Number 3: Eric Church

Three albums into his career and Eric Church is finally getting the recognition he deserves. Let's get the awards out the of the way first. In 2011, Eric Church took home an ACMA award for "Top New Solo Vocalist". Eric's first album, Sinners Like Me was released in 2006. Although none of the songs were a huge success, the album gave Eric encouragement to push on. In 2009, Eric's big break happened. His album Carolina and the single "Love Your Love the Most" put Eric on the country map. It was an over night success, and he then released "Smoke a Little Smoke" as well as "Hell on the Heart"-two more big successes. So with a huge success like Carolina, Eric had a follow up cd, and in my opinion, the best yet, Chief in the summer of 2012. He released the song "Homeboy" and country lovers everywhere fell in love with Eric again. He has since released "Drink in my Hand" and "Springsteen". Every song on this album is amazing-seriously. The Grammy's decided to give Eric a little recognition and nominated Chief for "Best Country Album." Eric didn't win, and I was mad. The other contenders have had their time in the spotlight, in my opinion, it's Eric's turn. From North Carolina, Eric draws inspiration from all of his life experiences. He sings about the generic country topics: homeland, losing women, loving women, being a sinner, and drinkin beer. But Eric does it in a way that really tells a story. He sings with a bad ass attitude, like a lot of new country artists, but also with his whole heart. In his first big hit, "Love Your Love the Most", Eric lists all of his favorite things, but a woman's (his wife) love is what he loves more than anything. His tender, loving lyrics win the ladies over. And his songs about drinkin beer and workin hard speak to men. When he sings about losing love, he often does in a way that makes you happy that she's gone. Such as in the song from Chief, "Creepin" "Head to the future, run from the past. Hide from the mirror, live in a glass. What dreams forget, the whiskey remembers. Kinda like molasses in late December. Just a creepin" This upbeat tune is one of my favorites. It makes listeners feel better about love lost. Of course there's pain behind the words, but there's also attitude and strength, and for that, I love Eric Church!