Zach Bryan (album)

Zach Bryan is the eponymous fourth studio album by American singer-songwriter Zach Bryan. It was released on August 25, 2023, through Belting Bronco and Warner. Entirely self-produced, it features guest appearances by the War and Treaty, Sierra Ferrell, Kacey Musgraves and the Lumineers. The album debuted atop the US Billboard 200 with the biggest streaming week for a rock album, while its lead single "I Remember Everything" (featuring Musgraves) debuted at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100.

In support of the album, Bryan will embark on the Quittin Time Tour '24 throughout 2024. It is set to begin on March 6 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, and will end on December 19 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Background and composition
Bryan revealed that there is "no grand explanation" or "riddle in reasoning" behind any of the songs on the album. Instead, he simply described them as "poems and songs" he wanted to share because he thought they were special. He referred to the tracks as "heavy" and "hopeful" but what matters most to him is that they are his. Upon release, Bryan announced that listeners should not come into the album thinking it would be a "chart topper" or that this was his "intent", otherwise they would be "severely disappointed".

Bryan first shared previews of ten tracks on June 25, 2023, on his Instagram and hinted at an upcoming album release. He also revealed that this record was for him and that he does not care if listeners like it. The singer-songwriter announced the album with details about the cover and tracklist on August 9. The 15-track project sees Bryan mashing "elements of indie rock and folk into his unique take" of country music.

Critical reception

Zach Bryan received a score of 79 out of 100 on review aggregator Metacritic based on four critics' reviews, indicating "generally favorable" reception. In a positive review, Maura Johnston of Rolling Stone opined that Bryan showcases a "careful presentation of his obvious songwriting talents" which makes for a "gripping listen" and praised his ability to not only give his songs room to breathe but "to seethe and yearn". Johnston thought the album was a blend between "hooky Nashville storytelling" and "Americana realism". Sam Sodomsky of Pitchfork wrote that Bryan "works with a traditionalist's appreciation for songwriting and the intense, earnest emotion of heartland rock", concluding that his "fierce determination also ends up being his saving grace. Whatever effect his songs have on you, there's never any doubt they're coming from the heart".

Commercial performance
Zach Bryan debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 with 200,000 album-equivalent units, the largest week for a rock album in four years and Bryan's first number-one album. It also earned the largest streaming week for a rock album in Billboard chart history. The album also debuted at number one in Canada, and New Zealand, and at number two in Australia and Ireland.

Track listing
All tracks written by Zach Bryan except where noted; tracks also produced by Bryan except "Oklahoman Son" produced by Eddie Spears.

Personnel
Credits adapted from AllMusic.

Vocals

Zach Bryan – lead vocals, vocals
Read Connolly – background vocals 
Sierra Ferrell – background vocals, featured vocals (8)
Noah Le Gros – background vocals 
The Lumineers – featured vocals (13)

Kacey Musgraves – featured vocals (11)
Lucas Ruge-Jones – background vocals
the War and Treaty – featured vocals (5)
Jacob Weinberg – background vocals 

Musicians

Zephyr Avalon – acoustic bass, bass
Graham Bright – electric guitar 
Zach Bryan – acoustic guitar, bass, electric guitar, harmonica, percussion
Daniel Chase – cello, viola, violin
Steve Clark – acoustic guitar, drums
Read Connolly – acoustic guitar, banjo, dobro, steel guitar, percussion 
Noah Le Gros – acoustic guitar, dobro, electric guitar, percussion 

The Lumineers – piano
Hudson Pollack – piano
Lucas Ruge-Jones – fiddle, percussion, trumpet
the War and Treaty – piano
Jacob Weinberg – bass, drums, organ, percussion, piano, Wurlitzer 
Scott Zhang – bass

Production

Daniel Bacigalupi – assistant mastering engineer 
Zach Bryan – producer
Jamie Hamburg – engineer
Jacquire King – mixing engineer 
Pete Lyman – mastering engineer 

Dawson March – mixing engineer 
Justin Miller – assisted engineer 
Eddie Spears – producer 
Jacob Weinberg – engineer 
Scott Zhang – engineer, mixing engineer

Charts

Certifications

References

2023 albums
Warner Records albums
Zach Bryan albums