User ratings in Music are temporarily disabled. More info

Desperate Man
by
  • Record Label:
  • Release Date:
Desperate Man Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

  • Summary: The sixth full-length studio release for the Nashville-based country artist was produced by Jay Joyce.
Buy Now
Buy on

Top Track

Desperate Man
I've seen the Joshua Tree Got down on my knees To the Virgin Mother I prayed I've walked glass barefooted Strolled 'cross the devil's hot coal I've... See the rest of the song lyrics
See Full Track List »
Powered by

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Classic Rock Magazine
    Oct 17, 2018
    80
    This Church is worth a visit. [Nov 2018, p.85]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Los Angeles Times
    Oct 4, 2018
    80
    It’s a warm, appealingly ragged collection suffused with wisdom and reassurance.
  3. The Independent (UK)
    Oct 4, 2018
    80
    He offers up beautifully crafted country that uses rock, gospel and blues influences to push gently at the genre’s boundaries: sweet guitar licks, thrashing drums and Church’s voice straining at the top end of his range.
  4. Variety
    Oct 9, 2018
    80
    It’s throwback-y in spades, but bears such a personal stamp in a world of cookie-cutter male competitors, that it still feels like Church is moving country forward.
  5. Pitchfork
    Oct 15, 2018
    76
    This album seems smaller than every record he’s made since 2011’s Chief. That modesty is the key to its very appeal: This is an album designed not for the moment but the long haul.
  6. Exclaim
    Oct 4, 2018
    70
    At his best, he updates the Allman Brothers, splicing in just enough of the Bakersfield sound, without sounding nostalgic or dated.
  7. Rolling Stone
    Oct 5, 2018
    70
    For better or worse, his new LP sidesteps largely hot-button debates. One exception is its opener, “The Snake,” a slithering, unplugged, dub-tinged parable suggesting strivers of all political shades consider their real enemies.

See all 8 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. bishop535
    Jul 18, 2020
    10
    It’s so blatantly obvious that Eric has finally found himself comfortable in his own skin. He’s a songwriter that has a passionate connectionIt’s so blatantly obvious that Eric has finally found himself comfortable in his own skin. He’s a songwriter that has a passionate connection with his fans. And when I say passionate, I mean it. “Drowning man” puts the blue collar man first, “monsters” demonstrates something we’ve all been through. He is an absolute master of turning a subtle concept into a song and we salute the chief for doing what he does!!!!!… Expand
  2. NodakChris
    Oct 15, 2018
    10
    His best album yet. I can listen to it over and over. The mainstream radio listeners won't love it, but EC and I don't give a rip!
  4. klahnm
    Nov 4, 2018
    8
    Desperate Man offers yet another strong album in which Eric Church remains true to himself and his own brand of country music. The signatureDesperate Man offers yet another strong album in which Eric Church remains true to himself and his own brand of country music. The signature song of the album, in my opinion, is Drowning Man. It’s a ballad of a man, troubled by the world around him, who attempts to escape it, if only for one night. As we’ve come to expect, Eric delivers thought provoking songs, as well as songs that tell the story of his past. “The Snake” offers a metaphorical view about dealing with sin, while “Monsters” talks about handling fear as an adult. “Some of It” shows how lessons can be learned the hard way, and “Solid” is an uplifting song about having a strong foundation. “Hippie Radio” offers us a view into the childhood of Eric Church, giving an example of the songs he grew up listening to, which shaped him into the artist he is today. Each song offers a unique sound that we have not heard before. The Chief’s music continues to evolve, but he remains true to a genuine brand of country music that focuses on the emotion of the listener, rather than the profits of the artist. Another well done album by the Chief!… Expand

Current Music Releases

Full List »
99 Band on the Run [50th Anniversary Edition] - Paul McCartney & Wings
95 If I don't make it, I love u - Still House Plants
95 The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow - Charles Lloyd
92 COWBOY CARTER - Beyoncé
91 The Carnegie Hall Concert - Alice Coltrane
90 1989 (Taylor's Version) - Taylor Swift
90 Iechyd Da - Bill Ryder-Jones
90 This Could Be Texas - English Teacher
89 I Got Heaven - Mannequin Pussy
89 Black Bayou - Robert Finley
89 Tigers Blood - Waxahatchee
88 Only God Was Above Us - Vampire Weekend
88 What Now - Brittany Howard
88 Hey Panda - The High Llamas
88 Orquídeas - Kali Uchis
88 The Past Is Still Alive - Hurray for the Riff Raff
87 Filthy Underneath - Nadine Shah
87 i/o - Peter Gabriel
87 Blue Lips - ScHoolboy Q
87 Bright Future - Adrianne Lenker
All Current Music »