Uncle Lumpy
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Post by Uncle Lumpy on Jan 3, 2014 11:39:34 GMT -5
I'm a bit indifferent. I don't think its bad after the first listen , but I'm not knocked out either. I think I'll save my "worst song of the year's" for the next bro-country crap-fest which is undoubtedly just around the corner though.
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rsmatto
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Post by rsmatto on Jan 3, 2014 11:44:04 GMT -5
The chorus is "Give Me Back My Hometown, 'Cause This is My Hometown." It's enough of a chorus for people to be hooked into and the "Yeah, yeah, ooohh, yeah, yeah" part later on are added 'bonus' for people who like similarly structured songs. It's a strong lyrical song ( read the official lyrics here) about how the town doesn't feel the same because everything about it reminds him of that first big love. It's passionate (especially the final verse/bridge). It's moody. It's definitely Eric Church. If this one's NOT a big hit with the 'average fan' -- like "Springsteen" was -- then I don't know if any other song he has on The Outsiders will be. This is far from a 'worst song' just like "That's My Kind Of Night" wasn't the 'worst song of the year' (Seriously, go listen to some songs that people "release" to digital stores). Statements like "Best song ever" and "Worst song ever" seriously discount all of the crap that does get released.
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bigfan101
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Post by bigfan101 on Jan 3, 2014 12:01:14 GMT -5
K this worst song of the year was me trying to have a joke but it obviously has not landed. We are only 3 days in the year and this is one of only two songs that I know have debuted (this and Gloriana) so I was trying to say and joke that this was the worst of the two songs that have debuted cause it is so early....this does not compare to terribleness that is bro-country.
Hopefully that clears that up.
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rsmatto
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Post by rsmatto on Jan 3, 2014 12:07:10 GMT -5
K this worst song of the year was me trying to have a joke but it obviously has not landed. We are only 3 days in the year and this is one of only two songs that I know have debuted (this and Gloriana) so I was trying to say and joke that this was the worst of the two songs that have debuted cause it is so early....this does not compare to terribleness that is bro-country. Hopefully that clears that up. I try to steer clear of sarcasm like that (or jokes as you say) in forums/twitter because written word isn't as easy to understand in this context as it is when spoken. Single cover:
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McCreerian
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Post by McCreerian on Jan 3, 2014 13:35:05 GMT -5
Well I gave it my 1 listen. It's not Screaming rock nor Bro Country. It is very Pop Country. I think this will make the top 20 with no problem fairly soon, probably top 10 not too far from now too.
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zjames
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Post by zjames on Jan 3, 2014 13:40:41 GMT -5
I'm loving this so far. This is when Eric Church is the best IMO: country with a gritty rock edge. The story is personal and vivid, and I love the lead-up to the "You can have my Grandma's locket, the knife out of my grandpa's pocket." I can see this easily taking Eric back into the top 5 and maybe number 1.
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Cody Wants Out...
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Post by Cody Wants Out... on Jan 3, 2014 13:49:57 GMT -5
The first official country radio single of 2014 and...wait for it...
I'm not impressed; much better than the natural disaster he gave us with "The Outsiders", but I unfortunately don't see it bringing him back to the top of the charts (yet). Maybe he'll get a top 15 or top 10, but I don't see this going much higher. The lyrics in the chorus also don't make sense to me. "Give me back my hometown 'cuz this is my hometown"? Really?
I read a few claims about us already hearing the "worst country single of 2014" in this one, but I can't quite join in yet. Personally, I'm expecting a completely cluttered mind-warp from one of the newer acts like Cole Swindell, Thomas Rhett, and maybe Frankie Ballard to pollute the already disastrous climate of country radio. In fact, I'm expecting something even more disturbing than "The Outsiders" to come once the weather warms up a bit.
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Markus Meyer
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Post by Markus Meyer on Jan 3, 2014 14:11:23 GMT -5
I like it. Kinda "Ghost Town" meets "We Were Us" lyrically. I can see why people would dislike it though. IMO will be a top 10 hit for him. This is far from a 'worst song' just like "That's My Kind Of Night" wasn't the 'worst song of the year' (Seriously, go listen to some songs that people "release" to digital stores). Statements like "Best song ever" and "Worst song ever" seriously discount all of the crap that does get released. Actually, TMKON topped FTM and Keep It Country Kids worst of lists. But as much as I can see people not liking this, I don't see it coming close to any sort of worst of list.
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jaseboyhyde
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Post by jaseboyhyde on Jan 3, 2014 14:33:06 GMT -5
The more I listen to this the more I see how it could be perceived as a tie-in to, or extension of, "Springsteen". It's another song about reflection and nostalgia. About how a young love, or any love, made memories and now captivates that person's emotions when they're near certain places, sights, sounds, etc...
This release also explains the "One will rise, one will fall"...Outsiders being the one that fell, Give me back my hometown being the one that will rise. I think these two songs were released knowing Outsiders would fall hard and be pulled early, GMBMH will steadily rise on the charts. The huge difference in the two will continue to create interest and mystique surrounding the album, seeing how vastly different in style the first releases are.
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layne
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Post by layne on Jan 3, 2014 14:48:42 GMT -5
I think more than anything else this song is similar to Lady A's Goodbye Town. I get the same vibe when I hear both songs.
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rsmatto
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Post by rsmatto on Jan 3, 2014 14:54:27 GMT -5
I like it. Kinda "Ghost Town" meets "We Were Us" lyrically. I can see why people would dislike it though. IMO will be a top 10 hit for him. This is far from a 'worst song' just like "That's My Kind Of Night" wasn't the 'worst song of the year' (Seriously, go listen to some songs that people "release" to digital stores). Statements like "Best song ever" and "Worst song ever" seriously discount all of the crap that does get released. Actually, TMKON topped FTM and Keep It Country Kids worst of lists. But as much as I can see people not liking this, I don't see it coming close to any sort of worst of list. Well, "Year" should've said "Ever" but I still think my thoughts apply above. I've never even heard of "Keep It Country Kids" before you posted about it. I know Farce The Music well and that site -- which is mostly parody -- certainly doesn't dig the 'bro' part of Country music.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 3, 2014 15:31:23 GMT -5
Wow, this is really good. I really love the lyrics and production on this one...it's very different from the other songs out right now, but in a good way. Eric's vocals too...he really sounds good here. I think this will get him back to the top 10 and possibly #1.
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Markus Meyer
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Post by Markus Meyer on Jan 3, 2014 15:40:06 GMT -5
I have a lot of respect for Eric, and also Brad Paisley for taking risks and trying to stand out.
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sabre14
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Post by sabre14 on Jan 3, 2014 15:55:47 GMT -5
Well it's different, which is exactly what I expected from Eric. I think it's far from terrible to say the least. But I'm not in love with it as of now. The lack of direction in the song is my biggest problem right now. Which of course is subjective. But this clearly was written as a non chorus kind of song for a reason. I think Eric wants this to be a anthem like song. I personally wish the lyrics went deeper with a chorus, because the one part of the song I love is the subject. I agree with Jamie though.. I predict this will be a huge hit for him. Fans don't care about the lack of chorus or lyrical direction I pointed out. They just want to sing along and feel like a song is relatable. I don't think it will be as huge as "Springsteen", but #1 is not out of the question. Right now I will have to give it a few more listens to decide if I fall on the don't care for it or really like it side of the fence.
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rjz
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Post by rjz on Jan 3, 2014 16:54:06 GMT -5
I am pretty relieved to hear this after the mess of "The Outsiders".
I do like it-Eric sounds good, the musical vibe of the song is very pleasant and it tells a story (although honestly, I had a hard time catching it until I subsequently saw it explained here, ha).
The Oh, ohs- blah. I am not a fan of that sort of thing; and yes- I am one of the few who didn't love Springsteen (not that I hated it, I just consistently skip over it on the album). Wish he had left those out, since he kind of already did that to the nth degree in Springsteen. Definitely agree with Phil here; should have canned the oh, ohs and added more lyrics.
Overall, it gets a B from me. Not an A song, which is a song that I love on first listen (In EC case, Hell on the Heart, Drink in My Hand, Homeboy, Country Music Jesus and Like Jesus Does). But a huge step above some of the popular Bro-country stuff out there, IMO.
I'm sure it will be an easy top 10 and probable #1
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zaclord 🌈
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Post by zaclord 🌈 on Jan 3, 2014 20:01:06 GMT -5
Considering how low my expectations were after "The Outsiders", I am satisfied with this. I really like the production of this and the lyrics are fine, I think its the melody that just isn't completely working for me. I'm sure it will grow though because I'm typically a big fan of Eric's music. I've only disliked "The Outsiders" and "Smoke a Little Smoke" out of his singles. This is no "Springsteen", but it should get him back into the top 10 and likely close to the #1 spot.
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kw9461
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Post by kw9461 on Jan 3, 2014 20:17:08 GMT -5
I'm surprised this seems to be so polarizing. It isn't meant to be as immediate as songs like Springsteen or Drink In My Hand, but more of a slow burner like Creepin'. That one took quite a few listens for me to warm up to, and I already like this better after one listen. The lyrics are a bit hard to discern at times, but other than that - the production is crisp and distinctive and reading the lyrics there is definitely some depth here. I doubt this will be one of my favorite releases of 2014, but it still sounds pretty strong to me (though I was far more intrigued by the snippets of Dark Horse). Even if this proves to polarizing to hit #1, i would be very surprised if it failed to re-establish Eric to the T10.
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jughead
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Post by jughead on Jan 3, 2014 22:00:05 GMT -5
I think this is actually good material. The fact that Eric is taking some risks already puts him above of Luke, Blake, and Jason. For me at least.
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tvoss20
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Post by tvoss20 on Jan 3, 2014 22:56:18 GMT -5
LOVE LOVE LOVE. One of his best songs ever in my ears' opinions
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jaseboyhyde
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Post by jaseboyhyde on Jan 4, 2014 11:02:49 GMT -5
I'm surprised this seems to be so polarizing. Everything Eric puts out is likely to be polarizing, if for no other reason than he's a polarizing artist. No matter what he puts out, those that don't like Eric will find a reason not to like the song, and those that love him will find the good in it. I admit I'm guilty of that very thing at times, though I try hard to enjoy all deserving music and be honest about music that isn't an artist's best. Look at "Saving Country Music's" recent review of this song...written last night, it already has far more comments than reviews and articles written before it. For whatever reason, Eric Church is a hot topic around the industry, by those that love him and those that hate him. Of course, there are a few objective critics (there are many here) that will appreciate a song as a stand-alone piece, but it's really hard to be objective when the mention of the artist stirs such strong emotions in people.
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rjz
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Post by rjz on Jan 4, 2014 12:06:26 GMT -5
^^Homeboy and The Outsiders aside, is Eric Church really that polarizing? I guess I never saw him that way. After all, radio has treated him well, as well as huge sales of his break out album Chief and award shows. All of his songs haven't hit big, but there are plenty of artists who experience that ;)
Some of the real polarizing artists live in alt country don't they vs mainstream country? And doesn't Zach Brown Band get a little shut out of country award shows despite consistent great sales and radio play? When I think of 'polarizing' I think of pretty strong emotions, like FGL, Taylor Swift and Luke Bryan when people tend to hate multiple works of theirs/their general sound. His Taylor Swift video thing died off pretty quickly......in comparison to ZBB bold statements about Luke Bryan which has kicked off a huge conversation.
If you look at any new single, seems like there are some who love, some who hate......many of the views here seem to say, 'the song is ok or good, I will have to listen more'. Even a 'safe' established hit maker like Keith Urban had pretty strong likes/dislikes of his latest album Fuse, even from long time fans.
I think Eric is creative and strives for songs that aren't formulaic for the most part if that makes him polarizing, but he doesn't really seem that controversial, IMO. The Outsiders song was striving for controversy to me, and it died off pretty quickly as country radio wouldn't play (thank goodness, lol-but I think they will be on board with this one as they should be).
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bigfan101
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I am Sara Evans other fan.
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Post by bigfan101 on Jan 4, 2014 12:17:49 GMT -5
ZBB gets shut out of awards because he is on his own label and therefore has a very small voting block whether that is fair or not.
Eric on the other hand I think is an artist that people either love or hate. I find very few people who don't have strong opinions about him. I like him,but would not describe myself as a super fan. I find his personality to be a bit strange, and he kinda has that take it or leave it persona.
The way he has gone with this album kinda reminds me of Sugarland. Big radio hits and success so the label lets them make the music they wanted. We saw what that did to Sugarland; I hope that same fate doesn't head Eric's way
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jaseboyhyde
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Post by jaseboyhyde on Jan 4, 2014 12:19:04 GMT -5
rjz, I see what you're saying, and I don't disagree that after Chief he's been more mainstream and accepted.I also agree that lots of new songs are either loved or hated for a time. That's not what I meant by Eric being polarizing. He invokes strong emotions in people, from fans to other artists to executives and people in the industry, because of the way he came up to popularity and some of the things he's done and said. Of course he's done a lot of that as a marketing ploy, and brought lots of criticism on himself. I didn't say it was good or bad, or anyone should pity him because of that. Just that he's polarizing and creates strong feelings, whether positive or negative, with everything he does, says, and records. Two Pink Lines, Lightning, Homeboy, Smoke a Little Smoke, Country Music Jesus, Lotta boot left to fill, Outsiders...those songs (especially the ones that were released as singles) are songs that were viewed as controversial and people had high emotions one way or the other for them it seemed. I respectfully disagree with you. I think EC is one of the most criticized artists today, and also one of the most heralded. People either love or hate him, that's what I meant by polarizing.
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Post by Fan Voted Chart on Jan 4, 2014 13:39:08 GMT -5
I actually liked The Outsiders. Will be interesting to hear this song. I liked The Outsiders as well, but not as a single. To me, it felt out of place on the radio, but I can see it fitting in as part of an album.
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julianxs
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Post by julianxs on Jan 4, 2014 18:19:11 GMT -5
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jaseboyhyde
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Post by jaseboyhyde on Jan 4, 2014 18:32:52 GMT -5
This has just as many lyrics as many songs with 3 verses, it just doesn't take up time with a long repeating chorus. I don't think that hurts it though, as it allows time for the story to develop with new lyrics and vivid imagery. The incorporated yeah-eah oh-oh-oh-oh yeah-eah's don't bother me either. They allow time for the listener to reflect, or to let the story and heaviness of the lyrics sink in. You can have my grandma's locket, the knife out of my grandpa's pocket, my state champion jacket, I don't care, you can have it...That's deep. It continues to grow on me.
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jughead
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Post by jughead on Jan 4, 2014 18:43:32 GMT -5
I do agree. He is one of the more interesting songwriters today.
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jaseboyhyde
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Post by jaseboyhyde on Jan 5, 2014 12:41:43 GMT -5
Hey Brian, Is there a source you're allowed to list here that shows the current mediabase chart? I know the rules and regulations change often and to be honest I'm not really up to date on them.
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rbundy1987
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Post by rbundy1987 on Jan 5, 2014 13:13:48 GMT -5
Hey Brian, Is there a source you're allowed to list here that shows the current mediabase chart? I know the rules and regulations change often and to be honest I'm not really up to date on them. 0 38 ERIC CHURCH Give Me Back My Hometown 904 0 904 8.447 Here a link. You may need to sign up, but you only need a username and email address. You also have to be 13+ years or older. NO NEED to sign up, use this, click on Country!!! kworb.net/radio/
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carriekins
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Post by carriekins on Jan 5, 2014 14:30:42 GMT -5
It's top 40 already because it got Clear Channel hourly-play all day Friday.
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