by Jake Reed
In true American fashion, popular country artist Zach Bryan released his new album on the Fourth of July.
Bryan has been regarded as a rising prominent figure in the country industry for a while now. Beginning in 2022, he gained popularity for “Something in the Orange.” Bryan’s ability to write songs paired with his raspy, yet soothing voice instantly transformed the average listener’s playlist. His music was well-liked by audiences of any background, whether they were interested in country music or not.
It became apparent that he would run the show once people bought $400 tickets a year in advance to attend the Sunrise, FL concert on July 22nd. Whether it was the hypnotizing use of the harmonica, the unforgettable stage appearances by different concertgoers, or even the iconic “Revival” performance, Zach Bryan concerts never fail to upset.
He leads the folk genre with over 32 million monthly listeners on Spotify. This places him just outside of the top 100 monthly streamed artists as well as the 2nd highest country artist behind Morgan Wallen with 44 million, according to ChartMasters.org.
“The Great American Bar Scene” features 18 songs and a poem. It has garnered much attention through the early release of one song, “Pink Skies.” Although Bryan did perform certain songs from the album in bars, “Pink Skies” hit the internet very quickly.
TikTok was the main accomplice in the internet takeover. The trend, featuring the song, showcased an appreciative slideshow of memories of a deceased loved one containing the following lyrics:
“If you could see 'em now, you'd be proud, But you'd think they's yuppies. Your funeral was beautiful. I bet God heard you coming.”
The trend allowed for it to peak at the 8th most popular song in the US upon its release at the end of May, surpassing Bryan’s Grammy-winning “I Remember Everything,” which currently holds the 14th spot.
All in all, Bryan has well prepared the media for this album with several teasers, including preview tours of 23 different bars across the US and Canada (billboard.com), as well as the early release of “Purple Gas,” which has not received as much recognition due to it being overshadowed by “Pink Skies.”
Circling back to the album, I will be presenting my favorite songs from the album as well as my findings from a different source.
Honorable Mention #1: “Like Ida”
“Like Ida” was more of a slower song, yet still had some energy to it during the chorus. The lyrics were rather touching as well, discussing splitting ways while hoping for the best for each other. Out of my own bias against slower songs, I cannot agree with the popular opinion that votes in favor of this song. That should not undermine the fact that it is one of the better songs on the album and deserves recognition.
Honorable Mention #2: “Pink Skies”
Although I love this song, I do think that the early release is a factor to consider. It has allowed the song to receive a special sort of attention that I would not pay if it were only on the album. The lyrics once again do their part in telling the emotional story of the younger generations having to deal with deceased loved ones or the loss of older relatives. He clarified that it was not his own personal story, but I think it should not take away from the fact that it was well written and brings good energy through a sad yet appreciative story.
Third Place: “Funny Man”
“Funny Man” has a slower beat that changes into a catchy chorus near 1:50 (1 minute and 50 seconds into the song). This song hides a deeper meaning that takes some deciphering under shifting tempos (billboard.com), but still conveys multiple wonderful messages. Bryan intends to speak about the uncertainties that life carries when he says, “I reckon God’s gotta be a funny man” (Holler.country). Although not a popular choice, I find the beat to be catchy enough to stand out in this serene album.
Second Place: “Boons”
“Boons” has to be the most underrated song on the album. No one is talking about this song, but it utilizes soothing vocals to accompany the background of a harmonica. Bryan created a peaceful sodbuster song about how much better an alternative “the boons” is to the city. This is in reference to the “boondocks,” meaning “an out-of-the-way area considered backward and unsophisticated by city-folk.” When Bryan says that he’d rather die out in the boons, it really resonates with anyone, regardless of the fact that we live in a larger, more interconnected city. Sometimes it's better to get away from all the chaos that Bryan speaks about in the song, and a calming song like “Boons” can assist with the visualization of it.
First Place: American Nights
Although it went viral on TikTok before the album’s release, I believe that “American Nights” will remain a top pick on everyone’s list. The song cannot be described in words or even compared to the others on the album, as it captures the exact patriotic masterpiece that The Great American Bar Scene was intended to provide. The use of the harmonica in addition to the drums fits so flawlessly with the lyrics, which I consider unmatched. My favorite one is “Delco Danny cut a deal with the dealer That he met out at the Rivers Casino He got caught countin’ cards, then them spades broke his heart Then the Point Breeze boys broke his nose.”
Once again, this song’s excellence cannot fully be represented in a simple article, and I highly advise you to give it a listen.
Billboard.com has also come up with their own rankings of the album, which you fully view here.
The reason I mention it is to show the distinction between my list and theirs. Understandably, numbers 1 and 2 are “American Nights” and “Pink Skies,” respectively. You really cannot argue with those two.
My issues are visible in the next few parts of the list. “Northern Thunder” is a fairly good song. It has relatively good energy put into it, but it is a little slow and, at times, gets a little intense in terms of vocals. I do agree that this song should not receive third place though.
The next seven songs are all that I would consider the bottom tier of the album. None are terrible or even close to it, but I think that there are better options hidden in the 11–18 spots of that list.
The final reason that I disagreed with the list was the fact that “Funny Man” was ranked dead last—behind the poem. Upon discussing the album, I came across a friend who claims she became very emotional while listening to “Lucky Enough (Poem)” for the first time. I was unable to figure out the meaning behind it, and my personal opinion led me to prefer the rhythm of songs to the actual lyrics.
Overall, these different opinions are evidence that this album has many different feels to it. It definitely is a treasure trove to most, but it’s all subject to personal opinion, and you will only acquire a legitimate understanding of it once you listen for yourself.
So next time you’re looking for some chill music to spice up that late drive, you know where to go.
Comentarios