Eric Church - "Springsteen"

[Deleted]

New Single by Eric Church - "Springsteen"

CLICK HERE to Listen (Mediabase)

Label sources tell BCU that Church’s next single will be “Springsteen,” which is slated to be serviced to radio programmers on Feb. 6.

Source: Billboard Country Update (Jan. 17)

Single Release Date: February 6 (EMI Nashville)

Songwriters: Eric Church, Jeff Hyde, and Ryan Tyndell

[tsr]

#1.

[Deleted]

Jan 17, 2012 22:25:51 GMT -5 tsr said:

#1.

Going out on a limb, eh? I'll go out on a smaller limb, and predict this stays at #1 for 3-4 weeks. I'm expecting a peak in early June, meaning this could be a BIG late spring/early summer hit.

[phil1996]

This will be huge. Expecting this to really take his career the next level.

[McCreerian]

Yeah just listened to the song. Its great! I see it being a massive #1.

[Deleted]

This already has 311 plays on my Last.fm page... I also see that the listening trend for this (overall on Last.fm) has nearly doubled over the last month or so!

[someguy]

I heard this for the first time tonight, and I like it a lot. I can see this doing big things for Eric's career. I didn't really like "Homeboy", but I like this and "Drink In My Hand". I may have to check out his new album.

[musicbuff78]

Just curious, I'm wondering what makes alot of people here think this is going to be huge?

I try to listen to stuff that alot of people are interested in to figure out why and this is one of those I just can't understand. Maybe it's his voice for me and maybe if it were done by someone else I could understand better, but I can't make it through anything of his because of his voice.

[Ten Pound Hammer]

Jan 18, 2012 0:44:42 GMT -5 musicbuff78 said:

Just curious, I'm wondering what makes alot of people here think this is going to be huge?

I don't know. Try asking Alot of People. That Alot really gets around a lot, doesn't he?

[singingsparrow]

A solid choice indeed.

I will say one thing that hasn't already been said, and that is when the music video is released, I certainly hope Church isn't depicted wearing his signature shades..........or at least doesn't put them on until the very end of the song as though he has accepted time moves on and moves ahead with it............after sentimentally reflecting on the memory through the course of the video.

I have said before here how I really don't think it's a big deal that Church wears sunglasses often, despite admitting I myself appreciate seeing the expressive range of non-verbal signs from any given performer as she/he sings. It's nothing new in terms of fashion, and it doesn't diminish the fact Church is quite an engaging performer often. I certainly hope he wears the shades in a "Creepin'" video, if that supposedly becomes a future single, for one.

*

Still, I hope Church realizes that, in certain contexts, the emotional weight of a song is much more palpable if he allows his growing fanbase to see the mirrors of his soul on more sentimental offerings. "Springsteen" is actually a semi-melancholy song, when you really listen, especially with the ending female vocal mimicking Church's "Whoa whoa, oh oh oh..." cadence making up the song's coda...........which sends a chill up my spine listening to as though the subject of Church's fond memory feels exactly the same way he does at this point in time and regrets losing touch with him.

To try and answer Steelo's question, "Springsteen", on paper, is really just another in a long line of "I heard this song, and it reminded me of those good ol' days with you!" theme. However, Church's understated, reflective vocal delivery in the verses, as well as the shimmering sadness of the production, ultimately elevates it to one of the most poignant, refreshing songs of this breed.

And I'm hoping Church skimps on the shades throughout the official video, for much that reason. It's a bittersweet love song of sorts that is supposedly meant to get listeners dewy-eyed. And I think he's keen enough to realize that, since there were numerous moments in the "Homeboy" video where he gazed at the camera without his sunglasses on.

Namaste,
lisping HIBISCUS

[Ten Pound Hammer]

Jan 18, 2012 2:58:31 GMT -5 @singingsparrow said:

A solid choice indeed.

I will say one thing that hasn't already been said, and that is when the music video is released, I certainly hope Church isn't depicted wearing his signature shades..........or at least doesn't put them on until the very end of the song as though he has accepted time moves on and moves ahead with it............after sentimentally reflecting on the memory through the course of the video.

He could make a witty one-liner while putting them on, then follow it up with the YEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAH!!!! from "Won't Get Fooled Again" by The Who.

[rsmatto]

Jan 18, 2012 0:44:42 GMT -5 musicbuff78 said:

Just curious, I'm wondering what makes alot of people here think this is going to be huge?

I try to listen to stuff that alot of people are interested in to figure out why and this is one of those I just can't understand. Maybe it's his voice for me and maybe if it were done by someone else I could understand better, but I can't make it through anything of his because of his voice.

This is completely a mood song. A song that gets one into a good mood or recalls great memories of the past, which is what songs always do for us to some varying degree.

[singingsparrow]

Jan 19, 2012 1:54:09 GMT -5 rsmatto said:

Jan 18, 2012 0:44:42 GMT -5 musicbuff78 said:

Just curious, I'm wondering what makes alot of people here think this is going to be huge?

I try to listen to stuff that alot of people are interested in to figure out why and this is one of those I just can't understand. Maybe it's his voice for me and maybe if it were done by someone else I could understand better, but I can't make it through anything of his because of his voice.

This is completely a mood song. A song that gets one into a good mood or recalls great memories of the past, which is what songs always do for us to some varying degree.

It's interesting you see it this way.

While I certainly see where you're coming from, I think "Springsteen" is every bit as semi-melancholy as it is a fond glimpse back at the past.

Exhibit A: consider the last line of the first verse: "I can still hear the sound of you sayin' don't go..." After a decidedly carefree, warm first verse overall, this last line before the first chorus sets the stage to the remaining direction of the track. Church sings the first chorus as though, upon reflecting on the full description of the memory and suddenly feeling the sting of saudade, he feels the impetus to get off his chest exactly what he sees in his mind's eye when he thinks of that love interest.

The second verse begins with an equal sort of urgency, where he croons:

*

"I bumped into you by happenstance,
you probably wouldn't even know who I am,
but if I whispered your name,
I bet there'd still be a spark..."

*

He goes on to suggest that he used to be gasoline and admits that those were the "glory days" and thus nothing since then has quite compared to him. That doesn't necessarily suggest or prove, straight up, that the protagonist is unhappy in the present by any stretch. But I do find it telling that he'd use the metaphor of "gasoline" within the second verse, as though he is admitting there's a sort of vitality which that memory encapsulates that he has never quite been able to replicate.

*

It's a bittersweet song surely, one designed to make the listener both smile and cry listening. And that's precisely why, as Steelo was asking, why it really speaks to me compared to most other tracks that follow that hackneyed theme of how music makes us reminisce on earlier times. Kid Rock's "All Summer Long", for instance, was a bit enjoyable (albeit terribly derivative) I'll admit, but "Springsteen" wouldn't be nearly as impactful if it were just as celebratory as that hit.

Namaste,
lisping HIBISCUS

[carriekins]

Finally, an Eric Church song that I can *really* cheer for again. It's been a while.

[austin]

Kudos to the label for realizing the easy path to making Eric a superstar - "Drink In My Hand" followed by "Springsteen." This will easily be a huge hit, and it is my choice for his best song ever. I think it will be nominated for Song and Single of the Year at the upcoming awards shows.

[singingsparrow]

Jan 19, 2012 11:09:19 GMT -5 austin said:

Kudos to the label for realizing the easy path to making Eric a superstar - "Drink In My Hand" followed by "Springsteen." This will easily be a huge hit, and it is my choice for his best song ever. I think it will be nominated for Song and Single of the Year at the upcoming awards shows.

I can second that prediction.

He might have a third #1 from "Chief" with "Creepin'". I'm certainly not as confident about that track potentially topping the chart as I do "Springsteen". But given the impressive response Church's freshly-commenced "Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour" has generated and the wave of momentum he is currently riding, I'm feeling more confident he can just as effectively buoy a fiercer rocker up the charts than he can a bittersweet ballad or a mid-tempo sing-along.

Otherwise, that's probably about it. I will say, however, that the bonus track "Lovin' Me Anyway" sounds MUCH more radio-friendly than any of the remaining tracks on the standard issuing of "Chief".

After that, "Like Jesus Does" would be his next closest bet, but I wouldn't be surprised if Church opted for "Hungover and Hard Up" instead. I feel "Over When It's Over" is too short and abrupt to make an impact at radio, and the rest of the album sounds too eclectic and bluesy for mass airplay.

Namaste,
lisping HIBISCUS

[sayshal]

Man this single is awesome!! I bet it goes to #1 too! And I think it will also get nominated for Single/Song of the year at the CMA's this year, probably 2013 ACM's!! Great stuff here! By far my favorite EC single :)

[cufan7]

This is possibly my favorite Eric Church song ever. That says a lot considering I pretty much love all his music. This will be a HUGE hit for him, and become a spring/summer jam. It has those vibes.

[phil1996]

Jan 19, 2012 19:30:29 GMT -5 @singingsparrow said:

Jan 19, 2012 11:09:19 GMT -5 austin said:

Kudos to the label for realizing the easy path to making Eric a superstar - "Drink In My Hand" followed by "Springsteen." This will easily be a huge hit, and it is my choice for his best song ever. I think it will be nominated for Song and Single of the Year at the upcoming awards shows.

He might have a third #1 from "Chief" with "Creepin'". I'm certainly not as confident about that track potentially topping the chart as I do "Springsteen". But given the impressive response Church's freshly-commenced "Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour" has generated and the wave of momentum he is currently riding, I'm feeling more confident he can just as effectively buoy a fiercer rocker up the charts than he can a bittersweet ballad or a mid-tempo sing-along.

Otherwise, that's probably about it. I will say, however, that the bonus track "Lovin' Me Anyway" sounds MUCH more radio-friendly than any of the remaining tracks on the standard issuing of "Chief".

After that, "Like Jesus Does" would be his next closest bet, but I wouldn't be surprised if Church opted for "Hungover and Hard Up" instead. I feel "Over When It's Over" is too short and abrupt to make an impact at radio, and the rest of the album sounds too eclectic and bluesy for mass airplay.

Namaste,
lisping HIBISCUS

I love 'Creepin' and hope it is the 4th single. And knowing Eric Church, and his love for this album, I'd be shocked if he didn't release a 5th single. I would think "Keep On", "Like Jesus Does", or "I'm Gettin' Stoned".

[HeyHeyHey]

I've liked all of his songs so far. "Love Your Love The Most" was my favorite from him until 5 minutes ago when I listened to this song. This is going #1. I think 2012 is going to be very good for Eric.

[singingsparrow]

I've posted a review of this single up on Country Universe.

Again, because I generally first discuss single releases here, some of my points here will ring familiar in the review, and I just flesh them out more and work them into an arc of commentary.

I know some of you didn't like my "No Hurry" review (wink wink! ;) ) and that's completely fine, as I expected my take wouldn't be real popular. However, I have a feeling many will likely concur with this review.

Namaste,
lisping HIBISCUS

[rsmatto]

Jan 29, 2012 17:25:52 GMT -5 @singingsparrow said:

I've posted a review of this single up on Country Universe.

Again, because I generally first discuss single releases here, some of my points here will ring familiar in the review, and I just flesh them out more and work them into an arc of commentary.

I know some of you didn't like my "No Hurry" review (wink wink! ;) ) and that's completely fine, as I expected my take wouldn't be real popular. However, I have a feeling many will likely concur with this review.

Namaste,
lisping HIBISCUS

I love me some ZBB but I generally agreed with you about "No Hurry."

[Zazie]

I haven't read your review yet, and maybe you touch on this -- but I'm hoping some people other than me are reminded of Clint Black's wonderful State Of Mind, which has an almost-identical line to one in this song -- ain't it funny how a melody can bring back a memory?

This isn't to say the songwriters stole the line -- I don't mean that at all -- I'm just recalling one of Clint's best, with its terrific fiddle section to close out the last half-minute of the song and its reflection on the role music plays in our recollections. Don't know how many people know Clint's song (which peaked at #2 on Billboard, so it got a lot of airplay in its day), but as Springsteen rockets up the chart, I'll be reminded of it regularly.

[singingsparrow]

Jan 30, 2012 10:39:56 GMT -5 Zazie said:

I haven't read your review yet, and maybe you touch on this -- but I'm hoping some people other than me are reminded of Clint Black's wonderful State Of Mind, which has an almost-identical line to one in this song -- ain't it funny how a melody can bring back a memory?

This isn't to say the songwriters stole the line -- I don't mean that at all -- I'm just recalling one of Clint's best, with its terrific fiddle section to close out the last half-minute of the song and its reflection on the role music plays in our recollections. Don't know how many people know Clint's song (which peaked at #2 on Billboard, so it got a lot of airplay in its day), but as Springsteen rockets up the chart, I'll be reminded of it regularly.

I actually didn't touch on that, but I definitely see where you're coming from, and think you should definitely share that comparison in the discussion comments! =)

The comparison I make in my review is actually to the production styling of Bruce Springsteen's 1987 album "Tunnel of Love" and, most specifically, the lesser-known hit "Tougher Than The Rest" (also to an extent "One Step Forward", though more sped up and not quite as overcast). Even though Church name-drops at least four of Springsteen's best-known hits throughout the lyrics, I feel the track nonetheless best reflects that lesser-known single more than anything in terms of the yearning driving the production.

I consider "Tunnel of Love", in spite of its critical acclaim, to still be one of Springsteen's most underrated albums to date. Interestingly enough, my parents are Springsteen addicts and they hate that album minus "One Step Forward" (they claim it's too pop-sounding). I, on the other hand, believe the album's sound reflected both the times and the theme of the record hand in glove, and Springsteen was going for a more direct, simple lyrical approach to describe his life surrounding his divorce at the time as it was (and still came across as sharply poetic as ever).

I can actually see quite a few tracks from the album easily being re-interpreted as country songs today. Especially "Spare Parts". The original version featured guitar that stands really closely to the sound of bluesy roadhouse guitar that at times nearly mimics the pitch of pedal steel, and also has pinches of organ rolling with the rhythm.

Namaste,
lisping HIBISCUS

[Deleted]

^Good review, Noah. I enjoy reading your thoughts. And I can certainly see why this song isn't "perfect", but to me...it's just so amazing. This is the early favorite for my #1 song of 2012, right up there with JT Hodges' latest.

This song shows up at #1 on Billboard's New & Active tonight, with 0.241 for an audience total, thanks to its spins at KEEY this past week, and a few other spins here and there. Unless plans have changed, this won't be sent out to radio for another week yet, not until February 6. But with 5 stations adding it already this past week, including stations in Madison, San Antonio, Salt Lake City, and Washington, D.C. (in addition to Minneapolis), I fully expect this to make an early debut on the 2/18 chart.

I hope Eric hits a home run with the video for this. I'd hate to be disappointed...the imagery in this song warrants an awesome music video! :)

[Deleted]

I was just browsing the online playlist of my local radio station (KHKI in Des Moines...it's on the Mediabase panel but NOT Billboard's) and I noticed that about 15 minutes ago (11:25 central time), it says that they played "Country Music Jesus". I think that might be a goof, because first of all, they very rarely play album tracks, and second of all, it says "Homeboy" was also played at 11:25 and I don't see how they can play 2 songs at the same time.

But, to make things stranger, at 10:07 PM, it says they played "Keep On", apparently between Lady A's "Lookin' For A Good Time" and Luke Bryan's "I Don't Want This Night To End".

The playlist can be found HERE. I'm listening live on my laptop now, to see if I notice anything weird. Just thought I'd post it because it seemed rather odd.

[jessica4225]

LOVE this song - it's my favorite on the album! A #1 for sure!

[Ten Pound Hammer]

This gained just under 3 million and jumped up from 43 to 28. Amazing jump.

[Deleted]

Yeah, look out for this one. I really think this is gonna be a huge hit, definitely eclipsing "Drink In My Hand". I do think this could spend several weeks at #1 and potentially nab some single/song of the year nominations at the CMA's in November and next year's ACM's (like Phoenix predicted).

This one got another 35 adds on Mediabase this week as well, by far the most added song.

[gjp934]

This song is awesome! Its the best song on Church's album and a multi week #1 i believe. I think is whole album is amazing and can see him releasing Creepin next then Like Jesus Does. Those two songs could do really well i think although i really like Country Music Jesus but i don't think its that radio friendly.