The record that started it all.
Before Eric Church was the certified country legend that he is today, setting out on record-breaking tours, winning ACM Awards and ruffling feathers with unique festival performances, he released his debut album, Sinners Like Me, 18 years ago today.
Despite not being an absolute smash hit right out of the gate, Sinners Like Me has proven over the last 18 years that it has aged like fine wine. In fact, many of the deep cuts present on the record have remained cornerstones of Church’s live shows still today. “These Boots,” “Lightning” and “Livin’ Part of Life” are all regularly played by Church, reaching a new audience that may not have been around during the early years of his career.
Sinners Like Me spawned four singles, including “How ‘Bout You, “Two Pink Lines,” the title track and “Guys Like Me.” Chart-wise, the four tracks were moderately successful, netting Church three Top 20 hits on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.
These singles proved that they would be more successful later in Church’s career, however. Despite being unable to net a Top 10 hit with the aforementioned singles, three tracks on the record would go on to receive certifications by the RIAA. “Sinners Like Me” and “How ‘Bout You” would go on to be certified gold while “Guys Like Me” received a platinum certification.
Listen to “How ‘Bout You,” “Sinners Like Me” and “Lightning” here: