Released by: Beautiful Corner Music
Release Date: September 13th, 2024
Genre: Folk Rock
Links: https://www.erichirshbergmusic.com/
Tracklist:
1. Good Morning
2. Half Way Home
3. Everyone Believes
4. I Love Not Drinking
5. It’s Hard To Be A Human Being
6. Day One
7. Unbroken
8. The Most Beautiful Boy
9. Goodnight, Nobody
Detroit-born and LA-based singer/songwriter Eric Hirshberg stands out as a remarkable artist with a diverse career. As music journalist Chris Dalla Riva notes, a search for Hirshberg uncovers a fascinating array of roles: CEO of Activision, the visionary behind franchises like Call of Duty and Guitar Hero, and a leader at the acclaimed advertising agency Deutsch LA. Remarkably, all these roles are held by the same person—Eric Hirshberg.
Hirshberg’s musical journey adds another compelling dimension to his career. His forthcoming album, Second Hand Smoke, is set for release on September 13, 2024, following his 2021 debut, Spare Room, which featured the viral hit “I Want America Back.” This new album delves into themes of personal transformation and resilience, focusing on the journey to remove toxicity from one’s life with a hopeful outlook.
The album’s lead single, “I Love Not Drinking,” reflects Hirshberg’s path toward sobriety and self-improvement. Tracks such as “Good Morning” and “Half Way Home” offer a glimpse into his introspective songwriting. “Half Way Home” is particularly notable for its dialogue between Hirshberg’s younger and older selves, while “It’s Hard To Be A Human Being” draws inspiration from a conversation with his mentor Norman Lear, capturing a poignant reflection on life’s inherent challenges. Hirshberg’s songs illuminate with self-introspection and honesty throughout the duration of the record.
The struggles of self-doubt and personal adversity resonate in “It’s Hard To Be A Human Being,” another thoughtful track that rocks hard while maintaining an introspective edge. The slow groove of “Day One” exposes the pain of letting toxic people into one’s life. Hirshberg’s songwriting talents are on full display, showcasing his ability to draw listeners in with darkly hypnotic rhythms.
Hirshberg’s lyrics in Second Hand Smoke address themes like ending toxic relationships, seeking spiritual fulfillment, and maintaining optimism through life’s ups and downs. Despite his growing prominence in music, Hirshberg’s path to artistry is unconventional. After performing in Los Angeles clubs, he transitioned to a successful career in advertising and video games, including a decade-long tenure as CEO of Activision. His achievements in these fields enriched his songwriting with profound personal experiences.
Eric’s ability to excel in both creative and business domains underscores his extraordinary versatility. His music provides a compelling window into the life lessons that shape his work.
Hirshberg crafts deeply meaningful reflections on interpersonal struggles, touching on relatable topics. While his approach may not be revolutionary, the sincerity of his delivery is what truly matters. His folk-rock style explores deeply buried emotions, translating profound experiences into captivating lyrics and melodies.
Written by: Denys J
Ratings: 8/10
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