Eric Nam – BEFORE WE BEGIN: Album Review

Nam Yoon Do popularly known as Eric Nam is a Korean American singer-songwriter managed by B2M Entertainment. He made his official debut in 2013 with his first EP titled Cloud 9. So far, his discography consists of four EPs, eight singles, nine collaborations with other artists and six original soundtracks for Korean dramas. He has also worked as a host for a good number of Korean television programs. On the 14th of November, Eric released his first English EP titled Before We Begin. This extended play has a total of eight songs with “Congratulations” as the title track.

I have been looking forward to this album. I even made a post to recommend Eric’s pre-release single – “Love Die Young.” For those who will like to listen to that first, click 👉🏼 Eric Nam – Love Die Young. I actually started writing this review yesterday, but I could not complete it. I was way too tired, so I felt it would be fair to watch the music video and listen to the album with a refreshed mind.

(This is a real-time review, meaning I am typing down my exact thoughts while listening to the songs.)

Reaction to Official MV/Title Track:

This track has a featured artist called Marc E. Bassy. I do not know much about him.
I love how it starts with just the strumming of a guitar. VERY BEAUTIFUL
I like this, Eric Nam sounds incredible. He definitely deserves more attention, he is too underrated. I love that he keeps growing as an artist with each new release.
The melody for this song is really groovy.
Also, a very catchy chorus.
Finally, a song that I do not need subtitles to understand.
Marc E. Bassy nailed his verse.
Lol, I just realized that I have been doing a little dance while typing all this while.
I love the tempo, not too fast, but still upbeat enough to make anyone move a little.
So “Congratulations” is basically about celebrating the end of a relationship. There is no sadness or regret here, just relieve. NICE, REAL NICE.😂😂😂
I appreciate the colour scheme used for the music video. The video showcases Eric walking through a house party and then few solo scenes of Eric Nam and Marc. It is a clean and simple music video.
Yesss…when he enters the car in the end, the song that plays is “Love Die Young.” I love that song.
I have replayed the MV a few times now, and I really enjoy listening to “Congratulations.” It is a simple feel-good track.
Nice job, Eric. This is a chill BOP.

Album Review: Before I get started, here is the album for anyone who has not listened to it yet.

Come Through – Whatever is going in the first six seconds of this song is really intriguing. I replayed the beginning a few times in attempts to figure out what that sound is because it adds a nice touch to the track. “Come Through” is another BOP. Eric’s high notes and vocal runs are so good. The instrumental is definitely EDM influenced. Honestly, that sound from the beginning that continuously plays in the background is fun to listen to. I really like this song. I am already dancing to it💃🏼💃🏼💃🏼. Yesss… Eric Nam is serving vocals. Definitely adding this to my playlist. Excellent opening for the album. I have to listen to “Come Through” a few more times before moving on.
Love Die Young – I have already listened to this song a lot. LOVE IT. The way the beat drops when he starts singing, “please don’t let this love die young.” is really captivating. The instrumental is well-produced and very fitting to the song. The background vocals on this track are exceptional. I do not get how people sleep on such talent.
Congratulations feat. Marc E. Bassy – Still groovy, so I am just going to enjoy the moment.
You’re Sexy I’m Sexy – I love how bouncy the beat is on this. Using a guitar to start a song can never go wrong. Also, the little drum play that happens before Eric starts singing each section is a perfect touch. I am really enjoying the instrumental in this. A lot of exciting things are going on, and I love every moment of it. “you’re sexy, I’m sexy… you want me, I want you too, oooh, oooh”. No song has disappointed so far, and I hope it stays the same till the end. Eric Nam… I know I have said this a lot, but damn, his voice is incredible.
How’m I Doing – Love how Eric starts out this track. DAMN, EVERY SONG IS BOP. The chorus is so soft. I am going to say it, his voice on this track is smooth like butter😂😂😂😂. Lord, RnB songs always do things to me that I can not even explain with words. This might be my favourite song on the album. My only complaint is that it is way too short. It is not even a full three minutes, what do you mean by this? I NEED HIM TO GET BACK INTO THE STUDIO AND COMPLETE THIS TRACK. Omg, I have to listen to this a few more times, IT IS SO GOOD. I just reached into another universe with this song. I am still shocked at how great he sounds, LIKE WHAT??
Wonder – Okay, it is official, there is no bad song on this album. The keyboard on this track is EPIC. You guys need to see my face at this point. WOW, THIS IS AN AMAZEMENT. I guess I am so overwhelmed because I was not expecting him to go hard like this. Of course, he has always released good music, but the fact that I actually love and appreciate every single song so far is what amazes me. WHAT?… his high note towards the end shook me up, I was not expecting it at all. This is another beautiful song, and Eric sounds incredible. If you love RnB, then this album is for you.
No Shame – Is this an English version of his Korean song “Honestly”? I love that song, so of course, I like this. I even featured “Honestly” on my summer playlist. If you have not read that post, then click 👉🏼 My Summer Playlist. I almost sang the Korean version for the chorus, LOL. I still kind of like the Korean version better, maybe because I am more used to that one. I am going to check later to see if both songs have the same meaning. I feel they might be similar but not an exact translation of the Korean version. Anyways “No Shame” is another great song on this album.
Runaway feat. Steve James – Okay, “Runaway” is a remake of his 2019 single with the same name. I am also going to check the lyrics for this later to see if both songs have the same meaning. But I feel it might just be the same tune. Also, there is a slight difference in the instrumental of this new version. I kind of like this new one better. This is also another LIT track on the album and a lovely song to end things on.

Final Thoughts:

I really enjoyed listening to every single song on this album. There were no letdowns, so kudos to Eric Nam for creating a masterpiece. Like I already mentioned, anyone that enjoys RnB will 100% love this album.

My rating for Before We Begin is 10/10.

On that note – PEOPLE NEED TO STOP SLEEPING ON SUCH AN AMAZING ARTIST, HE DESERVES MORE RECOGNITION. Go listen to Eric Nam’s new album if you have not checked it out already. Also here is another fantastic song from him –