I have been playing this CD so much, it is in danger of being worn out! There is such depth, such poetry....The images painted with such vividness, you are right there, "The War," witness the awe and disbelief at his brother in camis, "Ride Away" elicits empathy for an outlaw with a conscience who nevertheless feels compelled to carry on, in spite of the consequences. The tender reassurances of a lover in Autumn Blues.... the stark reality of "Lonely Road"....choosing to make your own path, instead of following the beaten path of others, reminiscent of Robert Frost's "The Road Less Traveled By." "Smoke thru the old screen door" is a personal favorite, as everyone has experienced those briefly exciting,transient infatuations, only to recognize it for what it really is, just a little too late..... "Where ya goin'" has an interesting little side story to its origins...ask Eric about it. Ending with "Sun's Gonna Shine," a song of hope... This is a debut album, a stellar example of strong independent songwriting! I understand his 2nd record is coming out sometime this year! Bravo, Eric! Keep them coming! Can't wait to hear your latest creations! BTW: Anyone who has ever bothered to talk with you KNOWS you ooze sincerity, honesty, and authenticity, as well as genuine appreciation for all those artists and EVERYONE who took part in bringing this project to fruition. Obviously, SOME PEOPLE never troubled themselves to make the effort, while others DON'T know how to READ....If they don't agree with a CRITIC's REVIEW,which is usually SIGNED by the writer, they should take it up with the reviewer, not crucify the artist! Acknowledging influences and respect for other artists' work is NOT a claim for equal status; it is a sign of respect, of admiration, of acknowledgement, of validation. IT IS,WHAT IT IS! DEAL WITH IT, PEOPLE! YOUR IGNORANCE IS SHOWING!

Love this guy's music! Saw him play this past weekend and really enjoyed his playing style and words. He even made time for me on his break to say hello. Super nice fellow, and very tall too! Sincerely, Tony M.

Heard your music a few weeks back, bought a cd and love it, just had trouble playing it in my truck cd player, not sure why, but anyway, I give your cd two tumbs and two big toes, up! Look for me sometimes, I'm the big guy that usually stands in the back, love to drink cheap beer too!

Was in and out the other night at your Hanover's show, loved what I heard, and can't wait to hear you again this Sunday. Keep up the good work!

Awesome singer/songwriter! I have been to a few more than just one of his shows and this guy has talent! His lyrics really hit home for me with truth about life, love, and loss. Anybody that gives this guy a bad review either doesn’t like, nor understand Americana music or they were too drunk at the time to even know anybody was on stage! One last thing, Mr. Hanke is far from arrogant, he lives by his word and is a friend to all. Thanks for all the great times. Keep the tunes coming, peace out. ~Brad

I agree with BC. I saw this dude live. He was very arrogant and annoying. His website bio acclaims him to be the second coming. Note: Don't tell your audience that you are brilliant and don't act like your songs are like that of Dylan. They are not. It is awful. I doubt that BC has Toby Keith in his changer. Toby Keith sucks, but not as bad as Eric Hanke...

Best Americana album of the year by a long shot! This is his first CD, and it's a winner. Keep up the good work Eric, love the music!

BC: Just put your latest Toby Keith CD back in the changer, and everything will be allright. You clearly can't handle real music.

bad songwriting, bad guitar playing, bad singing, bad bad bad

Eric is the real deal. He steers clear of Texas Music cliche; he is a true poet and I can shift quite comfortably between his stuff and classic Robert Earl Keen material. Songs like "Autumn Blues" and "Lonely Road" paint a vivid mental picture. Eric shows his sense of humor in "Where You Goin (In E flat)?" I've been following Eric for almost five years now. The album was worth the wait, and it has not left my CD changer since January.