Eric Church: Rebel or Sell-out?

I have to say I don't know if I like or dislike country "outlaw" Eric Church.  In the eyes of a traditional Country Music fan, I guess this guy can be labeled an "outlaw" for his attitude towards what Country has become.  But does he deserve that title?  Does this guy deserve to be compared to Waylon, Willie, Charlie Daniels, Johnny Cash, etc.?

I can absolutely applaud Church for his views on the genre that used to be called Country Music.  Not enough artists have shared what should be true dismay and embarrassment over what Country and Nashville has become. 

But then Church writes and releases a song called "Springsteen".  The song becomes a monster hit, and catapults Church to superstar status.  Now the CMA loves him.  Why?  Because "Springsteen" was one of the biggest hits of 2012.  So why the title, "Springsteen"?  When, exactly did Bruce Springsteen become "the boss" of Country Music (fans or artists).  Let's examine this song.

The song is about a love affair between two young people that begins in an amphitheater.  It mentions songs from Springsteen's 1984 album "Born In The U.S.A."  Since Church himself was seven years old when this album came out, we can safely assume he wasn't one of the people in that amphitheater.  Church has said that the memories were about a different artist's song, but he used Bruce Springsteen in this song instead because he admires his career.  My question is why?  More importantly, why not name your song after a country artist?

I actually WAS a teenager in 1984.  Artists like Alabama, Hank Williams Jr., Conway Twitty, Exile, Merle Haggard, The Judds, Ronnie Milsap and George Strait had the top country songs back then.  I'm sure Church could have used one of them in his song.  I understand this song is probably fictional.  But why Springsteen?  Here's what I think.

Never before has Country Music been worse than the past ten years.  What people call Country Music today is nothing more than the new Pop.  Country is trying to create a new identity by bringing back Pop and Rock and Roll relics from the 1980's.  How fitting.  The last time Country Music died was in the '80's.  Anybody remember the "Urban Cowboy" days?  For the last several years, country stars name-dropped country legends in some of their songs.  This was to the dismay of many radio executives and music producers who got their start during the days of 80's pop and rock.  But I guess it's ok if you use the names of non-country artists, have them sing on your songs, or better-yet, re-record their own songs. 

Did Eric Church use Bruce Springsteen's name and the names of his songs in one of his own songs just so the industry would take him back?  If so, he sold-out to the industry he was so outspoken against.  This would clearly take away any "outlaw" status he may have earned.  How many Rock, Pop, Rap and R & B artists sing about Country stars?  Google it and get back to me. 

Thanks to the success of "Springsteen", we are going to see many other country stars jumping on the non-country-name-drop bandwagon.  Bruce himself will be honored by the Grammy's next month with a tribute concert for MusiCares that Kenny Chesney, Faith Hill, Emmylou Harris and other Country stars will appear at.  And with the ACM awards only a few months away, I'll bet we will get to see "the boss" somewhere on that show.  Country music has created a big bed for non country stars to jump in.  Let's get this orgy started. 

I will reserve judgement on Eric Church as a singer for now.  But I hope he's proud of the monster this song may have created.  Unfortunately I am not, as it has contributed to the long, steady decline of Country Music.  Hey Eric!  "Springsteen" is going to be your signature song for years to come.  I feel sorry for you, having to sing that song, night after night.  If you are a real rebel and an outlaw, you will retire "Springsteen", or at least change the name to something Country.