A new one from the Oklahoma native.
Zach Bryan is dropping his first single since his last project, The Great American Bar Scene, and since his split with Brianna Chickenfry. Last night, when ZB announced that he was dropping new music, many fans wondered if it would be one of the few breakup songs he teased. I thought it could have been the single he previewed, “All Good Things Past.”
Also, in light of the diss track that Dave Portnoy and Josh Richards posted yesterday, “Smallest Man,” which was rereleased today after Zach’s record label, Warner Music Group (and apparently Josh Richards’ record label too),had the song removed from YouTube and streaming services, a few fans wondered if he could have been releasing a song that might go head to head with theirs. While a diss track from ZB seemed very unlikely, given how public their breakup has been, never say never…
However, Zach Bryan paved a new path, releasing a song that might hit home to those who are just… struggling. Whether it’s scraping to get by, missing a sense of purpose or direction in life, a faltering relationship, or maybe you’re upset with the election results, ZB acknowledged that sentiment when he shared he would be dropping a single.
“World’s been a bit heavy lately, new music tonight.”
With that, ZB shared a new track, ‘The World’s A Giant.” This single feels like we are stepping back in time to the beginning of ZB’s career with how the production sounds on this song. Bryan has been spending time in Oklahoma, and from what he has been teasing, it appears that he is creating music outside of a studio and is home-producing these new tracks. While that might not be some people’s cup of tea, I enjoy this track’s raw sound.
Bryan tells the story of a couple going through tough times, whether financially or emotionally, a rough patch in their relationship weighing heavy on their heart. While they know they are experiencing hardships right now, little things remind them that their life is okay and they have bigger things to worry about, like taking care of their children and providing for them.
“But it ain’t all bad, the windows are cracked
I came down to hear you laughin’ in the kitchen, babe
Let’s pour some wine, there’s still a little timе
And maybe a little bit left in mе to save
Be still, be quiet, the world’s a giant
I ain’t ever had myself a David’s heart
I’ll say sorry to God for all the trouble I caused
Maybe that’s a good place for me to start…”
We see some Biblical imagery in the David’s heart line, what seems to be another reference to ZB’s desire to walk a more righteous path. The war between “good” and “evil” that’s raging inside him is one that many of us are familiar with. Internal conflict is a core theme of Zach Bryan’s music, and that’s probably why he connects with listeners so well.
The melody, filled with soft wind instruments in the background, makes you feel the emotion that he sings. Zach Bryan has always been known to wear his heart on his sleeve, and you can feel that whatever inspired this track is raw for him.
In addition, ZB shared on his Instagram story right after the release of “This World’s A Giant” that he will drop another song tomorrow.
“Ain’t all bad; the windows are cracked. Another new one tomorrow.”
If the sound of whatever he has up his sleep for this next release is similar to the new single, I have a feeling it will also be a hit among fans. I am here for the new music and the vulnerability he shows through his songwriting during this time.
Amid this very public breakup, with people who don’t even know him (or Bri) taking sides, and a rather comical but probably embarrassing diss track… it just has to suck. Having the internet come at you is never fun and I am sure it is taking its toll on him along with processing the ending of his relationship. It’s no secret these last few weeks have been tough for ZB, and he’s getting his feelings out on paper through new music.
Keep ’em coming. We will keep listening.
