While the sonic texture of country has evolved over the years, the basic lyric rule has been to stick to stories that deal with the human condition.  It’s the honesty of those lyrics that has lead country music endear itself to fans all over the world.  It’s what keeps country music real.  This is the kind of music Eric Durrance makes.  Real honest music.

“Angels Fly Away” was the first single and while it wasn’t a super smash hit for Wind-Up records’ flagship Nashville artist, Eric Durrance nonetheless delivered a heartfelt performance on a ballad about making sure to cherish the time with those that you love the most, be it your children, or grandparents or friends.  “Someone That I Can’t Live Without” speaks to anyone who doesn’t want to ‘settle’ for second best in life, including love.  You shouldn’t ‘waste’ time with someone just to be comfortable, you have to be excited about the person you’re living with.  “Cover” is a song that enhances what Eric stated earlier on “Someone You Can’t Live Without.” 

Backed by just his piano, Eric Durrance sings a truly heartfelt lyric that was co-written by Tom Douglas.  “Life Is Hard” speaks to me like nearly no other song has this year.  It really is about surviving the worst things in life, even when it seems like everything is getting you down.  When you’re down in the dumps about life, there is always someone there to help guide you out of it, be it a loved one, a good friend or God.   As far as power ballads go, “Letting Go” is one of the best recent ones.  Anyone who’s overcome the demon that is addiction (or knows someone that has) will certainly relate to the struggle that is present in “This Side of Sober.”  The dark melody of song, along with understated production helps showcase the power of the lyric.  This song has the potential of being a break-out hit for Durrance. 

“Turn It Off” is a much needed slice of tempo on the album and it just sounds cool.  It’s a fun song that says that we should all back away from our technological wonders and live life a little.  It’s the second single from the album and it is just fun, which should help it stand out a bit.  “Wait Till I Get There” was previously on Eric’s Demo EP (as was “Life Is Hard” and “All Over But The Crying”) and is a song I grew to really appreciate.  Always a sucker for a good ballad, this one is a song I’ve actually lived as I’ve toured the world and hoped that nothing would happen to my loved ones while away from home. 

This fine debut album ends with a Regie Hamm song (he wrote David Cook’s “The Time Of My Life”) that also showcases Eric’s rock band roots as he sings a song that is about the way love can be the biggest difference maker in life.  These eleven songs showcase a supremely talented singer/songwriter who has not only the ability but the songs to be a superstar in country music.  “Angels Fly Away” may not be a traditional country music album but it’s still a very well-made contemporary country music album and quite possibly could end up on my Best of 2008 albums list.

Support the Artist.  Buy the album.