones…
Adam
June 28, 2016 @ 7:18 am
Mostly known for Willie duets? Maybe to you and other newfound classic country fans but you don’t speak for the rest of us.
Jeremy
June 28, 2016 @ 10:49 am
Yes, just listen to the Waylon Live album. It shows how truly great he sas
FLcracker
June 28, 2016 @ 11:39 am
Really? I sure am glad you found this site, so you could educate the rest of us on what Waylon was mostly known for.GTFO!
Justin
June 28, 2016 @ 6:14 pm
O.k. where would you all put Waylon? Are you going to put him at 11? Past Willie?
Jordan
June 29, 2016 @ 2:04 am
Hard to rank buddy. You’ll fit in well here. Welcome to the site. You’re fixing to get educated on good country. Look through old reviews!
Allison
June 29, 2016 @ 10:49 am
Waylon is “really mostly known for the Willie duets”?? How you figure? I’m only 25 years old, and I know better than that!
Anyway, stick with us, Justin. We’ll learn ya something.
Justin
June 29, 2016 @ 5:10 pm
O.k. where is Waylon ranking then? Everyone give me a ranking.
-Waylon won five awards? 1 male vocalist. Ever?
-15 number one’s? One really needs to hit 20 for HOF (although I’m not kicking him out of the HOF).
-Does he have a solo career song? “Amanda”?
-If we look past Luckenbach and not count it as a duet with Willie, 4 of his 15 no. 1’s were duets.
-If he wasn’t an outlaw/highwaymen…how much success would he have had?
Big Cat
June 29, 2016 @ 3:49 pm
In my personal opinion Waylon is towards the top of ANY list. I don’t get the duet comment.
Jeremy
June 27, 2016 @ 7:22 pm
I guess the question is are we ranking the artists by vocal talent, sales, by just who “clicks” with us, or just some overall slubbing together of everything?
Justin
June 27, 2016 @ 7:43 pm
Overall slubbing together of everything. I’m 32 years old- so I know that is a weakness. I know it’s subjective. Alan Jackson is my all time personal favorite…but not the greatest ever. The toughest one was who to put at 3- AJ or Haggard.
Jeremy
June 27, 2016 @ 8:46 pm
I’m only 31 so, don’t hold your age against you. I just got tired of radio country back in college and started looking for better music. Plus I had a great classic country station to listen to in high school. I started with the legends and looked for newer artists carrying the torch. I’ve been a fan of Texas country and Americana ever since.
Jeremy
June 27, 2016 @ 8:54 pm
With that said my all time top 10 is something like this:
Waylon
Don Williams
Merle Haggard
Hank Sr
Cash
Willie
George Jones
Guy Clark
Dwight Yoakam
Jason Isbell
Justin
June 27, 2016 @ 8:55 pm
Jeremy,
I need to look into Texas country and Americana…I used to love country…this whole bro crap isn’t for me…
Jeremy
June 27, 2016 @ 9:11 pm
Some of my favorites are Turnpike Troubadours, early Randy Rogers band, Wade Bowen, John Moreland, John Fullbright, Charlie Robison, Robert Earl Keen, Townes Van Zandt, John D Hale Band (from Missouri), Chris Knight, and Mike and the Moonpies. I’m sure I’ve left some out. I love American Aquarium too, great songwriting. Not exactly a counter sound with some of these but great writing. Look for Luke Bell and Corb Lund too
Justin
June 28, 2016 @ 6:19 pm
In that order? Don Williams wouldn’t make “the” all=time list but I did like him. Wonderful, soothing voice and great songwriting. “Good Ol’ Boys Like Me” is a classic. Guy Clark is a songwriter. Dwight shouldn’t and won’t make the HOF, but remember when guys could sing with a nasally sound and that was o.k.? That was before that sound was banned, kinda like banjos, fiddles and steel guitars. Jason Isbell?
I need to youtube the guys in the other list. This new stuff is horrible.
Jeremy
June 28, 2016 @ 9:54 pm
Yes for me in that order. I threw Isbell in there because his songwriting is top notch in my book. That’s my all time ten, just for me. If we are going for right now what I listen to its more like:
Isbell
Sturgill Simpson
Turnpike Troubadours
American Aquarium
John Moreland
Chris Stapleton
Cody Jinks
Whitey Morgan
Ryan Bingham
John Fullbright
truth5
June 28, 2016 @ 6:06 am
Maybe the worst list I’ve ever seen. You can’t judge talent by record sales. Strait is not a top 10 country vocalist, maybe not even top 15. His vocals are slightly above average at best, and that’s the truth. Hes a good singer, has picked great songs, and has been marketed very well. But lets not get carried away on his vocal talent here, got to be realistic.
Dogit
June 28, 2016 @ 9:32 am
You must not be familiar with Straits song catalog. He has range and very good vocals. He is certainly a top 10. If you were ranking a top 10 based strictly on vocals. who would be in your top 10?
Matt Bjorke
June 28, 2016 @ 5:12 pm
Vocal range should never be the be all, end all for who is good or bad. That’d certainly leave out Willie, Johnny Cash, Kris and Waylon from many lists.
Talent overcomes many things, including vocal range, if one knows how to utilize it!
truth5
June 29, 2016 @ 7:09 am
The problem when people do a “best of” list is you’ve got to distinguish what you’re actually ranking.
If you’re talking about “singer/vocalist” – you’ve got to look at range, power, soul, emotion, style, controllability, clearness, influence, etc… You are right, Willie, Kris (extremely limited vocalist), Cash, and even Waylon were not exceptional vocalists and would not be included on my list of top “singers”.. All of these would be on my list of “top artists”.
If you’re talking about best “artist” – you’ve got to look at vocal ability, songwriting, musician, recorded output, performer, influence etc..
If you’re talking about commercial success – then you’re really not looking at anything but what has been marketed to the public, and we all know how well the general public views talent. This is the reason we’ve got idiots who rank Garth Brooks as a better “singer” than Jones, Whitley, or Gosdin.
Justin
June 28, 2016 @ 6:21 pm
My list was meant to be “country singers ever,” really career success. Still, I’d put Strait at 2 on my PERSONAL list…1 AJ…but we are getting into the preference territory…
truth5
June 29, 2016 @ 5:56 am
Again, you can’t judge “best country singers ever” off of commercial success… Love AJ and Strait, but neither are top 10 singers in country music as far as vocalists and both of them would tell you that. If you judge off of commercial success alone, you’d have to include Luke Bryan and Taylor Swift in your list because they both had significant commercial success… You also can’t judge awards as awards are the biggest crock of shit around.
When you’re talking about a country singer being a great singer/vocalist, you need to look at soul, emotion, phrasing, range, style, control, etc….
Justin
June 29, 2016 @ 4:59 pm
Strait and AJ wouldn’t even be in the top 10? Come on now. Strait had more no. 1s then anyone and I’m not sure if that record will ever be broken. The EOTY from a couple of years ago was amazing. He’s the king. AJ’s success as a singer/songwriter- I wouldn’t put anyone above him than Hank.
Luke Bryan and Taylor Swift will never make the list. They are not country and the later would tell you that. I’m not even letting them into the HOF.
Awards are an indicator. It isn’t the end all be all, that is why I’m including album sales and no. 1’s and legacy which IS hard to quantify (career songs, etc.)
“When you’re talking about a country singer being a great singer/vocalist, you need to look at soul, emotion, phrasing, range, style, control, etc…. ” That is subjective. We can all have an opinion on that. That would be more who the individual prefers. My list was looking at commercialism essentially. I’m a commercialist and that is why the new “bro” movement kills me. The actual thought that people could consider this new stuff country. The audacity.
Jordan
June 29, 2016 @ 2:12 am
You can argue Strait’s songwriting skills (he’s barely written any of his hits) but you can’t dog his vocals. If we judge off of pure vocals he’s definitely top 3, if not top 2.
truth5
June 29, 2016 @ 5:42 am
If you think Strait has top 3 vocals, you Jordan are an idiot and need to do some research
Jordan
June 29, 2016 @ 4:52 pm
Wow. I guess we’re no longer entitled to our own opinion. I can’t believe you don’t even think he’s in the top 15. Maybe I should call you an idiot. Nah that’s messed up. You can think that if you want buddy.
Adrian
June 29, 2016 @ 1:05 pm
The key to Strait is that his interpretation of songs is 2nd to none. No one can touch him. It’s not what he does, it’s what he doesn’t do, vocally. Now, add that to picking great songs over the course of thirty years, having charisma standing at the mic and remaining on top for that long. Now you have a legend.
MH
June 28, 2016 @ 7:32 am
If we’re going by voice, my Top 5 country male of all time looks like this:
1) The Possum
2) Twitty
3) Hag
4) Whitley
5) Gosdin
Jukebox
June 28, 2016 @ 3:11 pm
In my opinion when it comes to vocals one of the best, and real underrated, is Gary Stewart. He’s in my top 5.
MH
June 29, 2016 @ 12:59 pm
Jukebox,
Definitely agree with you on the underrated Gary Stewart.
truth5
June 29, 2016 @ 5:51 am
MH,
You are a smart man…Very good list of true great vocalists
Voice alone….
Definitely Possum at 1
I say Gosdin at 2. Didn’t really have the commercial success, but the only thing remotely close to Jones as far as range, soul, and emotion.
Whitley at 3, as far as natural vocal talent. Died young so doesn’t have the catalog
Hag 4
Can’t argue with Twitty in the top 5, as far as pure vocal talent he may be ahead of Hag.
The next level of great vocals would include Tammy Wynette, Patsy Cline, Gene Watson, Gary Stewart, Randy Travis, Dwight Yoakam. John Anderson has a great unique voice. Daryle Singletary in my opinion is the most underrated vocalist in the history of country music.
Nothing against Strait, because has stayed country and has a great catalog of music with solid vocals. But he can’t touch the singers listed above (as far as a vocalist). I can name 7 to 10 more that can outsing Strait.
MH
June 29, 2016 @ 1:14 pm
truth5,
Hag couldn’t wail away like Twitty could, which is why I put “The Best Friend a Song Ever Had” ahead of Merle. Hag could, however, sing falsetto (see Sing a Sad Song).
Twitty’s wailing on display. Dude nails it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYBAQ88vEGU
truth5
June 29, 2016 @ 1:57 pm
MH,
Good debate. Yes Twitty could definitely sing. I give the nod to Gosdin and Whitley over him due to soul and emotion. Hag’s low note was unreal as well, but good debate between him and Conway. Conway did have more power than the Hag. I like the Hag’s music better, which is why I rank him higher. Good discussion either way. We do agree on Jones though. Jones is the clear cut number 1 no comparisons when he was in his prime. Jones vocals in the late 60’s to mid 70’s before he became addicted to cocaine were just unreal. He barely had to open his mouth and could pull off the most power, soul, and phrasing with little effort. Even when his life was in shambles in the late 70’s/early 80’s, addicted to drugs and nothing short of a complete alcoholic, he still outsang everyone by a mile. Its hard to believe but Bartenders Blues, He Stopped Loving Her Today, and Aged 20 years in 5 were all recorded when he was a 50 year old sick from drugs and booze, weighing 105 lbs.
Andrew
June 28, 2016 @ 3:47 pm
My top 15 country artists would be:
Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, David Allan Coe, Hank Williams, Charlie Daniels, Hank Jr., Kris Kristofferson, Jerry Reed, George Jones, Jimmie Rodgers, Alan Jackson, George Strait, Johnny Paycheck
I can’t decide on the order.
MH
June 30, 2016 @ 10:52 am
It’s incredible that even through the cocaine and alcohol years and thereafter, the Possum kept his voice. Most singers’ voices would be completely wrecked after that stuff.
Ol’ George was a mo-sheen!
indk
June 29, 2016 @ 2:28 am
None of these lists on here include the greatest female country artist of all time…..Loretta Lynn.
The Pigdog
June 29, 2016 @ 3:43 am
No personal offense intended towards Justin but that is a shitty list of “the best” country singers. I agree w/ George, Johnny and Merle. Garth Brooks is probably the best country marketer, but awards and maximum output do not equal good. All of those on the list have a couple good/great songs but most of the albums are “filler”. Maybe try some JP Harris and the Tough Choices, or some Jimmie Dale Gilmore. My all-time favi=orite is JJW “It’s a Good night for Singing”.
Michael Reddy
June 29, 2016 @ 7:34 am
Male:
Merle Haggard
Hank Williams
George Strait
Alan Jackson
Wille Nelson
Female:
EmmyLou Harris
Reba McEntire
Dolly Parton
Martina McBride
Tammy Wynette
These 10 artists have been an indelible part of my life for decades and I am enterally grateful for there music.
Waylon Van Smack
June 29, 2016 @ 8:26 am
your #1 is all fucked up, as is your #5 and #10 and your honorable mention isn’t even a singer.
Justin
June 29, 2016 @ 7:39 pm
Waylon Van Smack,
I hate Garth Brooks. I really do. It’s personal. Too many reasons to count but it all boils down to his egocentric deal. I have to pay him respect though. Highest selling solo artist EVER. He is a great singer. He is country. The dude is still selling concerts out.
10 was Reba. Did you mean 11- Willie Nelson? I’m personally not a big fan. His voice- ugh…kinda like Bob Dylan…acquired taste that I’m not personally a fan of. He is a legend though. Songwriter. Come on I’m trying to suck up to the “old farts and jackasses” crowd- isn’t that what Blake Shelton called older people?
And I’m assuming you are referring to McGraw on the honorable mention…I did put a question mark beside his name. Again, I personally do not like him. What he’s done though has been impressive…he is a hall of famer in my book. I probably wouldn’t have him at 13 really…I think I did have (originally) like 13. Loretta Lynn, 14. Tammy Wynette, 15. Patsy Cline…I’m not so sure that Underwood hasn’t passed all of them now though. I’m putting her in the hof now. I know, I know let the onslaught on me continue!
Mule
June 30, 2016 @ 7:23 am
Music is an art. It should not be quantifiable nor should it be a competition. It is subjective. All the awards and chart success is just a measure of great marketing and mass exposure. Case in point: “You Light Up My Life” is the number one song of the entire decade of the 70s – a decade that spawned many, many classic songs. Think about that. Personal taste is all that matters.
Except for Florida Georgia Line. They just suck.
Warthog
June 27, 2016 @ 7:00 pm
“Love Your Love the Most” and a few songs on “The Outsiders” notwithstanding, I’m a big fan of Eric Church. Even when he was making braggadocious claims and saying he invented beer and truck songs, I liked the guy. Sure, he could take a notch or too off his ego, but if his ego is what keeps him from going pop or trying to stay relevant, let him keep bragging.
“Mr. Misunderstood” was, in my opinion, one of the best albums released last year, and with claims like this, I think it’s safe to say he’s staying true.
It’s interesting to think about if Eric and “Mr. Misunderstood” were in the position that Chris Stapleton and “Traveler” are in. Honestly, I don’t think the results would be any different. I think “Misunderstood” would still be just as criminally ignored at radio as “Traveller.”
Chris31
June 27, 2016 @ 7:03 pm
Mr. Misunderstood had to be one of my favorite recent albums. I’m making sure its on my phone as we speak that i can listen to it on a long business flight i have to take in the morning. Its just a really good listen in my opinion.
Just added it along with Courtney Pattens So This is Life and Randy & Wades Watch this live album (was hoping to see a review Trig).
Speaking of Wade at least and I know this is way off topic but he played a show in Rome GA a few weeks ago. It was a heck of a show but i got the feeling he wasn’t a friendly guy. I guess Cody Jinks spoiled me into thinking all artist spent time at least meeting the fans who took time to come see them and buy their music (heck it was a small crowd and meeting everyone would have not taken long). The guy selling merchandise told me before the show that i shouldn’t get my hopes up in meeting Wade because he didn’t do that kind of stuff. I had hoped he didn’t know what he was talking about but he was right. Atleast he heard my request for “Standards”…..
Trigger
June 27, 2016 @ 7:48 pm
Some artists take the time to meet their fans, some don’t. A lot of fans use it as a gauge of character, but some artists are just shy. Sturgill never spent time meeting his fans. Hank3 will stay for three hours until every hand is shook, and every autograph is signed. Hank Williams did the same thing.
Scott
July 1, 2016 @ 6:12 am
That’s not true at all about Sturgill. Before Metamodern came out, when he was playing small venues I was able to meet and talk to sturgill after shows on two separate occasions. He signed whatever I asked and was willing to take a picture. After the size of his shows/crowd ballooned i haven’t seen him following a concert, understandably.
Trigger
July 1, 2016 @ 9:11 am
Yeah, I was talking more post Metamodern, when most people found out about Sturgill and he was actually putting together a sizable draw. When you’re only playing to 5-20 people, you kind have no other choice but to meet and greet them. But even then I think Sturgill was pretty shy. What I’m trying to say is that I don’t that should be held against an artist. Artists are a little off kilter by nature, some have social anxieties and such. It’s always great when they treat their fans well, but I don’t think it should be required.
Scott
July 1, 2016 @ 10:32 am
Absolutely. Some of these guys/girls play 200+ shows a year, it’s asking way too much of them to meet even half the people that come to a show. Jason Boland does it a lot but Wade may not. Randy Rogers does, shooter does a lot. I once saw Seth James walk around after a show going out of his way to thank fans for supporting the band. But you can’t take it personal when they don’t.
Cool Lester Smooth
June 27, 2016 @ 7:40 pm
Say what you will about Church, but he certainly walks the walk.
I don’t like The Outsiders, but it’s anything but homogenous. He consciously makes an attempt to do something different each album.
Dogit
June 27, 2016 @ 8:00 pm
I will always respect Eric Church for opening his own show in 2015 Orange Beach, Alabama. He makes sure you get your money’s worth. As for all time favorites:
1. George Strait
2. George Jones
3. Alan Jackson
4. Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard
5. Hank Williams
6. Johnny Cash
7. Bob Wills
8. Hank Jr
seak05
June 27, 2016 @ 8:07 pm
I think a lot of Stapleton’s post CMA success was down to his performance with JT more than the awards. It’s interesting, Church’s music is great & I’ve seen videos of him live, but his last couple award show performances (where you get the bigger audience) have been underwhelming.
seak05
June 27, 2016 @ 8:08 pm
Also I don’t particularly like the guy. I’ve never understood the need to shade others to justify yourself.
Mike
June 27, 2016 @ 8:16 pm
Eric Church is an interesting case because he clearly has a lot of love for country music and respect for the artists that came before him; but, at the same time he so desperately wants to be a rock star but there is no true home for his music anymore which has created this misplaced image in country music. He tries to act like a rock star but that’s not what country music fans want in the artists they listen to and so he ends up contradicting himself and backing up on some of his statements. And I think when you start looking at him with this in mind his marketing and image and the way his music has changed make a lot of sense.
Considering all this I typically like to give him a pass for his own personal transgressions against country music because if you look at the cumulative of his music, statements, and actions they show a true concern for the state of country music. He might not be the solution and he may have at times been part of the problem but I think these statements should not be dismissed and they do carry with them some credibility.
These comments may seemed a little useless but they are just a snapshot of the conclusion I have come to after following the career of Church and people’s response to him. He is a very controversial figure and I think it is very important to understand all his different layers.
Jim Bob
June 27, 2016 @ 10:27 pm
Didn’t set out to be argumentative, but shit just is what it is sometimes. He gets no pass whatsoever simply because he’s made “comments.” Hell, I’m sure FGL and Sam Hunt have comments about loving country music, too. The dude had a giant platform and chose to record shitty music from it. That deserves condemnation, not understanding.
Though to be fair, it does seem his heart lies with actual country music and he seems to have the talent to make something of it. Without the spine to actually do it though, a heart in the right place means precisely dick. It means less than dick. I’m ashamed to say I used to be an Eric Church fan
Mike
June 28, 2016 @ 4:57 am
I understand your comments but part of the reason I give him a pass is because he’s because a majority of his music is not shitty. He’s written some great songs over the years. I’m not saying he hasn’t written songs that are sellouts and just plainly bad songs but a large portion of his catalog is good music. If his catalog had consisted largely of songs that were of a similar quality to Sam Hunt, Aldean, and Bryan, I would not give him a pass. But that is not the case. None of those three have written songs like Lightning, Dark Side, Creepin’, and Knives of New Orleans.
Orgirl1
July 5, 2016 @ 9:55 pm
“Considering all this I typically like to give him a pass for his own personal transgressions against country music because if you look at the cumulative of his music, statements, and actions they show a true concern for the state of country music.”
I agree 100%. I also feel like when Eric C. writes a country song, it’s a country song. He understands country music, loves it, has lived and breathed it. I also feel like he enjoys experimenting and mixing genres, in a creative way. His music feels more authentic to me than bro-country that feels like it was manufactured from a focus group. I prefer his music that is more country, but I still like his current music.
BwareDWare94
June 27, 2016 @ 8:47 pm
I wonder what songwriting path this leads him down. I honestly think he has to move away from the heartland rock/americana realm because I don’t think he can top Mr. Misunderstood with another album in that vein. I’d love to hear him record an album with some fiddle, steel, dobro, and mandolin. I’m not sure it’s in his toolbox but I want him to prove me wrong.
Convict charlie
June 28, 2016 @ 6:46 am
It would take another producer most likely for that to happen as he uses jay Joyce. He’s pretty much a rock producer.
BwareDWare94
June 28, 2016 @ 10:33 am
I wish he’d team up with Dave Cobb for an album.
Leigh Anne
June 27, 2016 @ 10:08 pm
His songwriting is good but find it funny that Mr rock and roll says country is watered down- since he is also watering it. Better than most but he seems to think he is too cool for school
Jim Bob
June 27, 2016 @ 10:17 pm
Not sure what to make of Eric Church. Bought his 1st album and liked it a lot (at the time), but almost everything since has been shit. Absolute shit. Admittedly, have only heard mr. Misunderstood off the last one, but it wasn’t half bad.
Just don’t know if he doesn’t realize he was a big part of what he’s bitching about, or if he does realize it and is trying to make amends for it. For my part, I hope he realizes it and is trying to make songs that help country music going forward. Dude could really make a difference if he actually believes even half of what he’s saying. So far, his overall discography says he doesn’t believe any of it
Stephanie
June 28, 2016 @ 6:08 pm
This is interesting. My guess is he’s delusional, but bright enough to know he’s been part of the problem, yet banking on the fact that the rest of us aren’t.
I will say- I appreciate that, for the most part, he seems to make music for grown ups. That’s one of the things I’m missing most in current mainstream country.
I love his newest album. But, save for a few songs, I think The Outsiders should be lit on fire and drive over with a truck.
BwareDWare94
June 28, 2016 @ 9:57 pm
I think the Outsiders would have been a great album if the instrumental arrangements were even somewhat cohesive, but the album ended up sounding like a mixtape. I give him a pass because I believe he had good intentions, but it lacked what gave him his identity–great front to back albums with no skip tracks. I think I listened to “Roller Coaster Ride” all of once in its entirety. I skip it every time. Bar none the worst song he’s ever released.
thebugman10
July 2, 2016 @ 7:07 pm
I’ll preface this with saying that I’m a huge Church fan. He’s my favorite “mainstream” country artist. As far as his worst song goes, it is most definitely “Drink in My Hand”. It’s probably the only song of his I actively dislike.
Marky Mark
June 29, 2016 @ 12:25 pm
I would put church in the same bag as Dierks Bentley. Both are clearly quite capable of making excellent country music. But they are stuck with a very large fan base that want music that is more in the rock vain. So what are they do? On the one hand they can stay true to their roots and make great country music and simultaneously watch their records sell significantly less or they can mix both types of music, albeit with a heavier emphasis on the rock music so as not to alienate the rock component of their Fanbase, in which case they antagonize country music fans. I would imagine that it’s hard to step off the gravy train when you’re making good money. Seeing as I like rock music, I have no problem with either one of them (although I’ve avoided Dierks’ new album like the plague based on the reviews here). I think Dierks got it right when he did the bluegrass album, clearly throwing a bone to this country fans and Church just did a similar thing with Mr. misunderstood, a much more stripped down affair which, while not country, Is certainly a lot closer (being heartland rock) than most of his recent releases. .
Scott S.
June 27, 2016 @ 11:23 pm
I have a love-hate relationship with Eric Church’s music. At first I really liked him, but no else did. Then he blew up and I wasn’t liking his new music so much. In the last few years I have taken the songs I like and made a mix that I enjoy. I think I have decided that he has about 4 to 5 solid tunes on each album, with the rest either so so or crap.
I guess that makes him alright, but not great.
Charles Murphy
June 28, 2016 @ 4:30 am
To the poster saying Chrch wants to be a rock star, you couldn’t be more correct. He wants to shake things up, be demanding of other people and tours (Rascal Flatts & Country Throwdown) to achieve his goals while stepping on the backs of other he deems unfit to carry his message or gets in his way. That’s great…it’s considered cool in the rock world but in country world, that can spell death. The only reason it hasn’t in Eric Church’s case is he got the fans on his side first and then proceeded to piss off who he wanted. If he hadn’t done this early on, I think the “powers that be” would’ve regulated him to a song writing room or outta town. He sells records, so they put up with him….for now.
Saw him on Austin City Limits recently and that show doesn’t lie when it comes to how any act REALLY sounds. Church and his outsiders sounded like an above average bar rock band with nothing but two volumes to pick from but that’s kinda typical for all Nashville acts since the mid 2000s.
Annabelle
June 28, 2016 @ 5:26 am
I’ve become a bigger fan over the past couple of years and for me, his latest album was a welcome find in that sea of musical garbage that seems to be floating around country radio lately.
Church is Church; he is not trying to keep up with the latest trends/fads, he isn’t selling out….he seems to be just doing it his way with his music. For Church, it is just about the music and most of his fans stand behind him for his music. It’s not about shaking his ass on stage, flexing biceps or being on the latest “eye candy” list floating around social media. He doesn’t feel the need to post his life all over social media; I don’t think that he even bothers to walk the red carpet at award shows any more. Most of these country “artists” today are so busy with the whole marketing image appeal that the music is secondary and that is why we are getting the sell out garbage that we are getting on the radio.
Anyone who can walk out on stage with just a guitar and blow an audience away with just an acoustic show get props in my book. That show in Salt Lake City, when his band and crew were sick with the stomach flu and he didn’t cancel; he gave them an acoustic show and then came back later to do the actual show. Most country artists out there today would cancel immediately. His two night solo shows coming up in August at Red Rocks are sold out. How Aldean won Entertainer of the Year over Church is beyond me.
This interview was done back in the Spring while he was in Scotland…..first time I’d seen an interview with him like this. Gained more respect for him after this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxfMO5bNgHc
Don
June 28, 2016 @ 6:01 am
Mr. Misunderstood is truly one of my favorite albums over the past five years. I never tire of it and I believe it will stand the test of time.
Lisa
June 28, 2016 @ 6:52 am
Its funny, the whole thing with publicity. I was listening to Eric Church, and was thinking randomly about the last awards show, where so many artists “took credit” for Chris Stapleton. You could see Eric Church smiling and laughing politely in the audience, and I was surprised the writers didn’t have him in on the bit, considering he had Chris Stapleton out on tour last year, about the time “Traveller” came out (I saw them last April and it was a fantastic show!) He probably could have taken credit for Chris Stapleton more than anyone else, but he chooses to go to these shows, accept anything thrown his way, and maybe perform. He keeps it about the music, and doesn’t seem to want to be involved in “antics” and I like that about him. It leaves him a little mysterious, the fact that he keeps quiet except for the occasional interview, doesn’t really use Twitter, Instagram or Facebook the way others might, as if they are best buddies with their fans.
seak05
June 28, 2016 @ 7:13 am
BTW it’s funny that Eric Church shaded Miranda (since she got her start on a reality TV show), since musically I find them to be two sides of the same coin. Both very much lean towards rock & go for similar images.
Rad
June 28, 2016 @ 7:19 am
Can someone fill me in on why some of the names in the comment section are orange and some aren’t ? Thanks!
Trigger
June 28, 2016 @ 8:00 am
When you’re filling out your personal info before you comment, if you wish to include a personal website that people can click on, it will show up in orange denoting a link. Otherwise, it’s just regular text.
Erik North
June 28, 2016 @ 7:28 am
While I agree to a great deal with Eric Church that the genre is too homogenized and too commercial, I would be lying if I said I didn’t disagree with his notion that the genre is Middle America, especially if he’s making that statement as a geographical generalization.
Country music is, or should be anyway, about the rural and small-town experience wherever it exists, be it in the South, the Midwest, the Northeast, or out here in the Far West. It can’t be confined to just one region of the country itself, and it certainly can’t be confined to a glorified set of clichés about guzzling booze and making out on tailgates and all that other stuff, like so much of Bro-Country is. And it certainly doesn’t sound very “country” when you bury all the true country instrumentation (including the Telecasters) under loud walls of Southern rock electric guitars, EDM beats, and Autotune.
Sadly, I’m afraid that that is exactly what passes for “country music” is these days, with a generation of performers who have nary a clue about REAL rural and small-town life in all its forms and in all places that gave rise to the genre.
Wayne Ryan
January 13, 2017 @ 12:19 pm
“Middle America is a colloquial term for the United States heartland, especially the culturally rural and suburban areas of the United States.
Middle America is generally used as both a geographic and cultural label, suggesting a Central United States small town or suburb where most people are middle class; Evangelical Christian, Mainline Protestant or Catholic; and white.[1][2]”
Middle America isn’t regional specific it’s cultural specific. The term Middle America is a reference to the areas where middle-class people live; small towns across the US. Texas to Montana, California to Carolina, anywhere in between, as long as it fits rural American culture. Yes it has a bent towards the central US, as the coasts are highly populated and have a different culture. But middle America is more of a social label than a location.
Rad
June 28, 2016 @ 7:43 am
Dear Eric,
Your stuff is better than most of what’s on the radio. It’s a little grittier. The subject matter is different, and a little cooler. But let’s get fucking real brother. We both know you don’t get a writing deal or a record deal these days (or just a few years ago like you did) without playing the game the way they want you too. Yes maybe you rebel a little bit, but all this rebel image stuff is just that. You were not in the trenches long. You had a couple of tough gigs here and there then chalked that up to experience and kissed the right ass to get to the next level. So quit acting like you paid hard dues. What you call paying dues sir, some call making a living. There are artists who were breaking their neck before you came along, and will continue to do so long after you “slow down from touring” and all the other typical stuff that major stars do. And you and I both know that the best artist and best song do not always get the break. Yes George strait has had an amazing career. And he’s never had to work at having an image. Or openly criticized anyone for anything, other than a classy song with Prince Alan. He’s always been the singing cowboy. Humble and very aware of why he’s where he is. So fuck you if you don’t like singing competitions. We can’t all move to Nashville and kiss ass and go to parties and do all that you’re supposed to do to get ahead. And then once we’re there, act like we don’t like it. Maybe you don’t like it, but you did it while others maintain their musical soul and integrity. So if I want to get on a the Voice and sing for millions after breaking my neck for years on the road, it’s no different than your label/publicity people getting you on to the late night shows. I’m doing it to sell records, just like you. Piss off dude. Old Levon would’ve laughed at you and said you were full of shit.
Ryan
July 1, 2016 @ 7:35 pm
If you would take a look and see who has opened for him over the years, you would realize he trying to help those very talented, but much lesser known artist catch a break.
Stringbuzz
June 28, 2016 @ 7:53 am
Personally, I am a big fan of EC.
I love his music. Me and the wife can sit out at camp and listen to EC all day.
I’ve seen him a bunch of times in concert. I’ve seen a lot of shows. EC is a pro. I’ll go again.
I believe He truly appreciates his fans.
I believe he appreciates the success they’ve given him.
I understand why the soley traditionalists and the purests don’t like him. But I am not one of those.
He may be more rock or this or that, IDK, but he is not the problem with country music.
I appreciate that he acts his age as well and represents that well with his music.
Paulie
June 28, 2016 @ 12:10 pm
Agree with all of this!!
Rad
July 1, 2016 @ 9:58 pm
Well good on him for that, but that has nothing to do with the points I made.
cecil
June 28, 2016 @ 8:40 am
One I thing I have always wondered is how great Eric Church could be on a label that let him do whatever he wanted. Imagine him with no restraints no machine behind him. I imagine he would have an amazing rock centric countryish album but totally authentic easy to relate to and fun. Somewhere between Sturgill and blackberry smoke.
Kent
June 28, 2016 @ 9:41 am
Since everybody else seem to be doing it… 🙂
Here is my list of the artist I think I’ve listened to most over the last 40 years…
And the list include both Country AND Hillbilly AND Alternative Country/Americana…
So please NO e-mail saying that’s not Country… I won’t answer it anyway… 🙂
Waylon Jennings
Emmylou Harris
Loretta Lynn
Johnny Cash
Merle Haggard
Willie Nelson
Gram Parsons
Patsy Cline
George Jones
The Carter Family
Linda Ronstadt
Kris Kristofferson
Connie Smith
The Flying burrito brothers
Gillian Welch
Hank Williams
Martha
June 28, 2016 @ 3:59 pm
I really like your list. Some really awesome ladies you have on the list.
Kent
June 29, 2016 @ 3:02 am
Thank you, and yes they are… All of them… But Loretta, Emmylou and Patsy…To me they are in a league of their own. And I’ve been in love with them for over 40 years not just because of their voices, but also because of the songs they chose to sing and their songwriting… Especially Loretta but Emmylou has also written some good songs…
Bob S
June 29, 2016 @ 1:55 pm
Good list. I would add the following:
Steve Earle
Buddy and Julie Miller
Iris DeMent
Lucinda Williams
The Stanley Brothers
Other younger future stars:
Austin Lucas
Matt Woods
Hayes Carll
Jamey Johnson
John Howie Jr.
Sarah Shook
Jamie Lin Wilson
Sturgill Simpson
John Moreland
Justin Townes Earle
Kasey Chambers
Kelsey Waldon
Parker Milsap
Rhiannon Giddens
Ryan Bingham
Kent
June 30, 2016 @ 4:53 am
Well, I can immediately add Steve Earle and Lucinda Williams to the along with Dolly Parton and then I could probebly add another 50 artists wich wuld also include blugrass band. Among those a swedish band called the “Blugrass Swede” and they are the only Swedis countryband I have ever listen to…
They had a fiddler named Thomas Haglund and he toured with Jimmie Martin in the mid seventies and he also recorded 21 songs with him.
Sadly I can’t find any video with The Blugrass Swede but I have found a video there he’s playing the fiddle together With Doug Sahm, Joe Sun and Wendel Adkins ( 3 other artist that would be on that list if a made it longer), and a bunch of swedish musician….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljzLfJL0Brw
And as you can see from the list everyone were well know allready back in the seventies the only exeption is Gillian Welsh… If I made the list of whom I listened the most for, lets say, the last15 years it would be a different list ….
And of the “Younger Future Stars’ Jamie Lin Wilson will most certainly be on the list if I made a new list a year from now. I’m not that shure but the others, but somone like Jason Isbell would also be on that list.
Kent
June 30, 2016 @ 5:00 am
Sorry: *Jimmy Martin
Craig
June 28, 2016 @ 9:55 am
Eric Church is that guy that if he left it alone would fit right in but he tries so hard that even the people who like him want to kick him.
Maybe that’s why he likes GS so much. George is George, and Eric wishes that he could do that.
Bigfoot is Real (but his voice is auto-tuned)
June 28, 2016 @ 11:18 am
I imagine it’s just me but how I am I supposed to take a musician with their own line of furniture seriously about anything other than color schemes and feng shui.
Stringbuzz
June 28, 2016 @ 12:41 pm
I think he did that for his Dad who is in the furniture business.
AT
June 28, 2016 @ 11:59 am
I wondered as well, if Stapleton hasn’t made such a splash in the the media on CMA night, if people would be talking about Eric’s surprise album more. Much like Luke Bryan’s entertainer win, it was just a footnote. However, “Mr. Misunderstood” continues to sell at a steady rate.I feel like so many albums debut high then immediately drop off from the charts.
I saw Eric play during CMA Fest a few weeks ago and kept hearing comments from attendees on how upset they were that Eric didn’t play any of his hits during the show. For a long-time fan like myself, that’s why I love seeing him. He plays songs from his entire catalog, not just the radio hits.
Eric also played the Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree that night and it was incredible. Loved hearing him cover Haggard’s “Heaven Was A Drink of Wine.” Such a memorable night!
Lisa
June 29, 2016 @ 10:45 am
I agree, on him play all songs, rather than just his hits. His long-time fans listen to and know his whole album – to me, listening to him play his album cuts mean just as much to me as listening to his hits. I know them all, and get just as excited!
Whiskey Pete
June 28, 2016 @ 11:59 am
#1 Dwight Yoakam
#2 Dwight Yoakam
#3 Dwight Yoakam
Marky mark
June 29, 2016 @ 4:11 pm
Yes, yes, and yes!!!
Steve Earle for #4.
KathyP
June 28, 2016 @ 5:55 pm
I haven’t read the comments above, but I was luck enough to be in the right place at the right time and got the free download. It’s very good. As for Stapleton or Church, album or entertainer of the year, it may have been meant to be. Both gave solid contributions to country music. Share the achievement. Saving country music, indeed.
Jim
June 28, 2016 @ 9:19 pm
I’m sorry – I know no list of country greats is complete with Haggard & Jones but Ray Price appears to be sadly forgotten. I would also have to add Don Gibson, Chet Atkins, Vern Gosdin, Barbara Mandrell, Don Williams, & Randy Travis as personal favorites.
MikeO
June 29, 2016 @ 8:34 am
1) W
2) A
3) Y
4) L
5) O
6) N
7) doesn’t matter.
Summer Jam
June 29, 2016 @ 6:31 pm
Eric Church is one to talk. He is the face of pop country. He was doing pop country way before it was heavily commercialized and made a commercial country standard to guarantee radio airplay. It’s like a pot calling the kettle black in this situation. When Joe Nichols, Josh Turner, George Strait, Alan Jackson, and other real country artists like those guys spoke up, it was understandable and make total sense. But coming from Church? Just wow. If he’s so concerned about how the country genre’s direction and current state, then he should put his money where his mouth is and put out a record like Chris Stapleton’s and knock it off with the pop country.