Eric Paslay // Perfect Stranger // EP Review

There really isn’t much that Eric Paslay hasn’t done in his very impressive career – Platinum-selling, GRAMMY-nominated songwriter, artist and performer. Multiple number-one hits, and with that 4 appear on the “Top 100 Songs of the Decade” by Country Aircheck, ACM and CMA awards – the list goes on.

Now is the time for Eric to release a new 6 track EP of his own to tie in with his European “The Perfect Stranger” Tour and having called in a few favours from friends its time to get them in your head before possibly experiencing them live.

Starting with the title track (released in September), you are swiftly swept into the world of a modern Country sound with a crisp riff before the silky smooth vocal of Paslay begins to ooze down your ear canal. The riff continues throughout as the other instruments join the party. It is a delightfully warming opening to the EP.

The opener sets the tone for a lot of what is to come – a string instrumental running throughout and then the rest of the song is constructed around that. Whether it be guitar, piano or other strings, a core instrument flows alongside that voice. It is a lovely combination that complements each other perfectly due to the delicate balancing act.

As the EP flows like a velvety dream – it is easy to see why Paslay has been so celebrated and how long will he be. The structures and composure of the tracks are something that comes across as simple yet that is because of how skilled Paslay and those who have helped out are.

By the time you reach the closing track ‘Lost In A Song,’ you are fully submerged in this amazing talent and the music that he makes. The closing track is a more stripped-back offering and is a beautiful ending to any recording. It leaves you wanting more!

Simply put – this is 6 tracks that showcase what an incredible talent Pasley is and tides us over until the next full-length lands. This is a must-listen to for any follower of Country and I would also use this EP as example to those who do not listen to the genre as how good the modern sounding take on Country can sound.

Perfect Stranger will be released Friday 1^st December 2023.

Review: Ed Ford

Track List

Perfect Stranger (Eric Paslay, Robyn Collins, Jimmy Robbins)
Everything With You (Eric Paslay, Lindsay Rimes)
Best Friends (Eric Paslay, Jimmy Robbins, Chris Thompkins)
Like I’m Loving You Now (Eric Paslay, Andrew DeRoberts, Deric Ruttan)
Best Damn Days (Eric Paslay, Marv Green, Nick Ruth)
Lost In A Song (Eric Paslay)

Paslay, who’ll be returning to the UK and Europe for 12 headline shows next month, said of the EP and upcoming tour, “I’m excited to get a new batch of songs out to the world that I wrote and recorded with some of my favorite and freakishly talented friends. Can’t wait to head over to Europe to play ‘em live!”

The announcement of the EP follows the release of ‘Like I’m Loving You Now‘ last month, and the title-track in September – the visualizer is available to view here.

Eric Paslay’s UK/European Tour Dates – limited tickets available here:
Dec. 1 – Cardiff, The Globe
Dec. 3 – Reading, Sub89
Dec. 4 – London, Bush Hall
Dec. 5 – Manchester, Night & Day Café (low tickets)
Dec. 6 – Glasgow, Òran Mór (low tickets)
Dec. 7 – Birmingham, O2 Institute 3
Dec. 9 – Dublin, The Academy
Dec. 10 – Belfast, Empire Music Hall (low tickets)
Dec. 12 – Hamburg – Nochtwache
Dec. 13 – Cologne – Blue Shell
Dec. 14 – Struttgart – Im Wizemann
Dec. 15 – Berlin – Prachtwerk