Heart

"Church's latest project is his most ambitious: a triple album released over the course of a week in three segments. Heart, &, and Soul further refine the melodic, midtempo storytelling Church excels at, offering a moving summation of what he has done well throughout his 15-year career. You get brash statements that recall his irreverent early days ("Stick That in Your Country Song"), as well as maximalist rock-and-soul like the Elton John-meets-Meat Loaf "Heart of the Night," and the roots rock of "Hell of a View."".

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"The first part of Eric Church's Heart & Soul trilogy - Soul appeared a week after Heart, with & releasing to members of the fan club Church Choir in between the two - Heart works as its own distinct entity, a tight collection of nine songs that are connected by attitude as much as theme ... Where his albums of the 2010s were generally marked by his increasing ambition, a drive that saw him expand and deepen his purview, Heart sees Church settling into a groove, crafting song by song, then assembling the results as three interlinked albums. Maybe this approach doesn't deliver the knockout blow of a Mr. Misunderstood but it does result in sturdy, handsome music that seems more impressive the longer it's been around".

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"Church is an interesting figure, talented, savvy and driven. He has built up a huge following with his blend of classic southern rock and Nashville tropes, carefully modulated to appeal to a younger generation more attuned to crash chords than steel guitar. His influences may range wide but he and producer Jay Joyce know how to corral them within the country aesthetic. The result may set toes tapping and hearts beating, but when the cliched fireworks die down, a hollowness remains. Fast cars can take burning desire only so far".

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