From his first hit album DeAnn in 2019 to his latest release, With Heaven On Top, Zach Bryan has continued to leave a lasting mark on the music industry with his raw acoustic sound and deeply personal lyrics.
Before launching his professional music career, Bryan served eight years in the US Navy. Even while stationed away from home, he remained devoted to writing and recording music, often posting performances online. One of those videos quickly got many views. People began to fall in love with his voice and dedicated lyrics. After faithfully serving his country, Bryan made the life-changing decision to leave the Navy and pursue music full time—a turning point that ultimately reshaped his career.
Zach Bryan’s latest release, With Heaven On Top, encapsulates the tension of his past life, explores his sobriety journey, and dwells on the loss of his mother. Rather than simply presenting songs, Bryan delivers a collection filled with layered storytelling and emotional depth.
The album also showcases his versatility. While many of the tracks lean into his signature acoustic ballad style, others branch into folk-rock, red dirt country, and even subtle bluegrass influences. This variety makes the album different from his usual songs while still maintaining the authenticity fans expect from him.
When listening to the album, two songs stand out in particular: Bad News and Cannonball.
Starting with Bad News, the song delivers driving energy while communicating a deeper message. Starting with Bad News, this song brings the energy while communicating a deeper message. When I first listened to this song I was consumed with the catchy melody and raspy vocals. As I kept listening to this song, I realized the message Zach was trying to deliver.
This song is a politically charged folk-rock tune. Behind the loud strumming, a message consulting the American Dream and political division is revealed. Bryan’s military past provides him with a great sense of patriotism. This patriotism Bryan expresses that he feels is lost in our country. He expresses his longing for our country to become united and patriotic once again.
Finally, Cannonball offers a more nostalgic and reflective tone. Since teasing the song last year, it has quickly become a fan favorite. Bryan spends most of his time reflecting on past events and recalls time spent with a friend or lover as they traveled through the country. I noticed that he reminisces on their decisions, good and bad, and reflects on how much they both have changed since their “drunken days” together. As the song comes to an end, it reminds me of the highs and lows of life and the challenges that still lie ahead.
In addition to the album itself, Bryan has released a secondary acoustic version of the album, which further highlights the raw emotion behind these tracks. Personally, I prefer the acoustic version of this album. The acoustics are so captivating and calming. Many listeners are also excited for the upcoming tour beginning March 7, which gives audiences the opportunity to experience the new music live.
In the end, Zach Bryan continues to surprise the music industry. Song after song, he maintains a level of honesty and relatability that few artists can replicate. Whether this album is better than his previous work may be up for debate, but one thing seems certain: With Heaven On Top is sure to skyrocket and inspire many young artists, and his momentum shows no signs of slowing down.
