Zach Bryan Kicks Off 2026 "With Heaven on Top"

Zach Bryan’s new album With Heaven on Top, was released on January 9 of 2026.

Kicking off the new year with an Appalachian flair, Bryan strips down his music, allowing his

fans to focus on his message. With everything going on in the world, it has become easier to

convey political messages through songwriting. “Bad News” is a song that addresses current

political issues. I find it admirable that Bryan is open in his music about how he has been feeling

regarding the state of our country, especially considering his background as a veteran.

I appreciate this album for its unfiltered expression of his truth. It has become less

common for songwriters to share their perspectives on society through their music, as was often

done in the 1970s and 1980s. Because of his honesty, I believe his fans have been enjoying this

album significantly.

The song “Appetite” remains my favorite because of the honesty he shows about being a

musician. Lyrics such as, “Playing shows to those who don’t care at all? With my money bloody

and my belt so tight,” highlight the grit that goes into pursuing a career in music and show that even when you have “made it” in society, it can still be a struggle.

Overall, With Heaven on Top debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. This

marks his fifth top ten album, further demonstrating the continued strength of his career.