Polymath Eric Hirshberg releases second full-length album, including a contribution from a very famous voice. It’s called Second Hand Smoke.
By Graeme Smith
As well as being an accomplished singer songwriter, Eric is the former CEO of the video game company Activision, makers of titles such as Call of Duty, Destiny and Guitar Hero. It was just one of several CEO roles that Eric has filled during the years. It’s not often that you see an individual gifted in business and the creative arts, and Eric is here to confound expectations.
His second album Second Hand Smoke gives us nine honest tales of all facets of life. It’s all backed by a Springsteen-esque folk rock soundtrack. There are elements of the blues, as well as Americana, giving a rich musical tapestry against which Eric’s characterful vocals sing.
Opening track Good Morning starts relatively benign before growing more melancholic in its lyrics as it goes on. That kind of lyrical depth runs through the whole album. There are bright moments too. I Love Not Drinking is a joyous ode to sobriety, and features the vocals of the one and only Aloe Blacc.
Peppered throughout are astute observations on life and humanity. Eric bemoans getting older, and philosophically reflects on interpersonal relationships. It’s brought to the fore by the anthemic It’s Hard To Be A Human Being, a mid-album highlight.
It’s followed by some slower, sultrier moments – Day One and Unbroken – before things end vibrantly with the self-effacing and love-filled The Most Beautiful Boy and the gentle lullaby Goodnight, Nobody.
With his second album, Eric Hirshberg proves that he is a man of many talent. Second Hand Smoke is set for release this Friday, 13 September 2024. You can pre-save it here.
If you happen to be in Los Angeles, USA on 15 September, then you can catch Eric perform live at Hotel Cafe.