Ryan Hurd EP is the major-label debut EP by American singer-songwriter Ryan Hurd.[1] Released on April 7, 2017, through Sony Music Nashville, the four-song project introduced Hurd as a solo recording artist after several years of success as a Nashville songwriter. Each track on the EP was released as a single and accompanied by its own music video as part of an unconventional, month-by-month release strategy. The project earned positive critical attention, amassed tens of millions of streams, and led to Hurd's inclusion on more than ten major "Artists to Watch" lists for 2017.[2]
Following the August 2015 release of Hurd's independently released EP Panorama, he shifted focus toward pursuing a career as an artist rather than exclusively a songwriter. This transition led to Hurd signing a record contract with Sony Music Nashville in late 2016, resulting in the consecutive releases of "We Do Us", "Love in a Bar", "City Girl", and "Hold You Back," each with an accompanying music video.[5] The strategy attracted support from Billboard, CMT, VEVO, Rolling Stone Country, and numerous streaming platforms.[2]
The four singles were collected into Hurd's self-titled debut EP, released April 7, 2017.[6]
Composition
The EP blends country, pop country, and alternative-leaning influences through atmospheric production, rhythmic arrangements, and Hurd's gravel-toned vocals. Critics described the project as emotionally charged and autobiographical, praising its balance between intimate storytelling and widescreen, arena-ready melodies.[7][8]
"We Do Us" gives the EP an upbeat, summery feel, driven by bright instrumentation and a celebratory tone. “Love in a Bar,” written about Hurd's real-life romance with Maren Morris, mixes electric country textures with a soaring, emotional chorus.[9][10] "City Girl" blends country and pop rock elements with electronic-tinged production and a dramatic chorus, which reviewers highlighted for its vulnerability and contemporary edge.[11][7] "Hold You Back," a blues-inflected country track, features soulful vocals and detailed instrumentation. Critics praised Hurd's phrasing and emotional delivery, describing the song as a strong demonstration of his range.[7][8]
Promotion
Hurd released four music videos in four months, culminating in "Hold You Back," which premiered through CMT upon release.[5]Sony Music partnered with Rolling Stone and VEVO for the official premiere of the "Love in a Bar" music video, filmed at Hurd's family lake house in Michigan.[10]
Hurd promoted the EP extensively on tour throughout 2017. Early in the year he opened Morris's sold-out HERO Tour, followed by Thomas Rhett’s Home Team Tour alongside Kelsea Ballerini and Russell Dickerson.[12][13] He then joined Florida Georgia Line’s Smooth Tour throughout the summer and supported Morris on her UK and Ireland dates later that autumn.[12]
Critical reception
The EP received positive reviews from critics, who frequently praised Hurd’s lyricism, vocal tone, and genre-blending arrangements.
Building Our Own Nashville described the EP as "highly impressive," highlighting its strong instrumentation, emotive storytelling, and the “anthemic” quality of "Love in a Bar."[7] Entertainment Focus called the release "a strong showcase" of Hurd's vocal ability and songwriting depth, stating that the four tracks demonstrate a bright future as a recording artist.[8]
Maverick Magazine and Backstage Pass emphasized the commercial impact of the EP, noting that its tracks collectively accumulated nearly 50 million streams and secured Hurd places on over ten "Artists to Watch" lists for 2017, from Pandora, Rolling Stone, Huffington Post, CMT, and others.[2][12]
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