Desperate Man
by Eric Church
  • Record Label: EMI
  • Release Date: Oct 5, 2018
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
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  1. Classic Rock Magazine
    Oct 17, 2018
    80
    This Church is worth a visit. [Nov 2018, p.85]
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  2. 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.
  3. Los Angeles Times
    Oct 4, 2018
    80
    It’s a warm, appealingly ragged collection suffused with wisdom and reassurance.
  5. AllMusic
    Oct 4, 2018
    80
    Instead of going big, the way he did on 2014's burly Outsiders, he's keeping things small, a decision that highlights the many savvy ways he expands American musical traditions even as he adheres to them. Perhaps these variations on themes are subtle but this confident sense of sonic adventure when combined with Church's expert craft results in a satisfying album.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
  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!!!!!… Full Review »
  2. 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!… Full Review »
  3. 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!
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