With one listen to Eric Church’s 6th studio album, ‘Desperate Man,‘ it is not a surprise that it debuted at number one on the Billboard Country Albums List. Crafted to be listened to as a collection, the album contains eleven unique tracks and as expected, Church continues to deliver songs that push the boundaries of popular country music. Credited as a writer on every song, Eric Church tells a story fitting of the times. He is able to convey his uneasiness in a way that is familiar to the majority of Americans, while still making a statement about his character and most importantly, without losing hope. ‘Desperate Man‘ fits perfectly into Church’s repertoire of songs, while still producing something that we haven’t heard from him before. Deep meanings, rock and soul influences, and expert songwriting make it clear that you are listening to something much more meaningful than a few catchy songs meant only for radio success.

1.) ‘The Snake’ – Written by Eric Church, Jeremy Spillman, and Travis Meadows.
Impression: ‘Desperate Man‘s opening song features an even toned Church developing an expertly presented extended metaphor. “The rattlesnake and the copperhead—that’s left/right, blue/red, however you say it, They sit there and fight all day to rile people up and then go get a drink. They’re working together while the whole world is burning down,” is a breakdown from Church, quoted on his website. Many striking sound effects add to Church’s delivery, biblical subject matter, and overall message to create the song’s eerie tone.
Favorite Lyrics: Lie by lie, cheat by cheat, Venom in smiling teeth,They just run those forked tongues, And the whole world’s burning down.

2.) ‘Hangin’ Around’ – Written by Eric Church and Jeff Hyde.
Impression: ‘Hangin’ Around’ turns up the energy with its clapping beat and funk vibes. Prominent drums and electric guitar dominate the song, begging listeners to dance along. Repeating lyrics complement the front-and-center instrumentals for a lively second song.
Favorite Lyrics: I rock to my own rhythm, I roll to my own beat, I play the movie villain, Now you got me playin’ for keeps.

3.) ‘Heart Like A Wheel’ – Written by Eric Church.
Impression: With the third track, Eric continues to change up his sound giving us a softer song. A take on an opposites attract relationship is passionately presented in ‘Heart Like A Wheel’. Church is confident that this love can persevere through hard times despite how different the lovers are.
Favorite Lyrics: Can’t say there won’t be rough patches, Scratches from thorns and briers, Over or under, we’ll roll like thunder, As long as there’s tread on these tires.

4.) ‘Some Of It’ – Written by Bobby Pinson, Clint Daniels, Eric Church, and Jeff Hyde.
Impression: ‘Some Of It’ gives us a slower beat and simpler instrumental, while providing advice everyone can appreciate. The combination makes for a rare song that would fit in on modern country radio. Varying from simple to profound, many examples of life lessons are listed in two verses and the chorus speaks of the ways wisdom is obtained.
Favorite Lyrics: Everybody’s got a past, And love’s worth livin’ for, When you dance, hold her close, ‘Til it breaks, go for broke, And be the first to reach for her hand, No, you don’t get to do some things again.

5.) ‘Monsters’ – Written by Eric Church and Jeff Hyde.
Impression: ‘Desperate Man‘s fifth song reflects on life’s journey of learning that the monsters ain’t the ones beneath the bed. With verses about being afraid as a child and caring for a child who is afraid, it becomes clear that light, whether it comes in the form of a flashlight or faith, is all that we need to cure our fears. Eric expressed in an Instagram post, “Monsters, after Vegas became just more real to me.” while reflecting on the experiences that inspired the song.
Lyrics: A minefield of bad decisions lay hidin’ in the dark, Greed stalks, sickness steals and pride lays a wicked trap, You can’t avoid ‘em all, no, you gotta trust me on that.

6.) ‘Hippie Radio’ – Written by Eric Church.
Impression: ‘Hippie Radio’ embodies what many consider the pillars of country music, relatability, storytelling, and a simple sound while still paying tribute to the rock stars who impacted Eric’s life growing up. Focusing on two constants in Church’s life, a Pontiac and the hippie radio, the story comes full circle from Eric’s childhood to driving his first child home from the hospital. Although it is composed of six unique verses without a chorus, the song still seems simple, leaving the listener swaying to the melody. 
Favorite Lyrics: And I took her hand and she just smiled with a look that said, I know, A boy and his dad, and a boy and his girl in a Pontiac and a hippie radio.

7.) ‘Higher Wire’ – Written by Casey Beathard, Eric Church, and Scooter Carusoe.
Impression: One of the more cryptic songs Eric included on ‘Desperate Man,‘ ‘Higher Wire’ alludes to a struggle with alcohol addiction. The catchy chorus, Benedictine baby, Chartreuse snake old lady, Appalachia moonshine crazy, Bible belt and a sinner’s fire, Love on a higher wire, has you singing along immediately. In the absence of the heavy drums featured in the majority of the album, reverberating guitar that matches the fluctuation in Church’s vocals takes the lead.
Favorite Lyrics: I should run from you like a vampire does from daylight, But I don’t know how to quit ‘cause I know what addiction tastes like.

8.) ‘Desperate Man’ – Written by Eric Church and Ray Wylie Hubbard.
Impression: The albums lead single and title track, ‘Desperate Man,’ showcases the soul influence on the album. An unashamed Church repeatedly claims that he is a desperate man, listing all the things that he has tried to escape his pressing situation. Although he has tried what seems to be everything, Eric is not willing to give up; Fortuneteller told me, “No more last chances “You got no future at all,” Oh but I ain’t listenin,’ To a black-hearted gypsy. The inkling of hope that remains is what makes this song meaningful.
Favorite Lyrics: Walked through glass barefooted, Strolled across the devil’s hot coals, I’ve tried everything, I swear.

9.) ‘Solid’ – Written by Anders Osborne and Eric Church.
Impression: Church makes a bold statement about his character in ‘Solid.’ Despite how others may view him, he is confident that his foundation is solid. The point that you cannot judge a person by their appearance, car, or possessions, but only their core is driven home. 
Favorite Lyrics: Everybody wants me to think like they do, Put my faith in something new, But this old school, it’s tried and true, it’s solid.

10.) ‘Jukebox and A Bar’ – Written by Eric Church.
Impression: Attempting to eliminate the distractions of everyday life, Church appreciates the time tested method of dealing with heartbreak: a ‘Jukebox and A Bar.’ With all of the technology we have, there still is no development that is going to solve your emotional pain for you. The song’s last line sums it all up, May look like music, booze, and beer, There’s a whole more goin’ on in here, Than a jukebox and a bar. 
Favorite Lyrics: We’ve got pin-point GPS, All you need is an address, but her love is the one thing I can’t find. 

11.) ‘Drowning Man’ – Written by Casey Beathard and Eric Church.
Impression: The closing song on ‘Desperate Man‘ gives the working class something to raise our glasses to. Embodying the attitudes of many in a divided America, Church sings, We put the smoke in the stack, Put the seed in the ground, While Lady Liberty turns her back, And Uncle Sam just turns around. A story found in dive bars across the country is painted as Eric pleads to the bartender, here’s a fifty, Pour some whiskey on this drowning man, in an effort to forget about his woes. 
Favorite Lyrics: I just want to get right down at the firelight , Let my baby sing, “Hold Me Tight,” you honky-tonk nighttime man, Drink away this crazy world, hold tight to a longneck-holdin’ girl. 

Eric Church will be visiting New England on his Double Down Tour for two unique shows at TD Garden in Boston MA on February 1st and 2nd.  You can keep up with all things Eric Church on his website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.