Originally from Temple, Texas, Eric Paslay has established himself as one of the top tier songwriters in country music. He’s racked up multiple number one hits and four songs on Country Aircheck’s ‘Best 100 Songs of the Decade’ – including the chart topper ‘Barefoot Blue Jean Night’ as recorded by Jake Owen – and being nominated for Grammys, CMAs and ACM Awards. However, he’s also an artist in his own right, releasing his self-titled debut album back in 2014 and following it up with two EPs and a pair of albums, most recently 2022’s ‘Even If It Breaks Your Barefoot Friday Night’ – a compilation of reimagined version of his biggest hits as a writer and artist. Now he’s back with his latest project, ‘Perfect Stranger’.
The six-track EP opens with the title track, which features a bright, upbeat melody and great storytelling from Paslay as he sings about meeting and falling for a girl at a bar. The timbre and richness of his distinctive vocals comes through really strongly, especially on the soulful chorus, and I like the poppy touches in the melody as well. The song has a really playful, flirtatious feel about it too that we perhaps haven’t seen from him before and I was also impressed with how he handled the quickfire lyrics. It’s a very catchy, danceable song and a great way to kick off the record.
One thing which particularly stood out to me throughout this project was the range of styles Paslay employs. ‘Everything With You’ shows off his edgier side with sharp piano chords and punchy drums, whilst his vocals take on a rawness that brings out the gravelly tones in his vocal – particularly on the belted-out bridge – and plenty of swagger and bombastic confidence. Elsewhere, ‘Like I’m Loving You Now’ picks up the pace with its lively, twangy guitar line, driving rhythm and joyful lyrics about a romance that would survive in any place in time, which marry perfectly with Paslay’s smooth delivery, whilst the sunny, nostalgic ‘Best Damn Days’ looks back fondly on a summer romance with its classic rock vibes and references to singing ‘American Pie’ whilst drinking Jack and Coke.
However, for me one of the standout tracks is ‘Best Friends’. A mellow, gentle number with a strings-led melody, it brings out the warmth in Paslay’s voice as he sings about falling for the person you’re closest to. I really liked how he captured the uncertainty of whether to take a chance or risk losing the friendship, and the huge soaring note he hits on the bridge is seriously impressive too. There’s a very sweet, romantic quality about the whole thing and I actually found it quite emotional!
The EP closes with ‘Lost In A Song’, which is very much a departure from the earlier songs. Opening with a stripped-back acoustic melody, the emphasis is very much on Paslay’s vocals as he sings about the experience of being up on stage. He paints a picture of the anticipation and uncertainty of life as an artist incredibly well, striking the balance between the celebratory feel yet isolation of performing, and the twist in the second verse is brilliantly clever – reminding you fame can be gone as easily as it can be gained. The layers of strings and crowd noise that gradually come in all add to the atmosphere and impact of the song, and it’s definitely one that stays with you after the record is over.
Overall ‘Perfect Stranger’ is another strong release from Eric Paslay, showing off the diversity of his influences and his ability to turn his hand to any musical style, as well as the depth and quality of his vocals and his smart, effortless songwriting. It’s sure to be a hit with fans and hopefully win over new listeners too, especially as he returns to the UK this week where he’s become something of a crowd favourite in recent years. There are definitely plenty of tracks on this project that are going to sound great live and personally i can’t wait to hear them!
Track listing: 1. Perfect Stranger 2. Everything With You 3. Best Friends 4. Like I’m Loving You Now 5. Best Damn Days 6. Lost In A Song Record label: Paso Fino Records Release date: 1st December 2023
See Eric Paslay on the Perfect Stranger Tour (with Remember Monday) in the UK and Ireland this December:
Friday 1 December – The Globe, Cardiff
Sunday 3 December – Sub89, Reading
Monday 4 December – Bush Hall, London
Tuesday 5 December – Night & Day, Manchester
Wednesday 6 December – Oran Mor, Glasgow
Thursday 7 December – O2 Institute 3, Birmingham
Saturday 9 December – The Academy, Dublin
Sunday 10 December – Empire Music Hall, Belfast
