Eric Church Album Series: Album Tracks (Finished)

[recordyear]

I decided to run an Eric Church album series because he deserved one. We will go through all 7 in chronological order (while waiting for the & EP to be publicly available at some point). Hopefully they will be done this year, and then the album tracks rankdown and maybe an Extras rankdown with a different twist. He is very known as having great album tracks and let's see how they will fare here.

Sinners Like Me (2006)
Carolina (2009)
Chief (2011)
The Outsiders (2014)
Mr. Misunderstood (2015)
Desperate Man (2018)
Heart & Soul (2021)

[recordyear]

Sinners Like Me (2006)



Before She Does
Sinners Like Me
How 'Bout You
These Boots
What I Almost Was
The Hard Way
Guys Like Me
Lightning
Can't Take It with You
Pledge Allegiance to the Hag (featuring Merle Haggard)
Two Pink Lines
Livin' Part of Life

The birth of Eric Church's career and debut album can be traced back to Lightning, a song Eric wrote shortly after moving to Nashville, inspired by the movie The Green Mile. It is until he played this song to Arthur Buenahora that he is signed as an artist under Capitol Nashville. The song is also accompanied by a music video despite not being a radio single.

And he played too long while being an opener for Rascal Flatts and is then replaced by Taylor Swift. You probably hear much from her fanbase anyway so it is just a brief mention here.

The commercial performance of this album is decent, peaked at #29 on Billboard 200 and stayed on chart for 20 weeks while certified Platinum by RIAA on April 29, 2019. While the first three radio singles of the album only peaked at the teens in Country Airplay, How 'Bout You is certified Gold single while Guys Like Me is certified Platinum. Moreover, the title track, despite peaking at #51 in Country Airplay, is certified Gold.

Instructions:
1) Rank the songs from #1 (most favorite) to #12 (least favorite).
2) Send your list to me via PM on or before Feb 15th.

Participants:
1. recordyear
2. gonecountry
3. Tim
4. someguy
5. bboat11
6. zack97
7. 🌺CountryLineDancer
8. gardyfan
9. Kanenrá:ke
10. George Strait Junkie
11. austin
12. .indulgecountry
13. ClevelandRox
14. HeyHeyHey
15. fearlessarrow
16. castleoblivion26
17. kw9461

Tags (from the Country Rankdowns Tag List)
312999 Adrian C. 🍓 austin BB🌕 bboat11 bigfan101 George Strait Junkie taylor castleoblivion26 ccarter1023 cedric Cody Wants Out... HeyHeyHey ClevelandRox g8erboi Tim LBTrocks 🌺CountryLineDancer Crimsonio ethanhunt Fancy fearlessarrow gardyfan hydraflare Sambalada CagedJuggalo The Third Tanker .indulgecountry jamesflame James Leo ✔ born Kanenrá:ke The Brazilian Guy 🇧🇷 lady𝓐fan Mylo13 💜 netti RobbyFlorida schnetzka someguy zaclord 🌈 SwiftlySheeran XXXma$ toomuchboy twigs @xfer zack97

[gardyfan]

I have been waiting for the Church rankdowns. Gonna be a good year.

[gonecountry]

Oh hell yes, I'm in. Looking forward to the extra's rankdown where he can rank Caldwell County EP songs including His Kind of Money (My Kind of Love)

[recordyear]

Jan 1, 2022 11:40:43 GMT -5 gonecountry said:

Oh hell yes, I'm in. Looking forward to the extra's rankdown where he can rank Caldwell County EP songs including His Kind of Money (My Kind of Love)

Actually the 3 original songs in Caldwell County EP will be included in Carolina rankdown because there is a version of the album that includes these songs. The Chevy Van cover will be in Extras rankdown.

[taylor]

I had been waiting after giving the Eric Church series up for grabs for it to launch, and who better to host it than Pulse’s resident Church Choir member! Excited to see how this series plays out!

[gonecountry]

That was challenging. Shy of one song, the first album is full of great songs. Carolina is going to be even tougher and Chief (my all time favorite EC album) is going to be damn near impossible.

[Trilogy]

tag me for this series, though i can't guarantee i'll do the first two rds

[recordyear]

Finally got my spreadsheet set up and looks like a clear #1 is emerging.
Thanks to 5 people (not including me) who sent a list already!
This is a less than 1 month reminder.

SPOILER: Click to show

{You would send a list before she does...}
312999 Adrian C. 🍓 austin BB🌕 bigfan101 George Strait Junkie taylor castleoblivion26 ccarter1023 cedric Cody Wants Out... HeyHeyHey ClevelandRox g8erboi LBTrocks 🌺CountryLineDancer Crimsonio ethanhunt Fancy fearlessarrow gardyfan hydraflare Sambalada CagedJuggalo The Third Tanker .indulgecountry jamesflame James Leo ✔ born Kanenrá:ke The Brazilian Guy 🇧🇷 lady𝓐fan Mylo13 💜 netti RobbyFlorida schnetzka zaclord 🌈 SwiftlySheeran XXXma$ toomuchboy twigs @xfer Trilogy

[recordyear]

Now at 9 lists. Keep it coming!
3 weeks left for submission.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Here's to a long line of participants like me}312999 Adrian C. 🍓 austin BB🌕 bigfan101 George Strait Junkie taylor castleoblivion26 ccarter1023 cedric Cody Wants Out... HeyHeyHey ClevelandRox g8erboi LBTrocks Crimsonio ethanhunt Fancy fearlessarrow hydraflare Sambalada CagedJuggalo The Third Tanker .indulgecountry jamesflame James Leo ✔ born The Brazilian Guy 🇧🇷 lady𝓐fan Mylo13 💜 netti RobbyFlorida schnetzka zaclord 🌈 SwiftlySheeran XXXma$ toomuchboy twigs @xfer Trilogy

[recordyear]

10 lists.
2 weeks left for submission.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Here's to a long line of participants like me}312999 Adrian C. 🍓 austin BB🌕 bigfan101 taylor castleoblivion26 ccarter1023 cedric Cody Wants Out... HeyHeyHey ClevelandRox g8erboi LBTrocks Crimsonio ethanhunt Fancy fearlessarrow hydraflare Sambalada CagedJuggalo The Third Tanker .indulgecountry jamesflame James Leo ✔ born The Brazilian Guy 🇧🇷 lady𝓐fan Mylo13 💜 netti RobbyFlorida schnetzka zaclord 🌈 SwiftlySheeran XXXma$ toomuchboy twigs @xfer Trilogy

[recordyear]

1 week left for submission.

SPOILER: Click to show

{How about you send a list?}312999 Adrian C. 🍓 BB🌕 bigfan101 taylor castleoblivion26 ccarter1023 cedric Cody Wants Out... HeyHeyHey g8erboi LBTrocks Crimsonio ethanhunt Fancy fearlessarrow hydraflare Sambalada CagedJuggalo The Third Tanker jamesflame James Leo ✔ born The Brazilian Guy 🇧🇷 lady𝓐fan Mylo13 💜 netti RobbyFlorida schnetzka zaclord 🌈 SwiftlySheeran XXXma$ toomuchboy twigs @xfer Trilogy

[gonecountry]

So, when we get to Chief, I'm assuming you are going to say Keep on sending in those lists....

[recordyear]

6 days left for submission.

SPOILER: Click to show

{These boots ought to send a list}312999 Adrian C. 🍓 BB🌕 bigfan101 taylor castleoblivion26 ccarter1023 cedric Cody Wants Out... HeyHeyHey g8erboi LBTrocks Crimsonio ethanhunt Fancy fearlessarrow hydraflare Sambalada CagedJuggalo The Third Tanker jamesflame James Leo ✔ born The Brazilian Guy 🇧🇷 lady𝓐fan Mylo13 💜 netti RobbyFlorida schnetzka zaclord 🌈 SwiftlySheeran XXXma$ toomuchboy twigs @xfer Trilogy

[recordyear]

5 days left for submission.

SPOILER: Click to show

{I thank god I ain't forget to send a list}312999 Adrian C. 🍓 BB🌕 bigfan101 taylor castleoblivion26 ccarter1023 cedric Cody Wants Out... g8erboi LBTrocks Crimsonio ethanhunt Fancy fearlessarrow hydraflare Sambalada CagedJuggalo The Third Tanker jamesflame James Leo ✔ born The Brazilian Guy 🇧🇷 lady𝓐fan Mylo13 💜 netti RobbyFlorida schnetzka zaclord 🌈 SwiftlySheeran XXXma$ toomuchboy twigs @xfer Trilogy

[recordyear]

4 days left for submission.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Regretting sending a list's been known to give a man a beating'}312999 Adrian C. 🍓 BB🌕 bigfan101 taylor castleoblivion26 ccarter1023 cedric Cody Wants Out... g8erboi LBTrocks Crimsonio ethanhunt Fancy fearlessarrow hydraflare Sambalada CagedJuggalo The Third Tanker jamesflame James Leo ✔ born The Brazilian Guy 🇧🇷 lady𝓐fan Mylo13 💜 netti RobbyFlorida schnetzka zaclord 🌈 SwiftlySheeran XXXma$ toomuchboy twigs @xfer Trilogy

[recordyear]

3 days left for submission.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Guys like me send a list for this rankdown}312999 Adrian C. 🍓 BB🌕 bigfan101 taylor castleoblivion26 ccarter1023 cedric Cody Wants Out... g8erboi LBTrocks Crimsonio ethanhunt Fancy fearlessarrow hydraflare Sambalada CagedJuggalo The Third Tanker jamesflame James Leo ✔ born The Brazilian Guy 🇧🇷 lady𝓐fan Mylo13 💜 netti RobbyFlorida schnetzka zaclord 🌈 SwiftlySheeran XXXma$ toomuchboy twigs @xfer Trilogy

[fearlessarrow]

I have my initial list done, I just need to shuffle things around so expect a list from me soon!

[recordyear]

2 days left for submission.

SPOILER: Click to show

{These deadlines are closin' in on you}312999 Adrian C. 🍓 BB🌕 bigfan101 taylor castleoblivion26 ccarter1023 cedric Cody Wants Out... g8erboi LBTrocks Crimsonio ethanhunt Fancy fearlessarrow hydraflare Sambalada CagedJuggalo The Third Tanker jamesflame James Leo ✔ born The Brazilian Guy 🇧🇷 lady𝓐fan Mylo13 💜 netti RobbyFlorida schnetzka zaclord 🌈 SwiftlySheeran XXXma$ toomuchboy twigs @xfer Trilogy

[recordyear]

1 day left for submission. If you want an extension just say it.

SPOILER: Click to show

{You can't take the ranks with you when you go}312999 Adrian C. 🍓 BB🌕 bigfan101 taylor castleoblivion26 ccarter1023 cedric Cody Wants Out... g8erboi LBTrocks Crimsonio ethanhunt Fancy hydraflare Sambalada CagedJuggalo The Third Tanker jamesflame James Leo ✔ born The Brazilian Guy 🇧🇷 lady𝓐fan Mylo13 💜 netti RobbyFlorida schnetzka zaclord 🌈 SwiftlySheeran XXXma$ toomuchboy twigs @xfer Trilogy

[kw9461]

Working on this now.

[recordyear]

14 hours left till the deadline.

SPOILER: Click to show

312999 Adrian C. 🍓 BB🌕 bigfan101 taylor ccarter1023 cedric Cody Wants Out... g8erboi LBTrocks Crimsonio ethanhunt Fancy hydraflare Sambalada CagedJuggalo The Third Tanker jamesflame James Leo ✔ born The Brazilian Guy 🇧🇷 lady𝓐fan Mylo13 💜 netti RobbyFlorida schnetzka zaclord 🌈 SwiftlySheeran XXXma$ toomuchboy twigs @xfer Trilogy

[recordyear]

I didn't receive any requests for extension, so the submission is closed. Good number of participants.

Participants:
1. recordyear
2. gonecountry
3. Tim
4. someguy
5. bboat11
6. zack97
7. 🌺CountryLineDancer
8. gardyfan
9. Kanenrá:ke
10. George Strait Junkie
11. austin
12. .indulgecountry
13. ClevelandRox
14. HeyHeyHey
15. fearlessarrow
16. castleoblivion26
17. kw9461

And it's time for pre-reveal questionnaire.

1. Which song will win? Which songs will be top 5?
2. Which song will be the last? Which songs will be bottom 5?
3. How will each single (Sinners Like Me, How 'Bout You, Guys Like Me, Two Pink Lines) perform?
4. Which non-single will perform the best?
5. Do you pledge allegiance to the Hag?
6. Any other thoughts?

[gonecountry]

1. Which song will win? Which songs will be top 5? While I'd love to see a non-single win, I'm thinking Sinners Like Me?? Other top 5: Guys Like Me, These Boots, How Bout You, and the Hag

2. Which song will be the last? Which songs will be bottom 5? Can't Take It With You. Other Bottom 5: Before She Does, What I Almost Was, The Hard Way, Lightning

3. How will each single (Sinners Like Me, How 'Bout You, Guys Like Me, Two Pink Lines) perform? Top 5 with TPL performing worst, maybe at #6

4. Which non-single will perform the best? These Boots

5. Do you pledge allegiance to the Hag? Hell yeah, he's on the Fightin' Side Of Me

6. Any other thoughts? Love this album. Not my absolute favorite, but his first three are my favorites.

[recordyear]

7 songs have at least a #1, and even the last place song has it.

gonecountry
Tim
someguy
bboat11
zack97
🌺CountryLineDancer
gardyfan
Kanenrá:ke
George Strait Junkie
austin
.indulgecountry
ClevelandRox
HeyHeyHey
fearlessarrow
castleoblivion26
kw9461

[recordyear]

12. Before She Does
Track 1 written by Eric Church, Trent Willmon & Jeremy Spillman

There's absolutely, positively
No doubt in my mind
That OJ did it Lee Harvey didn't
And she's really gone this time



Total: 148
Average: 8.705882353
SD: 3.29326407 (4th highest)

Tim 1
George Strait Junkie 2
gardyfan 6
zack97 7
gonecountry 8
austin 8
ClevelandRox 8
castleoblivion26 8
someguy 10
Kanenrá:ke 10
recordyear 11
.indulgecountry 11
HeyHeyHey 11
kw9461 11
bboat11 12
🌺CountryLineDancer 12
fearlessarrow 12

[recordyear]

Before She Does is the first song in the album and eliminated in the rankdown. This is a rocking tune where Eric holds various beliefs and the core that his lost love will never come back.

I think the beliefs tend to be a laundry list and the theme is done better in other songs of the album.

Tim becomes the first participant to lose his #1, but George Strait Junkie is close. bboat11 , 🌺CountryLineDancer and fearlessarrow lose their last place and got perfect rankings.

[recordyear]

11. Can't Take It with You
Track 9 written by Eric Church, Marla Cannon-Goodman & Casey Beathard

Never realized how much she brought to the table
Till I went to sit my cup of coffee where the table use to be
No cats, no bed, no heirloom antique cradle
An' no more hope for one day starting' that family



Total: 145
Average: 8.529411765
SD: 2.182820625 (lowest SD)

recordyear 4
ClevelandRox 5
.indulgecountry 6
castleoblivion26 7
bboat11 7
zack97 8
someguy 8
Tim 9
gardyfan 9
HeyHeyHey 9
🌺CountryLineDancer 9
austin 10
kw9461 10
fearlessarrow 10
George Strait Junkie 11
Kanenrá:ke 11
gonecountry 12

[recordyear]

Can't Take It With You is a song about a guy who is reminiscing at how good his relationship was and now thinks that the old saying “You can’t take it with you when you go” is wrong because she took his heart with her when she left.

I have always loved the pun of "brought to the table/table used to be" in the opening verse. Some might think it's too try-hard I guess.

Not ashamed of being the highest ranker of this one. gonecountry loses his last place. George Strait Junkie and Kanenrá:ke got perfect ranking. Also this is the lowest SD song in the rankdown.

[recordyear]

We lose a single at #10. Any guesses?