Is Eric Church going to have a big 2011?

Things in 2010 were sure good for Eric Church. Early on in the year Eric saw his hit Hell on the Heart peak at #10 on the charts. It was the second top ten in a row for Eric and things were off to a good start. After that Eric released the third single from his Carolina album and it slowly made its way up the charts. Now the song is looking to possibly crack the top ten making it three in a row.

Eric opened up for Jason Aldean on some tour dates in 2010. The tour was one of the biggest of the year. Aldean rocked stages all over the country. He’s a budding superstar and Eric certainly benefited from being in front of those big crowds each night.

Eric also had a full slate of his club shows throughout the year. He’s been earning his reputation as a hardcore club and honky tonk guy by playing the smaller venues throughout the nation including a few rock clubs. The strategy has been a huge success for Eric over the years and it looks like it’s something he’s going to keep doing.

For a few dates in 2010 Eric played shows with Montgomery Gentry, Little Big Town, Jamey Johnson and Jack Ingram. I missed out on that tour. I can imagine there was some upbeat rocking country on display each night.

Overall it was another year in the growth of Eric Church the country star. He has seemingly had an uphill battle in his quest for country stardom. He’s been kicked off tours and seems to do things only the way he wants. It may be a slow way to build a career, but Eric is doing it his way and he’s got something strong going. One of these days he’s going to have that breakout single that takes him into the upper level of the country world.

Will 2011 be the year?

Eric Church in 2011

I’ve been a fan of Eric Church since I heard his 2nd single back at the tail end of 2006. Two Pink Lines was like nothing else on the radio. I had kind of pushed aside Eric’s first single, but I later rediscovered it. His music was different. The country rock thing was taking over at the time and Eric was right in the middle of it, but his music seemed to have even a bit of extra grit to it.

Eric’s continued making the music he wants to make and his outlook is good heading into 2011. He’s got big tour dates planned and he has a respectable collection of hits built up now. I saw Eric in concert in the summer of 2009. Even at that time he was able to put together a full show for over an hour. The thing that amazed me was his hardcore fans right in the front middle of the field. They were right up by the stage singing every lyric to every song including the album cuts.

Eric Church has slowly been building his career and each year has been better than the one before.

2011 could be full of big things for Eric although he’s kind of at an interesting point in his career. Eric took 3 years between his first and second albums. He’s now riding toward the end of the third single from his second album and even if he releases that fourth single it’ll be about time for another new album. Will it be out in time for 2011 or will Eric Church fans have to wait until 2012?

New Music

Eric is riding with Smoke A Little Smoke into 2011.

As of this writing the song is at #15 on the country singles charts. I have to admit I looked into things because I thought it was about time for Eric to be on to his next single. I was a bit surprised to see Smoke A Little Smoke climbing, but that’s how Eric’s singles have been throughout his career. Eric’s singles climb slow, but lately they’ve been hitting the top ten. Perhaps he can make it three in a row with a few more weeks.

Beyond the latest single taking up residence on the charts for another month or even two months there may be another single from Carolina on the way. I have a hard time guessing what song on the album it would be. I know Young And Wild has gotten some press in the past. It’s kind of catchy and could be a good summer single in 2011. Perhaps the title track could make a run on the charts. It’s a bit different and might struggle on the radio waves though.

What song do you think could be the next Eric Church single?

Beyond the singles I have to think there is another album in the works at some point for Eric Church. If there is another single from Carolina I’d say there could be a new single in the fall sometime. A new album shouldn’t be far behind and most country stars like to have those fall releases for albums. Given Eric’s short history of time between albums though it may take until 2012 before we get another album.

I’d say it’s a good bet to hear some new music by the end of 2011 and perhaps a new album on tap for 2012.

Touring

In 2011 Eric Church is heading out for more dates with Jason Aldean. Also on tap are dates with Toby Keith. Those are some big tours to be a part of and it’s more evidence at how big Eric’s career is getting. Besides just the opening act stuff Eric has some scheduled dates for the big festivals throughout the summer months. There are also a few casino dates. Those shows are always interesting to see. Depending on the casino the show can be in a really nice theater and afterward you can always  head out and win a bit of cash if you’re lucky.

Eric impressed me with his show back in 2009. I saw him at the fair in Chippewa Falls, WI. The show was high energy. The place was rocking and the fans were going nuts. It was a great atmosphere.

The shows are getting bigger for Eric in 2011 and if he keeps building things up and the hits keep coming he could be seeing some arenas filling up with his name on the top of the marquee.

Recap

It’s easy to think 2011 may be just another slower than average year for Eric Church, but that’s how he’s been building things throughout his entire career. Before most people realized it Eric had built up a solid collection of hits. 2011 looks to be a year of more hits, bigger shows, and perhaps even a new single by the end of the year that could kick things up to the next level for the country star.

What do you think we’ll see from Eric Church in 2011?

Have you heard or seen anything?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

Bonus Video: Two Pink Lines

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