By Christa Bashinski · Entertainment Editor
Zach Bryan is no stranger to the spotlight. Following his very public, very messy breakup with Brianna Lapaglio in October 2024 and a successful “Quittin’ Time” Tour, Bryan briefly stepped away from the limelight. We now know why. Jan. 9 marked the debut of his sixth studio album, “With Heaven on Top.”
“With Heaven on Top” consists of 25 tracks with fans and critics alike having a whole lot to say about each. He opens the album with “Down, Down, Stream,” which departs from tradition as a spoken-word poem rather than a song. The stream that he speaks of seems to serve as a metaphor for letting life carry him along, through the joy and the pain, foreshadowing the album’s emotional vulnerability.
“Plastic Cigarette” quickly established its spot on the Billboard Hot 100 where it now sits at No. 19. In line with Bryan’s past success, the track features his signature acoustic and meaningful lyrics as it explores the impact of a past romance. The track reflects the storytelling, emotional honesty and instrumentation that characterize much of the songs on “With Heaven on Top.”
While it may not have been his biggest hit, “Bad News” has gained the most attention, from both the audience and the administration. Zach Bryan has never been considered a political figure; however, his song has touched on recent controversies. Lyrics like, “And ICE is gonna come bust down your door” and “The fading of the red, white and blue” prompted “disappointment” from Kristi Noem and a response from a White House spokesperson. The spokesperson, Abigail Jackson, said “While Zach Bryan wants to Open The Gates to criminal illegal aliens and has Condemned heroic ICE officers, Something in the Orange tells me a majority of Americans disagree with him and support President Trump’s great American Revival. Godspeed, Zach!”
His album has been praised, and condemned, for its expansion in sound. “Appetite” and “Santa Fe” differ from the acoustic-heavy, slow nature of many of his past and current releases. These two are far more melodic and upbeat in a way that makes them feel lighter. Some contest that this expansion has made him more accessible to those traditionally against country. Others argue the difference has made the album less authentic and overly produced.
Regardless of its controversy, the album has found major success as it debuted at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 200 and sold around 134,000 units in the first week alone. This release has only solidified his position as a talented artist with his 2022 “American Heartbreak” album also having debuted at No. 1.
Zach Bryan has announced that his upcoming tour will begin on March 7 in St. Louis, Mo. “With Heaven on Tour” will conclude on Oct. 10 in Auburn, Ala. but not before touching down in 40 different cities, including several international stops.
