New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ Eric Church Official Website) To some modern country artists, the words critics are using to describe Eric Church's forthcoming third studio album may seem off-putting, but to the trailblazing mutineer and his equally passionate fans, the terms: "strange," "aggressive," "wild," and "rare," couldn't be more complimentary. What has been buzzing as the most experiential, head-turning country album of the year will take place on Tuesday, July 26, 2011 with the release of Church's third studio album, CHIEF, to stores nationwide, courtesy of EMI Records.
"I have a theory that all of us [artists] only get a small window of time to make records when people will really listen and care," said Church. "It's up to us to move the needle. People like Waylon and Cash or Garth and Strait,- they all took the format and said, 'We're going over here,' and they each changed the direction of the music a little bit- helping to make it what it is today."
That desire to move the needle is the very reason Church has chosen to use the successes of six Top 20 country singles ("How 'Bout You," "Two Pink Lines," and "Guys Like Me" from his 2006 critically-acclaimed debut, Sinners Like Me; "Love Your Love The Most," "Hell On The Heart," and "Smoke A Little Smoke" from his sophomore release Carolina) and an ACM Award for New Solo Vocalist of the Year to push the creative envelope even further with CHIEF. Church took a month off and went to a secluded cabin in North Carolina to reflect and write for the album which he later recorded in Nashville with producer, Jay Joyce (Patty Griffin, Cage the Elephant), who also produced his previous two releases.
The songs that resulted from the diversion illustrate Church's impressive range and infinite creative canvas. Songs like "Drink in My Hand" and "Hungover & Hard Up," illustrate his ability to connect with a rowdy audience. Other songs like "Springsteen" and "Like Jesus Does," reveal a deeper emotion complemented by sophisticated song structures; and then there's "Homeboy" -the provocative lead single - and Church's fastest - rising career single to date- that's already turning heads and causing critics from USA Today and Billboard to champion the release.
The "alive and breathing" feel of the new music inspired Church to name the album, CHIEF, after a nickname given to his grandfather, and one he has consequently adopted over the years out on the road. "When it's show time, I put on the sunglasses and the hat, and that's how people know it's game time. This album was made from a live place; we recorded it with the live show in mind, so it just seemed right to make that the title," he adds.
With the release of his third studio album, Church hasn't forgotten the true captains of his career - his loyal fans. "More than anyone else, we have built our career on the backs of the fans," he says. "We have not had a lot of TV exposure or number one songs, but we have had music that stirs passion, we put on shows that stoke the flames of that passion, and our fans have carried the torch. Our music belongs to them."
Chief Track-by-Track
1. Creepin' (Eric Church / Marv Green)
2. Drink In My Hand (Eric Church, Michael P. Heeney, Luke Laird)
3. Keep On (Eric Church / Ryan Tyndell)
4. Like Jesus Does (Casey Beathard / Monty Criswell)
5. Hungover & Hard Up (Eric Church / Luke Laird)
6. Homeboy (Eric Church / Casey Beathard)
7. Country Music Jesus (Eric Church / Jeremy Spillman)
8. Jack Daniels (Eric Church / Jeff Hyde / Lynn Hutton)
9. Springsteen (Eric Church / Jeff Hyde / Ryan Tyndell)
10. I'm Gettin' Stoned (Eric Church / Jeff Hyde / Casey Beathard / Jeremy Crady)
11. Over When It's Over (Eric Church / Luke Laird)
Fans can expect Church's new music video for "Homeboy," which was filmed at Nashville's Tennessee State Prison, to be featured on CMT as their "Hot Shot Debut" as well as premiere on GAC beginning Monday, May 9. In addition, fans can visit www.cmt.com and vote for Church who is nominated in the 2011 CMT Music Awards Nationwide Insurance On Your Side category.
Currently on tour with Jason Aldean through June 5, Church will join Toby Keith on tour beginning June 30, continuing into the fall. For more information, a list of upcoming appearances and tour dates, please visit www.ericchurch.com.
