Eric Paslay is back with long-awaited new music in the form of a four-song EP titled ‘Heartbeat Higher’, released Friday. Each song on this collection has the ability to be a radio hit, while most of it has the lyrical content to be considered important. Considering that Paslay has written hits for Jake Owen, Eli Young Band and Love and Theft, in addition to his own top 10 song ‘Friday Night’, he has proven that he has the songwriting chops to achieve success.
The biggest surprise of this EP is a cover of Mike Posner’s 2016 Grammy-nominated pop hit ‘I Took a Pill in Ibiza’. Most people who listen to Top 40 pop radio are familiar with the radio remix of this song. Paslay took a more stripped-down approach, reminiscent of the way Posner originally recorded it. Both versions contain a third verse not heard on the radio that further drives home that success and stardom can be lonely.
Regarding his original material, the standout track is definitely ‘On This Side of Heaven’. One of the markings of a good song is that it can mean different things to many people. It becomes clear that Paslay has a deep emotional connection to this song, but it’s not clearly apparent whether the lost love he’s referring to is due to a breakup or death. This allows a wider range of fans to connect with this song because they can attach it to a variety of different memories.
To have a taste of Eric Paslay’s new music, listen to ‘Heartbeat Higher’ here.
