On the title track of this, the second full length record that Eric Palsay has released, he wraps himself around one of many catchy choruses that “Nice Guy” contains.
“It just don’t pay,” goes the hook line “to be a nice guy anymore.”
And yet, Paslay is pretty much – as far as I can tell – exactly that.
See, there’s a warmth about this record that fits in with the throwback feel. Back in July, I reviewed the “Heartbeat Higher” EP he stuck out. The fact he released a single prior to the album is somehow in-keeping with the old school vibe. Just like bands used to.
All four of the songs that were on “….Higher” are on this too. The first three of them are. “Heartbeat….” Itself is uplifting pop music with lush strings that have just the memory of Andreas Johnsson, “Boat In A Bottle” has something of the 80s about it, but a widescreen feel too. For the dreamers, or the Tommy’s and Gina’s maybe?
“I Took A Pill In Ibiza” – a cover of a track by Mike Posner – is genuinely superb, and the last one that you might know “On This Side Of Heaven” is a big old tear jerker, massive.
In truth, the other eight don’t go far from this path, either. “Off The Edge Of The Summer” shines like a beacon throughout middle anywhere, never mind America. Lucie Silvas’ harmonies are brilliant here, and the way the track builds brings those power ballads written by Desmond Child in about 1986 to mind.
What that proves is the way to write a sure-fire pop hit hasn’t changed much, and make no mistake this is pop music. It’s got a country tinge maybe, and sure Paslay has a beard, a trucker hat and a lumberjack shirt, but this is unashamedly mainstream.
“Just Once” isn’t fussed about the Grand Ole Opry, but it wants to make people happy, and what’s wrong with that? “I want the Rolling Stones on my couch” he sings here, but this isn’t about bad boys – or rock n roll really.
“Under Your Spell” is a bit more from the heartland, and you can imagine Brothers Osborne doing it, and Americana bands everywhere want to write something as gorgeous as “Fingertips”, but Paslay and his team are just gifted at writing memorable songs that will connect with people. “Endless Summer Dream” won’t win points for originality (indeed, there are about four songs with the same theme on the album) but that’s never been the point.
Nope, rather the point is the gentle nature of “Woman Like Her”, a song for blokes who can’t believe their luck. As an example of the charming nature of the album, then I will say that “she ain’t no rebel, she don’t even smoke, but she’s the real reason they made rock n roll” is right up there.
Eric Paslay recognises a great truth that few will admit. Most people don’t want to be “challenged” while listening to music. Not every artist wants to re-invent the wheel either. No need for a Parental Advisory sticker here, this is one you are supposed to share with your mum.
A “Nice Guy” understands that, you see.
Rating 7.5/10
