Carolina

Carolina, Eric Church’s 2009 sophomore album, finds him upholding his commitment to high-quality country. As on his debut release, Church asserts his kinship with the outlaw tradition of Waylon Jennings — tunes like “Ain’t Killed Me Yet” and “Young and Wild” are loud, proud, and rowdy. In the swamp-rocker “Lotta Boot Left to Fill,” he takes a swipe at the “pretty boys acting tough” who pass for country stars these days. Beyond such ornery outbursts, Church is capable of closely observed sketches of everyday life, delivered with a slightly melancholy twang. “Where She Told Me to Go,” “You Make it Look So Easy,” and “Those I’ve Loved” are sensitive expressions of love and loss presented in acoustic-oriented settings. Producer Jay Joyce contributes to the album’s impact with his nuanced production touches, such as the techno-rock groove of “Hell On the Heart” and the dreamy guitar textures coloring the title track. Edgy yet accessible, Carolina advances Church towards full stardom while keeping his integrity intact.