Ladies and gentlemen, the long-awaited moment is not too far now…
Ever since we got confirmation that Zach Bryan was releasing his first official studio album earlier this year, excitement has been at an all-time high.
From playing the Opry, leaving the Navy, and selling out his first ever headlining tour, Zach has put in the work leading up to this Friday, the release of American Heartbreak, a 30+ song exploration of the world through the eyes of one of America’s most explosive songwriters.
Zach’s rise has been one of a kind to say the least, somehow authentically old-school yet entirely originated from viral social media videos, but regardless, Zach has managed to capture the hearts of millions, bridging the emotional gap between angsty teens, disheartened ’20s, and wistful elders.
Just one look at the crowds singing every line to every song and it’s safe to say something beyond big is going on.
Which makes this Friday a historic day.
Regardless of how exciting it is, over two hours of new music requires some kind of prep.
Here’s how to get ready for American Heartbreak.
Listen To Teasers and YouTube Releases
Zach got his break from videos posted to Twitter and YouTube and has continued that trend through today. His whole ethos is raw songs, no frills, nothing added. There’s no better way to get the core than just Zach and a guitar, or Zach and the boys playing together in a crowded room.
Whether you’re a whole song person (like myself) or enjoy small clips of a verse or chorus, there’s plenty out there to get your juices flowing.
Here’s some of my favorites:
Sober Side of Sorry
Ninth Cloud
Corinthians
Listen To Some Under The Radar Bangers
When an artist puts out the volume that Zach has even before this album drops, some songs are bound to not get the credit they deserve.
Before we’re swept up in this new avalanche of music, let’s remember some of the favorites that didn’t rise to the level of some of the others.
Boy Like You
From A Lovers Point Of View
Fill Up The Gas Tank
Is now the best time to do some late night driving? $5 gas prices say no, but that doesn’t mean you can’t splurge for one night to enjoy the songs in true Zach Bryan fashion: Volume up, windows down, just you, your thoughts and the road.
Just keep the speed in check and pull over if the tears blur your vision.
Driving
Make A Beer Run
If you don’t want to spend the cash on a tank of gas, make sure you’ve got plenty of cold ones in the fridge.
You don’t want to realize you’re out with 8 songs left. I recommend the glorious Busch Light fishing cans, but your choice on this one…
Call Your Loved Ones
There are only a few guarantees in life and Zach Bryan getting you in the feels is one of them. Whether you’re hypnotized by the highway, buzzed on brews, or just lost in the past, it’s better to tell the special people in your life you love them before the 2am tears while you can still speak clearly.
Put Away The Distractions And Just Enjoy
While the other suggestions are all well and good, this is the most important one. Most people listen to music in the background, as they work or clean or workout or whatever else. But this album is shaping up to be different, so let’s treat it as such.
Don’t scroll Instagram and Twitter, don’t see what others are saying, don’t read YouTube comments. Just sit with these songs for a little bit of time and take them in fully. Let your mind and your mind alone be the judge of how good each song is and how it comes together as one cohesive piece of art.
For just a little bit of time in this hectic world, shut it all off and listen.
I can’t wait for Friday…
