After nearly four years of waiting, Eric Church came back in a big way today with the release of his 8th studio album, Evangeline vs. The Machine, and as promised, it’s unlike anything we’ve ever heard…
Full orchestra, horns, choirs, and of course his traditional band, this project combines elements of blue, soul, country, rock, and gospel as only Chief can. Admittedly, I’m going to need some time to sit with it before having a real opinion on it, but at first listen, I think like it. It’s interesting, that’s for sure.
While sonically this project might be unlike others he’s done, many of the lyrics were right in his wheelhouse. Throughout his career, Church has never been afraid to put bold statements right in the middle of his songs. Some are controversial, some are seemingly political, and some dive right into the heart of cultural hotbeds, but all are done in the search of truth and generally phrased so well they’re hard to argue with.
In honor of Evangeline vs. The Machine, let’s look back at the boldest statements Eric Church has ever put in his songs.
“Before She Does” – Sinners Like Me (2006)
This song is basically a list of things Eric Church believes in. Some are pretty straight forward truths (“I believe that dogs are better than cats” … obviously) but others are certainly a bit more edgy…
“I believe in love; I believe in peace
But I don’t believe we’ll ever see it
In that Middle East”
“The taxman and the Devil share the same address”
“There’s absolutely, positively
No doubt in my mind
That OJ did it; Lee Harvey didn’t”
“That’s Damn Rock and Roll” – The Outsiders (2014)
Yes, Eric Church is undoubtedly part of the “mainstream” but that doesn’t mean he’s bent the knee… this song is a callout of the industry that’s ruined so many promising young artists in the name of making “radio-friendly” hits…
“It ain’t a middle finger on a t-shirt, the establishments tryin’ to sell
It’s a guy with the balls who told the establishment to go to h*ll
It ain’t about the money you make, when a record gets sold
It’s about doin’ it for nothin’, ’cause it lives in your soul”
“Johnny” – Evangeline vs. The Machine (2025)
Church wrote this one the day after the horrific Nashville Covenant school shooting… it goes right to the heart of the dehumanization that seems to be happening all over the place these day. This group versus that one, AI over people, “life” taking place online…
“Now machines control people, and people shoot at kids”
“Love Your Love The Most” – Carolina (2009)
Admittedly not the boldest of his takes, but certainly one that will make a few heads turn and made me change my opinion as an impressionable teenage when I heard it… I’m a converted true believer now.
“[I love] mustard on my fries”
“Storm In Their Blood” – Evangeline vs The Machine (2025)
When tough times arise, most people just roll with it, keep their head down, and try to let it pass.
But not everyone… Some people have fight pumping through their veins.
“Most men seek love and peace
But some are born with a storm in their blood”
“Lotta Boot Left To Fill” – Carolina (2009)
In a world of TikTok country, with quick gimmicks to get clicks and followers, there’s much left to be wanted from so many “country” artists… Let’s put down the namedrops and try to create something worthwhile, shall we?
“You say you’re the real deal
But you play what, nobody feels
You sing about Johnny Cash
The man in black would have whipped your a**!”
“Stick That In Your Country Song” – Heart (2021)
Another song calling out the fakers and posers but this time for not singing about the real problems facing middle America. You want to sing about small towns? Sure thing, just make sure it’s truthful…
“Gimme one about the teacher who’s
Trying to change a life or two
She’ll be rocking out all night with you
Tomorrow she’ll back in a red brick school
Where kids are climbing off the walls
It’s scary walking down the halls
She’s underpaid, she’s overworked
Come on man, shout one out to her.”
