[Review] Eric Nam’s ‘House on a Hill’

By Kerry Cheetham.

From the moment I first heard “Paradise” back in 2019, I knew I’d hit onto something special. Since then, I’ve downloaded every album and single he’s released and eagerly await each new one.

Eric Nam ‘House on a Hill’ promotional image. Image: Eric Nam @ericnamofficial Twitter.

Eric Nam is an incredible talent, not only within the bounds of K-pop. As a singer-songwriter, TV personality, and actor, Eric uses his platform (including his Dive Studios Podcast, co-founded with his brother’s Eddy and Brian) to open up about his struggles with mental health and dig deeper into the music industry.

As a now seasoned Eric Nam fan of four years, you can imagine my anticipation whenever I catch a whiff that new music will be released. This anticipation only grew when I attended his ‘There and Back Again’ concert last year (I carried the post-concert glow with me for months, especially since I received a heart from him on stage and got to say hello to him after the show). Earlier this year he teased that he was busy working on a new English album and as soon as it was released I downloaded it on Spotify, while eagerly awaiting my physical album’s arrival.

Filling the void and breaking the mould

The title track “House on a Hill” has two versions, one solely by Eric and the other featuring American singer-songwriter, Em Beihold. Both versions are equally delightful.

The message behind the song questions whether by seeking more, will we feel fulfilled or will the empty feeling be filled with the desire for even more? Ultimately meaning we don’t realise what we had was good until it’s gone; “The sky is blue, but I wish it was bluer”.

I guarantee this song will be stuck in your head for days.

“Don’t Leave Yet” has the most captivating music video I’ve seen since the heady days of Michael Jackson on MTV. When watching this video I want to get up to join the partygoers and start dancing. The lyrics in this song are so beautiful and poetic; “It’s a dark, lonely road in the car going home, watching stars on the coast without someone to hold.” This line makes me appreciate every moment I have with the ones I love.

Another stunning music video accompanies track number three. “Only for a Moment”, co-created by the talented British electro pop duo HONNE, offers a multi-layered feel with brilliant beats and a unique mix of both HONNE and Eric Nam’s style. The storyline of catching someone’s eye for a moment, visualising your life with them and that moment then becoming a reality, is beautifully written. Again the music video accompanying this track is a must watch; we get to see Eric Nam entering the MATRIX on a subway train. What’s not to love about that?!

The delicate vocals, sentimental lyrics, and lilting music of “I Wish I Wasn’t Me” convey the times in your life where you feel you have to “give ‘em a show and bring out the marching band”, (as the lyrics express) and “undefined” presents fans with anything but the typical break-up song. It explores the feelings left behind after a breakup when a connection remains, and the person has realised their relationship will remain “undefined.” The lingering feelings are highlighted through the bittersweet lyrics, “I’m speaking through glances, so he doesn’t notice, I hope that he treats you well.”

The penultimate track, “Sink or Swim'', wouldn't be out of place on a TV show such as ‘Stranger Things’ with its 80’s electro pop vibe. Through the lyrics, Eric explores the possibility of a new romance and that he’s willing to give his all, despite the risks and uncertainty this can pose. This is another poetic song with some beautiful lines; “Blue skies, or tidal waves, I’m with you either way.”

In “Exist”, Eric explores the fragility of a relationship. The pre chorus sums up the trials and tribulations of relationships with the lyrics; “Fumble through the madness, drivin’ just to crash it, time won’t move as fast if we don’t run.” Through this song we’re reminded to work through difficulties and remember to take time to reflect on the good times.

‘House on a Hill’ most certainly lived up to my expectations. Eric Nam is nothing but consistent, especially with the well-thought out and beautifully designed lyrics of each song he has released. On this album, there’s a song to match every mood and you’re sure to have it on repeat (I know I have).

Edited by Chelsea Cheetham.