Brett Eldredge continues to preview his forthcoming album, the latest of which is the title track. Written with Tom Douglas, with whom he wrote “One Mississippi,” and Brad Crisler, “Illinois” is a nostalgic and sentimental ode to his hometown. “I come from the heart of the heartland,” Eldredge sings.
“It’s a part of who I am and always will be a major part of who I am, from the people that I grew up with there to the family values I learned there, the hard work I learned from that state,” Eldredge shares with USA Today. “It shapes where this album goes and shows a lot of who I am, deep-rooted in family but also always looking for love and believing in love, fighting through the heartbreak and recognizing the heartbreak.”
Slowed down and emotive, the piano-driven song is a strong moment for Eldredge, and harkens to what made his debut album such a solid offering. Along with recently-released “Just A Taste,” also from Illinois, the song represents Eldredge’s signature, sincere soulfulness, ensuring that the sophomore effort, while sonically experimental with songs like lead single “Lose My Mind,” won’t deviate too strongly from his core.