Review
"Chief," Eric Church's third studio offering, hit the shelves on a warm July day back in 2011, courtesy of EMI Nashville. It didn’t just stroll into the scene; it swaggered in, boots first, leaving a mark with hit singles like "Drink in My Hand" and "Springsteen." These tracks didn't just climb the charts; they raced right to the top of the US Billboard Hot Country Songs, showing ol' Eric had some serious tricks up his sleeve. Recognition wasn’t far behind, with nods from the Grammys and wins at both the CMA and ACM Awards. Heck, even the folks over at Rolling Stone gave it a tip of the hat, placing it in their prestigious list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time in 2020.
The genius of "Chief" lies in its bold flavors; a well-balanced cocktail of country twang and hard rock gusto. Now, some purists might raise an eyebrow at the Auto-Tuned vocals scattered about, but it's clear Eric wasn't afraid to push boundaries and stir the pot. Tracks like "Like Jesus Does" embrace the roots of country with open arms, while "Springsteen" paints a vivid picture of youthful nostalgia that can tug at anyone’s heartstrings. Through the blend of foot-stomping anthems and softer, reflective tunes, "Chief" offers a multifaceted look at Church's prowess and his knack for weaving compelling stories through music. Sure, it's a bit of a departure from the old school twang, but it's a righteous journey all the same, and boy, does it resonate. - Rex
