Eric Church - "Kill a Word"

Eric Church's most recent album, Mr. Misunderstood, came out last year. A song from it that I keep returning to is "Kill a Word," in which he lists all the negative words he wishes he could eradicate: regret, fear, lies, hate, you get the idea. Always setting his sights on the arena, Church is a country guy with strong pop and (in the case of this song) gospel instincts. A simple sentiment effectively and melodically conveyed.

Eric Church, 'The Outsiders' and Country's Rock 'n' Roll Attitude

Eric Church's The Outsiders came out last week, and today for Playboy I discuss the album in the wider context of how country music has transformed into the new rock 'n' roll. Rock is becoming more and more dull, while country actually seems more engaged in the wider world. How did that shift happen? Here's my column.