Many of the most popular Eric Church songs tell believable stories about a working man's experiences in small-town U.S.A. For instance, "Round Here Buzz" could easily be set anywhere in Texas, Georgia, or in Church's home state of North Carolina. The talented singer-songwriter has been able to dish out music that resonates with listeners since his debut album was released back in 2006.
Videos by Wide Open Country
The beloved country singer is an entertainer who has style and skills as a songwriter that suit hometown nostalgia as well. Harder-hitting songs reflect the rotation of AC/DC, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Hank Williams Jr. standards that likely blared from the characters in his song's pickup trucks as they drove to a buddy's house to swill some Jack Daniels and "Smoke a Little Smoke." Likewise, the acoustic guitar on "Stick That in Your Country Song" and other more subdued tracks may remind listeners of the mellow downtime that resulted from such hangout sessions.
Like Miranda Lambert, the CMA and ACM Award winner (and Grammy nominee) celebrates country music's rich storytelling history without shunning modern Nashville's pop preferences. It's probably why he keeps topping the billboards with hits off all of his albums --Sinners Like Me, Carolina, Chief, The Outsiders, Mr. Misunderstood, Desperate Man, and his latest triple album, Heart & Soul. Indeed, Church is no stranger to country radio or its perennial stars, collaborating in the past with peers like Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, and Keith Urban.
Picking just twelve songs made for a challenge, as all of Church's studio albums contain minimal filler. His songs are incredibly catchy from "Creepin'" and "Like a Wrecking Ball" to "Give Me Back My Hometown" and "Homeboy." With that said, here are twelve fantastic songs that demonstrate why Church is the country charts' official rock and roots purist. These are our favorites, how 'bout you?
Read More: Eric Church to Open a Downtown Nashville Restaurant, Bar and Venue
12. "Heart on Fire"
The vocals alone on "Heart on Fire" make this one of Church's best new releases. From his 2021 album Heart & Soul, this is pure southern rock at its finest, referencing some rock & roll classics like "American Pie" and "Paradise City" with its smooth John Mellencamp vibe.
11. "Hell of a View"
"Hell of a View" was Church's highest-ranking single since he released "Springsteen" back in 2012. Another winner from Heart & Soul, it's the ultimate song to reflect on the excitement of exploring life with a loved one by your side. Church co-wrote this breezy ballad with Casey Beathard and Monty Criswell.
10. "Like Jesus Does"
Since the earliest hillbilly singers, Biblical analogies told in plain English served as a means for country songs to address modern-day situations. In this instance, Church looks to Biblical passages printed in red to understand a woman's love.
9. "Pledge Allegiance to the Hag"
Despite Church's presumed rock star fantasies, he comes across as the kind of guy who'd just as well spin classic country albums than brush up on the new Blake Shelton album. He might just be singing about his own barroom listening preferences in "Pledge Allegiance to the Hag."
8. "Guys Like Me"
Church celebrates the average guy who works all week so he can sit back, crack open a cold one and watch the game. Sometimes, these average rednecks get to thank their lucky stars for being loved by women who are anything but average.
7. "Talladega"
Sweet nostalgia about family vacations and childhood friends marks Church's ode to one of the South's most storied race tracks. The song isn't small town or NASCAR specific, as people from everywhere and with all sorts of recreational interests fondly remember piling into Dad's trusty old ride for a road trip.
6. "Carolina"
Church's love letter to the vast beauty of his home state reads like some of John Denver's country-leaning material. The music doesn't mirror Denver's subdued, folksy sound. Instead, it brought a time-tested type of storytelling back to radio-friendly country music.
5. "The Outsiders"
As the voice of the disaffected, Church brought something rarer than genuine country to the mainstream. He recorded a dyed-in-the-wool rock 'n' roll song, truer to the spirit of Southern rock than anything Kid Rock can muster.
4. "Springsteen"
Sometimes, the types of small-town happenings cherished by Church flood to mind when a certain great song or artist plays on the radio. In this song from Chief, classic Bruce Springsteen hits served as the backing tracks for some very happy down-home memories. It's a nice compliment to the album's other big hit, "Drink in My Hand."
3. "Record Year"
Record collectors and casual listeners find solace during some tough times through their favorite music. Church captures that spirit here, staying too busy revisiting the classics to dwell too much on a broken heart.
2. "Mr. Misunderstood"
A lot of praise gets rightfully heaped on Church's AMA-winning 2016 album Mr. Misunderstood. Much of its charm comes from the title track. It's a pep talk for small-town outcasts, complete with a Ray Wylie Hubbard namedrop.
1. "Kill a Word"
This cut has the most meaning, and likely the most staying power, of all of the Eric Church songs, and interrupts the rocking country party for a powerful statement against hateful words and actions. The talented Rhiannon Giddens duets with Church, bridging the gap between mainstream country and roots music.
This post was originally published on December 28, 2017.
