Eric Church - 'Carolina'

Carolina Bottom Line:

After a very long three year wait, Eric Church fans are finally gonna hear some fantastic new music from this very talented singer/songwriter. Once again, he packs this 12 song CD full of his own songs and delivers it with all the passion and perfectly timed punch of a very seasoned pro. Putting aside a "sophomoric" attitude the release has the maturity of an artist who's been around for years.

Writing with Feeling

As I listened to this CD wondering what to write, I asked myself why I like it so much. After a couple of weeks, it still hasn't left my CD player. The answer was easy. Eric's ability to make us feel what he writes. It's a completely believable connection to the songs and a seemingly unrehearsed look at who he is, where he came from and what's most important to him and his life. It's the honesty of his passion relayed to his listeners lyrically and packaged musically to evoke a certain moment. There's a song or two to match any mood life might be throwing at you.

Carolina The Songs

The first release is the title cut from Carolina, musically a pleasantly slow pulsating beat, lyrically speaking of all the wonderful splendors of his home state, and how those thoughts haunt his homesick filled travels by calling him home. Perhaps a glimpse into how he spends a rare visit home.

Another cut full of reminiscent thoughts includes a song called "Those I've Loved Along The Way." A heartfelt tribute of thanks to those who had a special place and time in his life and contributed to his being who he is today.

Most of the songs in this release are about one form of love or another. Whether it's being heart broke and trying to find a way to survive it, "Ain't Killed Me Yet," "Where She Told Me To Go," Without You Here," or by professing a great love but watch out boys, "Hell On The Heart."

He also includes a song written specifically for his own love and new bride, Kathryn. "You Make It Look So Easy." If the release date of this song as a single is smartly used, it very well could be catapulted into the category of songs every upcoming wedding planning couples will want to have played on their special day.

A beautiful profession of recognized downfalls and his unbelief that she could still make it look so easy to love him. Listening to this almost makes me want to go out and re-do my own vows. It's perfectly suited musically for a wedding, the stringed instrument intro is a perfect arrangement and the words make ya wanna just "Love Your Love The Most."

This brings me to the last of love songs deserving special mention. The message is simple, out of all the things I love, I love your love the most. Simple, sweet and pure. Musically all the above songs each have their own unique sound, easy flowing lighter melodies that have a way of getting stuck in your head.

And speaking of getting stuck in your head, "Smoke A Little Smoke," my absolute favorite cut. Musically this song made me wanna dance, play drums, rip out the ole air guitar, or if stuck in the car, drive down the road whipping my head to a beat so hard that I'm sure I had more than a few of those "you've lost your mind" stares from my fellow commuters.

From the very start of the song with it's bluesy guitar intro throughout and to its thumpin' ending the song invites you in to just kick back and let some feel good good into your soul. This cleverly arranged song steals your thoughts and for an all too brief 3 minutes and 11 seconds makes you forget about whatever misery life might be dealing you. I do warn you however, you will find yourself repeating, "drink a little drink, smoke a little smoke, over and over in your head for days. I really hope it'll find its way to becoming a single.

Too Much Rock?

Some might say this release is close to crossing that "too much rock" line. Critics love to flavor their country music reviews with that saying about anyone gutsy enough to show who and what they are really about but I say this release is perfect for today's country. Had it been released in the late 70s early 80s mix of outlaw country favorites of Waylon, Willie, Hank Jr., Cash and others, Eric would be about 30 years older and some other country artist would be singing about Eric's boots.

This brings me to another of my favorite cuts, "Lotta Boot Left To Fill." A song about having some mighty big boots to fill of the aforementioned legends. It does have that rock edge attitude we loved about the Outlaw gang but what it doesn't have is the cheesy, here today gone tomorrow one-hit-wonder, pretty boy, bargain bin forgotten, soulless music we get handed to us ONLY because someone thinks it'll sell millions. It is however full of soul, passion and talent I'll wanna hear for years to come.

The entire CD shows a growth, maturity and insight well beyond Eric's 31 years. Surely to be a favorite for years to come don't miss out adding this one to your collection.

Release Date: March 24, 2009 - Capitol Records Nashville

Carolina Track List:

1. "Ain't Killed Me Yet"
2. "Lotta Boot Left To Fill"
3. "Young And Wild"
4. "Where She Told Me To Go"
5. "Longer Gone"
6. "Love Your Love The Most"
7. "Smoke A Little Smoke"
8. "Without You Here"
9. "You Make It Look So Easy"
10. "Carolina"
11. "Hell On The Heart"
12. "Those I've Loved"