Zach Bryan’s new album, With Heaven On Top, is a breath of fresh air that country music has been craving for years. The artist, who first blew up in 2019 because of a clip taken when he was off duty, has had an impressive rise in popularity in the last seven years.

With six studio albums released, he’s well known for his folksy, soulful writing and Oklahoma-tinged sound. What makes this album, released on Jan. 9, so different from the rest?

Critics have accused Bryan of being repetitive, cliché and vocally unrefined, while criticizing his controversial personal life. On the flip side, the younger generation claims the alternative country artist to be authentic, lyrically talented, and inexplicably relatable. His songwriting is typically extremely vulnerable and open about his life, with lyrics touching on addiction, women and trauma alongside multiple songs written about his deceased mother.

The difference in his new music is astronomical. As someone who’s listened to this album almost nonstop for the past two days, not only am I spiking up my listening minutes this year, but I’m also seeing a new side to my favorite artist. Songs like “Slicked Back,” which lyricize about his girl and are musically upbeat, differ significantly from his older pieces. He also continues to surprise listeners with “Bad News,” a song that talks about the societal issues of our country, and favors neither side but stands strong with what the true ideals of America should follow. In a more conservative genre, this piques interest with outside crowds.

“Well, ‘Sun to Me’ is my favorite song of his, so I’m really hoping to hear more songs similarly written to that,” senior Lily Rule said.

As a hopeful fan, she’s excited to spend time listening to his 25 brand new songs.

“I really enjoy listening to his music, and the lyrics are always so well-written, so I’m really excited for what else he has in store,” sophomore Reese Strode commented.