You could infer from the S.E. Hinton-esque title that Eric Church chose for his latest, The Outsiders, that he was in a particularly defiant mood toward both mainstream country expectations and the critical chorus of bro-country critiques. At any rate, he pretty much went berserk on the album; its heavy metal riffage, theatrical use of metaphor and plenty else is gloriously over-the-top. The anthemic single “Give Me Back My Hometown,” though, sounded like it’d fit right in at country radio, even as it lent a rich subtext to familiar themes of youthful, romantic nostalgia. More than pining for a girl, Church’s heartsick protagonist is dealing with the fact that her dissatisfaction with their humble environs let the air out of his contentment with staying right where he was. It’s artfully crafted, emotionally substantial stuff and, yeah, a chart-topper, too.
Best Country Song
Eric Church, “Give Me Back My Hometown”
