Eric Hirshberg, a musician, songwriter, and a man who has already made waves as the CEO of Activision and a creative business leader, is about to drop his latest album, ‘Second Hand Smoke,’ on September 13. For those unfamiliar with his musical side, you might be surprised. If his debut album ‘Spare Room’ gave us a glimpse of his artistic direction, ‘Second Hand Smoke’ solidifies Hirshberg’s place as a serious player in the singer-songwriter space.

photo by  Josh S. Rose

Hirshberg’s music feels like that conversation with a friend who gets it—no pressure, just a nod at the right moment. Simple guitar work, lyrics that seem pulled straight from your own reflections on life, and a voice that doesn’t rush because it knows: rushing is for people who don’t get it. The new album is especially interesting because Hirshberg doesn’t shy away from tackling tough questions. How do you stay afloat when waves of doubt crash over you? How do you keep a positive outlook when it feels like everything is falling apart? In these questions, Hirshberg finds lyrical depth and a calming sound. His music truly sinks in, relaxing you and helping you find your own rhythm in this chaotic world.

I was lucky enough to get an exclusive listen to the album before its official release, and I can confidently say that if Spare Room felt like a slow morning with a cup of coffee, Second Hand Smoke is more like an evening on a porch with a sunset view. Everything is calm, but there’s something stirring inside.

The album kicks off with the track “Good Morning,” which literally floods every note with light. It’s that moment when you wake up, stretch, and feel the world slowly coming to life around you. The gentle guitar strums, subtle keys, and laid-back rhythm seem to remind you: there’s no rush, just enjoy the moment. Eric’s vocals, highlighted by soft backing harmonies, wrap around you like a warm hug, creating a cozy atmosphere you won’t want to leave.

Following that gentle morning awakening, “Everyone Believes” kicks things up a notch with a burst of energy. This track practically makes you sway along, like you’ve suddenly found yourself at the heart of a friendly gathering where everyone’s smiling and singing along. What’s interesting is that despite the upbeat rhythm, the song retains that same intimacy Eric is so good at delivering through low-key piano chords and resonant drums. There are no unnecessary effects here—everything is stripped down to a simple, yet surprisingly rich atmosphere, like chatting with a friend over a mug of something warm.

Then, “I Love Not Drinking” takes a sharp turn and shifts the entire mood. It feels like you’ve stepped into a small bar where a live performance is happening, and there’s a carefree joy all around. For me, this track is a kind of sonic safe space—the song you put on when you want to feel sheltered from the noise and chaos of the outside world.

photo by  Josh S. Rose

And then comes “Day One”—a track that practically crackles with passion and playfulness. It’s one of those songs that instantly pulls you in. Hirshberg really plays with dynamics here: his voice, with an elegant rasp, shifts between being light and lyrical, then rich and full again. The melody keeps changing, adding a sense of unpredictability and making you feel like you’re about to discover something new at any moment. It’s possibly one of the brightest highlights of the album—”Day One” brings emotions you want more of, and you can’t help but smile while listening.

The album Second Hand Smoke wraps up with two tracks that gently but firmly give the listener a sense of completion. “The Most Beautiful Boy” surprises with its light country sound—it’s like a breath of fresh air at the end of a journey.

And then comes the final note—”Goodnight, Nobody.” This song slowly, almost shyly, closes the album like a lullaby sung before bed. Hirshberg’s voice turns into an almost-whisper, as if saying goodbye, but not for good—just until the next morning.

I was truly impressed with how Eric crafted the overall concept of the album. Opening with “Good Morning” and closing with “Goodnight, Nobody,” he creates a sense of circularity, almost as if the album is a musical version of a day that you can experience over and over again. This gives the release a sort of infinite quality, as if you can listen to it on repeat and discover something new each time.

‘Second Hand Smoke’ isn’t for those looking for musical fireworks or epic conclusions. It’s for people who want to pause, close their eyes, and forget about a world that moves too fast, even for just a moment. And that’s where its real magic lies. If you get a chance to catch Hirshberg live at LA’s Hotel Cafe on September 13, consider yourself lucky. Seeing an artist like this in such an intimate setting is like personally feeling his music—raw, honest, and quietly beautiful.

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*This review was made possible by SubmitHub