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. At the 66th Annual Grammy Awards the project received three nominations, including for Best Country Album, winning his first Grammy for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for the lead collaboration "I Remember Everything" with Musgraves.

Commercially the album debuted atop the US Billboard 200 with the biggest streaming week for a rock album, while its lead single "I Remember Everything" became the first song to debut at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, Hot Country Songs and Hot Rock & Alternative Songs charts simultaneously.

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 Spear.

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 – assistant engineer
 * Eddie Spear – producer
 * Jacob Weinberg – engineer
 * Scott Zhang – engineer, mixing engineer