Eric Paslay Takes the Spotlight With New Album

You've heard Eric Paslay's songs before, and now the singer-songwriter is taking his turn in the spotlight with the release of his debut album. 

Paslay has already scored enormous success as a songwriter in Nashville. His No. 1 hits include Jake Owen's 'Barefoot Blue Jean Night,' Eli Young Band's 'Even if It Breaks Your Heart' and 'Angel Eyes,' recorded by Love and Theft.

In 2013 Paslay appeared on Amy Grant's 'How Mercy Looks From Here,' sharing vocals with Grant and Sheryl Crow on his song, 'Deep As It Is Wide.' Grant stated that Paslay was the emerging artist that she was most excited about. He's also written songs for Rascal Flatts and Lady Antebellum, and his own single, 'Friday Night,' is a No. 1 hit in itself.

His self-titled debut album -- which dropped Tuesday (Feb. 4) -- gives Paslay his first chance to stretch out and show all the different sides of his singing and songwriting, ranging from country rockers, to soulful ballads and plenty of good-time, up-tempo fare. All of the different styles are held together by Paslay's easy facility with accessible melodies.

“I love melodies,” he says. “My dad always had oldies on, and listening to that music growing up influenced me. There’s so many cool melodies and it was great ear candy. It still resonates with every teenager, every grown up, every grandmother because it’s human. That type of music really stays with you.”

Paslay has been out on the road in advance of the album, opening shows for Little Big Town, Jake Owen, Eli Young Band and more. He has been selling a five-song sampler at his shows. Now that his album is out, he will get the chance to share the songs with even more fans on Brantley Gilbert's 2014 Let It Ride Tour, which kicks off March 27 in LaCrosse, Wisc. Paslay will serve as one of the special guests, along with Thomas Rhett. Between the new album and upcoming tour dates, he's getting to live his dream of sharing his music with the world.

“I just love making music. I love how much you can say to someone in a song,” he says. “I want to be a part of the soundtrack of people’s lives.”

Paslay's self-titled debut is available at Amazon and iTunes.