Music Review: Eric Church - "Chief"

On his album "Chief" Eric Church shows of his ability to paint some nice country themes, but I am not a fan of his singing. The best song is "Springsteen."

"Creepin'": Trawling through the bayou foot stomping rhythm gives into some powered out country rock chorus. Crank the music, but the vocals are a little too nasally meaning the boat might sink for some in a watery grave of creamed corn.

"Drink In My Hand": Some of it reminded me of "Wink" as sung by Neal McCoy, only he wants a drink in his hand instead of a girl "all she wants to do is give me that wink." "Drink In My Hand" could really be a knock off of many other songs and is boring.

"Keep On": Seems like some spy/heist movie music at first, before it is riding in the saddle at a nice pace country music. It's an okay piece of fluff until he trades lyrics for making sounds with his mouth to imitate the guitar. The song is about someone looking at him the wrong way and he might be teaching them a lesson.

"Like Jesus Does": His voice actually sounds country music on this minimalist ballad about a woman who loves him like Jesus does. His voice is a little weak in places and almost goes to a mumble, but this is a step up overall in my attitude towards the sound Eric Church gets with his nasally voice.

"Hungover & Hard Up": Again there is a lack of power in his vocals, kind of mumbles off and his voices gives out when he tries to make his nasally voice hit higher notes that he does not have the ability to reach. The title of the sound makes it seem like it might be a good ole boy country romp, but this is more in the skip along ballad realm.

"Homeboy": The tale of a buddy who has grown out of his country roots and instead I guess is becoming a trouble maker who may be embracing the hip-hop lifestyle instead. Homeboy takes on double meaning, yeah, come home as well as slang for a pal. This song is so stupid I hope just describing what it is about conveyed that.

"Country Music Jesus": He says they need a country music to come and save them, but then the guitars grind like they wish they could be rockers. A slightly messy bash of musical preaching.

"Jack Daniels": He's a rough customer, quite the fighter, but Jack Daniels the liqueur tends to kick his butt. Play it in the country western bar and pour the shots I guess.

"Springsteen": Decent country pop that explores a lot of boy with girl memories. When he hits into the chorus for some reason it reminded me of the way Taylor Swift crafts her songs.

"I'm Getting' Stoned": A song about a marriage ending in divorce: "she got a rock and I'm getting stoned." A "She Got the Goldmine" it is not. So, pass this over and go get some Jerry Reed music.

"Over When It's Over": Ho hum some may like it, some may not, safe country music, but with vocals that lean towards the may not like.