By Randall Elvin · Entertainment Editor
Zach Bryan returns with his newest EP, “Young Manhood and Other Donatable Organs.” After listening, it delivers on hype, heart and honesty.
Released Oct. 16, the eight-song project follows his January album “With Heaven on Top.” Bryan has been gaining popularity since his music began attracting attention online in 2019, while he served in the U.S. Navy. Since then, Bryan has become one of country music’s biggest stars known for raw vocals and emotional songwriting.
One of the EP’s biggest strengths is its ability to balance quieter songs with crowd-focused works. “Lodi When” stands out for its gradual build, moving from a more atmospheric opening into a fuller, singalong-style chorus. It captures what Bryan does well. “Backwards” also stands out, reflecting on regret, personal growth and the challenge of moving forward while remaining attached to the past.
The EP’s most attention-grabbing collaboration is “Lies,” featuring Lana Del Rey. The pairing is unexpected, as she is known for alternative pop littered with dreamy vocals. Her music often features darker, more atmospheric songs, not Zach Bryan’s typical music. However, they do have similarities. Both artists have built careers around complicated relationships and emotional storytelling. The piano and string arrangements give the song a dramatic atmosphere. Their contrasting vocal styles offer something different from Bryan’s usual solo performances.
Still, the project is not without familiar patterns. Bryan sings reflective lyrics in rough vocals while themes of regret remain central to his sound. For longtime fans, that consistency is likely part of the appeal. However, listeners who want a dramatic departure from his earlier work may find that some songs feel more like extensions of his established style than a major reinvention. The difference is that the EP experiments with arrangements and collaborations while keeping his songwriting at the center.
For fans thinking about returning to Bryan’s music because it feels personal, press play.
