Eric Church’s “Hands Of Time” Sets Record-Breaking Pace, Fueling Anticipation for “Evangeline vs. The Machine”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Eric Church is making waves in the country music world with the release of his new single, “Hands Of Time,” which has achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the most added song at Country radio this week, securing 135 first-week stations. This milestone not only highlights the song’s immediate impact but also intensifies the excitement surrounding his upcoming album, “Evangeline vs. The Machine,” set to release on May 2nd.
“Hands Of Time,” a powerful and reflective track, has garnered widespread critical acclaim since its release on March 20th. Stereogum praised its “juicy, fired-up Southern rocker” vibe, while Rolling Stone celebrated its “nostalgic jukebox” feel, noting the numerous allusions to iconic songs and artists that have influenced Church’s career. Billboard further honored the song’s ability to build into a “punchy, rock-fueled anthem,” capturing the essence of navigating a rapidly changing world.
The song’s success has set the stage for the release of “Evangeline vs. The Machine,” an album that promises to be another ambitious and sonically rich chapter in Church’s groundbreaking career. Produced by Jay Joyce, the album features a diverse range of tracks that showcase Church’s songwriting prowess and his ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level.
One of the album’s standout tracks is “Darkest Hour,” released prior to the album to support relief efforts following Hurricane Helene in September 2024. Church’s decision to donate all of his publishing royalties to aid in the recovery efforts underscores his commitment to his home state of North Carolina. “That song had the chance to change things—it already has,” Church reflects, emphasizing the song’s impact and its role in rallying support for those affected by the disaster.
Another deeply personal and impactful track on the album is “Johnny,” a soul-stirring reinterpretation inspired by “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” and the tragic Covenant School shooting in Nashville. Church has previewed the song in limited settings, leaving audiences in awe of its raw emotion and powerful message. “About a year ago, we had a shooting here in Nashville at the Covenant School,” Church explained when introducing the song at Country Radio Seminar. “Where my kids go to school, my two boys, is about a mile from that school. I will tell you something, the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life – parent or otherwise – is dropping them off at that school the day after the shooting and watching them walk inside. I sat in the parking lot for a long time, and as fate would have it, as I was pulling out, Charlie Daniels was playing, ‘The Devil Went Down to Georgia.’ I remember thinking, man, we could use Johnny right now, because the Devil’s not in Georgia, he’s everywhere. I went home and wrote ‘Johnny’.”
“Evangeline vs. The Machine” Track List:
- Hands Of Time (Eric Church, Scooter Carusoe)
- Bleed On Paper (Tucker Beathard, Casey Beathard, Monty Criswell)
- Johnny (Eric Church, Luke Laird, Brett Warren)
- Storm In Their Blood (Eric Church)
- Darkest Hour (Eric Church)
- Evangeline (Eric Church, Luke Laird, Barry Dean)
- Rocket’s White Lincoln (Eric Church)
- Clap Hands (Tom Waits)
Eric Church’s career is marked by a series of critically acclaimed albums and numerous accolades. A seven-time ACM Award winner, four-time CMA Award winner (including the 2020 Entertainer of the Year), and 10-time GRAMMY nominee, Church has cultivated a passionate fan base through his authentic and powerful music.
His previous releases include the RIAA Gold-certified “Desperate Man,” the Platinum-certified “Sinners Like Me,” “Carolina,” “Mr. Misunderstood,” the Double-Platinum certified “The Outsiders,” and the 4x Platinum-certified “Chief.” These albums have produced a string of hit singles, including “Some Of It,” “Desperate Man,” “How ’Bout You,” “Guys Like Me,” “Smoke a Little Smoke,” “Love Your Love the Most,” “Record Year,” “Round Here Buzz,” “Like a Wrecking Ball,” “Talladega,” “Springsteen,” and “Drink In My Hand.”
Beyond his musical achievements, Church is also a minority owner of the Charlotte Hornets, a co-owner of the iconic Field & Stream brand, and has his own SiriusXM music channel, “Eric Church Outsiders Radio.” He also has his own liquor offering, Whiskey JYPSI, and recently opened Chief’s, a six-story venue on Nashville’s famed lower Broadway.
With the success of “Hands Of Time” and the anticipation surrounding “Evangeline vs. The Machine,” Eric Church continues to solidify his position as one of the most influential and respected artists in country music.