CD tip

Desperate Man

Eric Church

Desperate? Hardly. Eric Church remains one of country music’s best singers and songwriters. His new release is a bit mellower than, say, his “Chief” and “The Outsiders,” but it's just as moving. “Desperate Man” eases into things with the bluesy, guitar-picking opening track, “The Snake,” and Church serves up such chilled-out tunes as the soothing “Hippie Radio” and “Solid,” which has a slow, sexy roll reminiscent of Church’s “Like a Wrecking Ball.” But Church knows how to wield his fiery Southern-rock-fueled brand of country music when he wants. “Hangin’ Around” is a riot of a song, and “Desperate Man” exudes a rootsy Creedence Clearwater Revival feel.