Zach Bryan returned in all his songwriting glory on Jan. 9 with his 6th studio album “With Heaven On Top,” a work different from his previous albums in both topic and process. Across 25 songs, the album delves into family, love, substances, and Bryan’s relationship with fame while he carves a place for himself in the world of creativity.
Bryan shared on Instagram that this album felt different from his other recent albums, stating that “This one felt like recording music with my best friends again.” His last studio album, “The Great American Bar Scene,” focused on childhood memories and was followed by a very public, messy breakup. Since then, Bryan has gotten sober, gone on a world tour, and gotten married. The album’s contents reflect how different his life has been since his last full release; it talks about alcohol with a different tone, the love songs are far less tragic, and he’s more critical of popularity.
Bryan showcases his newfound love in “Drowning,” where his emotional vocals are backed by a siren-esque female voice as they sing the classic extended metaphor of drowning in love. Flush with creative lyrics, the song has a folkier, Elvis-like vibe that feels perfect for playing around a late-night campfire. A near-perfect ballad, the swinging melody, horn section, and calming guitar of “Drowning” draw you into Bryan’s mind and heart.
In another change, Bryan spoke in depth on his complicated relationship with fame throughout the album. The topic isn’t necessarily new – he sang the line “Like all your pain is just another f*****g singalong” in his 2023 song “East Side of Sorrow” – but it is featured a lot more on this album. Bryan reveals his guilt over the success he’s had with a lyric in “South and Pine,” singing, “A f*****g show for more blood money.” Categorizing the money he’s gained as “blood money” makes a powerful statement on how he views his fame. Bryan has been very open that he wants to be remembered as a musician and songwriter, not as someone categorized in a genre or class of celebrity.
“Anyways” is also centered on this topic, as Bryan speaks on burning out but coming to love his music again. The song tells of when he was terrified to perform, singing that “she” (presumably his now-wife) said, “Saw you back when you played West Virginia / When you were too scared to go on stage / But played anyway.” In the second verse Bryan sings about escaping from his life of fame for the summer to recharge and fall in love with both his wife and music again.
Bryan’s first overtly political song “Bad News” has received both praise and backlash following its highly anticipated official release. The previously unreleased track criticizes the current administration and their actions with ICE, earning Bryan harsh statements from the White House. However, the song is less “Liberal vs. Conservative” than many are making it seem.
Some have related the song to Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” where both former-military songwriters speak on the decline of America. While the progressive statements are certainly appreciated, especially within the genre of country, “Bad News” is more critical of the polarization of the current political landscape, featuring the line “I got some bad news / The fading of the red, white, and blue.”
One thing that’s stayed the same throughout Bryan’s musical career has been his poignant tribute songs to his late mother. From his debut album being titled in her name, all the way to his 2026 release, Bryan has brought his mom’s memory with him throughout his fame. In “DeAnn’s Denim,” Bryan reflects on his mom and her family with heartbreaking lyricism, singing “Was she strong enough to stay away from family genes? / ‘Cause sometimes denim is an ugly thing.” The song is emotional and lovely, using the metaphor to tell about his mom’s history and the process of closure.
“With Heaven on Top” spotlights both Bryan’s life changes but also his timeless talent and dedication to his music. In bangers like “Say Why” – with its swelling and passionate bridge – or strumming love songs like “Plastic Cigarettes,” Bryan leaves no room to contest that he’s one of the great artists of our generation. Country may not be for everyone, but Zach Bryan has shown again that his music is so much more than that and asserted that “With Heaven on Top” is well-worth the 1 hour+ listen.
