The popular country singer, Zach Bryan, known for his poetic, folk-like style, recently released his newest album, “With Heaven On Top.” Hits such as “Plastic Cigarette” and “Say Why” have reached the charts, having only been available on music platforms since early January. Bryan’s lyrics often contain deep metaphors and many instances of figurative language, which contribute to the raw emotion of his songs, but can also be challenging to interpret.
The album, as a whole, emphasises finding joy despite life’s hardships and the concept that struggles have purpose. Bryan writes all of his songs in their entirety, often inspired by his experiences. For example, “Slicked Back” was inspired by his second wife, whom he married shortly before the album’s release. It is filled with the admiration he holds for his new relationship, while contrasting it with his previous, unsuccessful marriage.
Track 3, “Appetite,” explores struggles such as depression and addiction and how to navigate them. The lyrics convey Bryan’s hesitation to have children, due to the fear that his future family will possess the same mental health issues as him. Similarly, “DeAnn’s Denim” emphasises the self-sabotaging traits Bryan inherited from his mother, DeAnn Bryan, and how they have affected him.
The popularity of Bryan’s music derives from the lyrics’ relatability and openness for interpretation. Extended metaphors are present in many of Bryan’s songs, resulting in varied impacts on the audience. Some listeners prefer to take the figurative language literally, while others search for a deeper meaning. However, some fans do not pay attention to the words in the songs; they merely listen to his music for the raw, often acoustic-sounding melody.
Growing up in Oklahoma, Bryan was raised in a strong country music culture, whose influence is noticeable in his music. However, Bryan aims to create his own unique sound, combining folk and indie genres with traditional country. He regularly centers his songs around guitar and authentic melodies, while adding complexity with his lyrics, themes and harmonies.
Bryan’s debut album, “DeAnn,” released in 2019, featured hits such as “God Speed” and “Hope Again.” Named after his mother, many of these tracks centered around core emotions such as grief. However, the demo that ultimately established Bryan’s status as a top country music artist was “American Heartbreak” (2022), since it was his first collection produced by a major label. One of the most admired songs that Bryan has ever released, “Something in the Orange,” is found on this career-defining album. The hit reached the top 10 charts after its release and continues to be one of Bryan’s most-streamed songs, receiving a Grammy nomination as well as a Billboard Award for “Top Rock Song.”
Even though Bryan’s newest album, “With Heaven on Top,” has only been available to stream for around a month, it has already become a fan favorite. With songs such as “Plastic Cigarette” and “Say Why” currently ranking top four and five, respectively, on Spotify’s list of the artist’s most-played tracks. The album’s content follows similar styles and themes to many of Bryan’s past releases, but adds a unique edge and maturity to the music, emphasising the songwriter’s growth, while leaving the listener with a new understanding of life.
