Encompassing meaningful themes and raw human emotion, Zach Bryan’s raspy voice fills 16 tracks on his new self-titled album that was released on Aug. 25, 2023. The once viral YouTube singer who wrote music for expression is still utterly apparent in the famed label artist that Bryan has become now, just having released his fourth album. Listeners everywhere are chasing this authenticity, finding it in Bryan’s poetic verses and spirit.  

Taking “poetic” quite literally, Bryan opened the album with a poem titled “Fear and Fridays,” exploring fear and the need to appreciate the present moment. The other 15 songs navigate similar, intimate and refreshing themes about human experiences. His self-produced work included collaborations with The War and Treaty, Kacey Musgraves, Sierra Ferrell, and The Lumineers, each making a debut in separate songs.  

“I think that Zach Bryan’s new album takes a very different approach than what he has done before, as his songs are much more impactful with very meaningful lyrics. He also incorporated many different types of instruments and other artists that help to add to his unique style of music,” Shelby Rice, senior, said.  

Bryan is known for his distaste for popularity, making it understood that every song he produces is meant to create belonging amongst listeners and is not just for reaching the top charts. But it is this exact feeling, the personal and simplistic vibe, that is bringing Bryan’s music to the top anyways, becoming Google’s 7th-most-search-term on the release date and claiming a spot in Spotify’s Top 50-USA. People from all over are raving about his new music and are getting ready to purchase tickets to experience it live. 

“What I like about [Bryan] is the topics he sings about. In my opinion, they are a good change up from upbeat music by having a deeper meaning and more relatability,” Bennett Lawless, freshman, said. 

Each song tells a different story with the same connection one would find in a handwritten note, inspiring others to connect, pursue passions, and stay grounded, despite the meaningless things that modern society often focuses on. The album is titled after Bryan’s name for the very reason that he believes it wholly captures his being. The genuine nature in his writing is bringing a revival to poetry and meaningful interactions between people. Many argue his voice and unique sound are even acting as a bridge between traditional country and sad pop, creating a new genre and vibe that fans love.  

“Really proud to call the writing and production on somethin’ all mine, thank y’all for your patience, I did not make this album to appease people who will never be happy anyways, I made it for my people, hope everyone has a good weekend,” Zach Bryan said on Instagram. 

Set aside country music stereotypes that confine the genre to heartbreak, trucks, and beer, and listen to Bryan’s original take on life and hope. Give “Zach Bryan” a try on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, or any another streaming platform. If the lyrics resonate, consider seeing it in person during Bryan’s 2024 “The Quittin Time Tour.”