Song
Even If It Breaks Your Heart
Artist
Eric Paslay
Eric Paslay backstory
Grammy nominated Eric Paslay is a prolific songwriter and the man behind some of country music’s biggest hits of the decade.
The 39-year-old Texan might be best known as the architect of a string of chart-busting anthems made famous by his peers.
But Paslay is a compelling performer in his own right and is set to remind fans across the UK of his unique talent as main support to The Shires this month.
New album Even If It Breaks Your Barefoot Friday Night pulls together nine of his most successful tunes.
And latest single Even If It Breaks Your Heart — made famous by the Eli Young Band — sees Paslay in prime form.
The Temple native boasts a growing number of Grammy, ACM and CMA award nominations.
And Paslay is back in the charts as co-writer of Keith Urban’s latest hit Wild Hearts.
Jake Owen, Rascal Flatts and more have benefited from the supreme songwriting craft honed by one of country music’s go-to hitmakers.
But in 2022 Paslay is focusing on getting back to his first love as he steps back on stage on both sides of the Pond.
In Eric Paslay’s own words
“I’ve loved these songs from the day I wrote them.
“Finally, as an independent artist, I had the opportunity to reimagine, record and own these masters.
“People have always asked if I’m more of a singer or more of a songwriter.
“The answer is I’m both and I always will be.
“This project exemplifies that.”
The verdict on Even If It Breaks Your Heart
Fans familiar with the Eli Young Band’s chart-topping version of this Eric Paslay-penned classic might be surprised.
But in a good way.
Paslay adds an emotive new layer to one of his finest pieces of work.
And it’s compelling to hear the man behind the music breathe fresh life into a familiar country staple.
Gone are the razor-sharp production tweaks and rich vocal harmonies that sweeten the radio friendly EYB version.
And in their place Paslay moulds his reassuringly heartfelt refrain to some seriously neat fretwork to create something quite unique.
A montage of rare images provides the beautiful backdrop to a lovingly crafted lyric video.
Spoiler alert: the finale’s too cute for words.
And picturing Paslay doing what he does best only reinforces the view that it’s time for one of country music’s most influential tastemakers to re-emerge from Music Row’s shadows and re-take centre stage.
What’s next for Eric Paslay
A month-long stint with The Shires is in full swing with Paslay due in Carlisle, Gateshead, York and Edinburgh this week.
Independently released new album Even If It Breaks Your Barefoot Friday Night is out now.