Hell of a View

"Hell of a View" is a song by American country artist Eric Church. He co-wrote the track with Casey Beathard and Monty Criswell. It is the lead single from Church's album Heart & Soul (Eric [Church album)|Soul], part of a triple album set. The track features backing vocals from Church's longtime collaborator Joanna Cotten.

Background

Church was in the mountains of North Carolina when he returned from a jog to hear co-writer Casey Beathard play the song which he had been working on with Monty Criswell. Church said it felt like a "big hit but at the same time it has that timeless quality to it". The men finished writing the song and recorded it that same night.

Critical reception

"Hell of a View" received generally positive reviews, with many positively noting the presence of Joanna Cotten's vocals. Craig Shelburne of CMT called the song a "romantic new single", noting Cotten's "powerful harmony" as a backing vocalist. Jon Freeman of Rolling Stone referred to the track as a "tender mid-tempo ballad", saying it "depicts the thrill of a life on the move with the one you love". Freeman also noted Cotten's "soulful voice" as a "big presence". Angela Stefano of Taste of Country called the song a "a love song for rebels".

Commercial performance

"Hell of a View" is Church's highest charting single since 2012's "Springsteen", as well as the second highest of his career, peaking at number 28 on the Billboard [Hot 100|Billboard Hot 100].

Live performance

Church performed "Hell of a View" at the 54th Annual [Country Music Association Awards] in November 2020.