“With Heaven on Top” Zach Bryan’s new album was released January 12, and in the first week it had over 134,000 equivalent album units. This album has been debuted number one on the country albums chart. “With Heaven on Top” has a more serious and emotional storytelling tone than some of Bryan’s other albums, and it shows his emotions and his views on the world right now. The album had a big impact on a lot of his listeners. Junior Andrew Wilson said “I like how his music feels honest and emotional instead of overly produced. His new album feels personal like he is just telling stories and letting people feel them however they want. Some of the songs feel quiet and reflective, which I like because it makes you actually listen to the lyrics.”
Zach Bryan’s songs have all had emotion but “With Heavan on top” is a different kind it stands out to all the others it gives people songs to relate to and just listen to when they need understanding. Sophomore Michalea Flashing said, “His new album has been on repeat since it came out. Zach has had a lot of controversy, but I think this album shows his change and his bettering of a person.” Bryan put out two versions of his album, the normal one and an acoustic version; both are enjoyed by his fans and by critics. “’With Heaven on Top’ is comforting yet absorbing, timeless but timely, a space to escape in while still feeling challenged and still feeling entertained,” critic Jack Humphrey said.
Bryan put some controversial opinions in his music about today’s society such as mentioning ICE in his song “Bad News.” Also in his song “Appetite” he is talking about not fitting in with societal norms, which a lot of people relate to. More emotions are in his song “Cannonball” l when he said, “Your cannonball sits on Cannon Beach alone and they’re using my muses to make fun of me and your face up as your blood sucks from an IV.” In this song he talks about losing someone you love.
Sophomore Reid Simmions said, “I like the new Zach Bryan album because it has heart and soul in it. It shows true emotion and passion into what he is doing. He talks about struggles people could currently be having that they can relate to and maybe feel a little bit better about their situation because someone else relates to them, and I really like that about this album.” There are so many different types of songs in Bryan’s new album that a lot of country music fans could find at least one they like.
