Eric Church has a brand-new album out called Evangeline vs. The Machine. It dropped on May 2, 2025, and fans are already listening to it on repeat. But here is something that might surprise you: the album has only eight songs. That's right—just eight. Some fans were shocked at how short it is, while others say that each song hits hard and leaves a mark.
Even though it is a short album, the music feels expansive. The songs are profound, emotional, and rich in meaning. Each one serves a purpose.
Eric Church's New Album Has 8 Songs
Hands of Time
This is the opening song of the album, and it was the first track released before the full album dropped.
Bleed on Paper
This track emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself. It serves as a warning to artists, particularly young ones, not to compromise their voice or soul merely for popularity or financial gain.
Johnny
This one is a heavy, emotional song. Eric Church wrote it after a tragic school shooting. He uses a character named Johnny to talk about courage and standing up to evil.
Storm in Their Blood
This is a dramatic song featuring powerful sounds of drums, strings, and more. It speaks of people who possess strength within themselves, even when everything around them is crumbling.
Darkest Hour
This song was released to assist those affected by Hurricane Helene. It aims to support individuals in distress.
Evangeline
This is the heart of the whole album. The name Evangeline represents freedom, creativity, and beauty. The "machine" in the title represents the music industry, the pressure, the rules, and the business side of things.
Rocket's White Lincoln
This one is simply enjoyable. It's about letting loose and savoring life. It has a swampy rock vibe, and it's just a fun song.
Clap Hands
This is the final song on the album. It's actually a cover of a Tom Waits song from the 1980s. Eric adds his own spin to it with loud instruments, deep emotion, and dark vibes.
More About Eric Church's Songs
The album was recorded in Nashville and produced by Jay Joyce, who has worked with Eric Church for years. Eric said he wanted the album to feel like a movie, something you feel deep inside. And honestly, it does. To celebrate the new album, Eric Church is going on a new tour called the "Free the Machine Tour."
It will start in September 2025 and last two months across North America. He will stop in major cities like Pittsburgh, Boston, Los Angeles, and more. Some exciting artists like Elle King and Marcus King will join him on specific tour dates. Tickets go on sale soon, and fans are already super excited.
This tour will differ from his previous ones. Eric Church said these shows will be more like theater experiences—smaller, deeper, and focused on the music. He wants the audience to truly feel every moment.