The man doesn’t miss.
It’s hard to imagine a more fascinating artist in today’s country music landscape than Zach Bryan. In a six-year span, the “Something in the Orange” singer has gone from recording his debut album, DeAnn, in a Florida Airbnb and scoring viral hits online to selling his publishing catalog for a staggering $350 million and, most notably, setting the record for the highest-attended concert in U.S. history when he performed to a crowd of 112,408 at Michigan Stadium.
Though there’s no doubt that artists such as Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson and Cody Jinks were the forefathers of the current independent and alternative country renaissance we’ve currently been experiencing over the better half of a decade, there’s no denying that Bryan was the one who blew the door off the hinges, so to speak.
After a busy year in 2026 that included the release of a sprawling, 25-song album back in January, With Heaven On Top, as well as a world tour that just wrapped up last weekend in Auburn, Alabama, Bryan is back once again today with his highly anticipated EP, Young Manhood and Other Donatable Organs.
When diving into Bryan’s artistry, there’s undeniably so much to discuss. Of course, you can talk about all the inherent drama from past relationships that have been pushed to the top of headlines, the public beefs he’s had with fellow artists and the political statements he’s made over the years. With that being said, however, when it’s all said and done, it’s become more than apparent that the Oklahoma native has become one of the most prolific songwriters we’ve seen in the current generation, and it’s proven once again here on Young Manhood and Other Donatable Organs.
Right off the bat, it’s clear that Bryan is stretching himself to the limit from both a vocal and sonic perspective throughout the project. This can be heard immediately on the opening track, “Lodi When,” which is primed to be one of the biggest hits on Young Manhood. Here, the Oklahoma native is playing with some interesting uses of synth in the production. And while that may start setting off alarm bells for traditionalists, the use is incredibly tasteful and ultimately gives the song a clear sense of identity — something that has long been a criticism of Bryan throughout the years.
Following up “Lodi When” is none other than “Robot Killed The Working Man,” an incredibly relevant and topical song about the rise of artificial intelligence and its consequences on the working class. Coming out firing, Bryan samples a fiery warning about the dangers of technology killing automotive jobs, setting the stage beautifully for one of the EP’s standout tracks.
Lamenting the fact that his home doesn’t feel the same anymore, highlighted by unemployment and degradation of the land, Bryan launches into the scathing chorus. Here, he likens the rise of AI and technology as a whole to a death sentence for the working class, noting they “sealed up the coffin” and “sold off the land.”
“The robot killed the working man
Took the nail and hammer right out of his hands
Sealed up the coffin, sold off the land
Replaced the good book with machines in their hands
Sooner or later, more soon than not
Them homegrown tomatoes all ripe and then rot
With no rhyme or reason, no helping hand
The day the robot killed the working man”
It would be remiss not to talk about the two standout features on Young Manhood: Lana Del Rey and the legendary Turnpike Troubadours.
As for Del Rey’s feature on “Lies,” I see this being nothing short of a classic for fans of both Bryan and the “Video Games” singer. Leaning heavily into Del Rey’s ethereal style, complete with some gorgeous strings and piano, the two deliver a heart-wrenching duet centering on a toxic, co-dependent relationship.
“Tell me your lies, babe, your sweet little lies
Fill my heart with sweetness with the words that you say
Been seeking the truth all of my youth
Truth means nothing when you look this way
Tell me your lies in this house that you built
Shameless when it comes to your sex and your guilt
Tell me your lies, well, tell me your lies”
As for Turnpike’s feature on “Plainsman,” it’s a true testament to the talent coming out of Oklahoma over the past few decades. There’s no denying that Bryan is the biggest artist, while Turnpike is the biggest band from the state, and hearing these two giants unite on a song is nothing short of a gift from the Gods for long-time fans.
Written by both Bryan and frontman Evan Felker, “Plainsman” is a beautiful ode to the titular men who work the land in their home state and abroad. Feeling like a tried and true Turnpike song, complete with Kyle Nix’s iconic fiddle work throughout, you even get a reference to the ever-popular character in the band’s lore, Lorrie.
“She ain’t gone if I can sit here with her
I feel her on the water with a cold chill shiver
Lorrie lit a cigarette and I just headed home”
Rounding out the EP are other standouts such as the infectious “Dog Days,” which feels like a late ’70s Bruce Springsteen track, “Is The Blue Tangled In You,” which sees the 30-year-old singer/songwriter pulling on alternative influences such as former collaborator, Bon Iver, and the project’s closer, “You’ll Get By,” which highlights Bryan and Co.’s stellar harmonies.
Overall, Young Manhood and Other Donatable Organs is an incredible outing from Bryan. As usual, the songwriting cuts deep, feeling as relatable as ever. With that being said, I expect this project to age incredibly well with fans due to the aforementioned production choices, which give Young Manhood it’s own identity in comparison to past work.
“Plainsman” (feat. Turnpike Troubadours)
“Dog Days”
“Lies” (feat. Lana Del Rey)
Zach Bryan 2027 Tour Dates
April 28 — Minneapolis, MN — U.S. Bank Stadium
May 1 — Indianapolis, IN — Lucas Oil Stadium
May 4 — Green Bay, WI — Lambeau Field
May 8 — Chicago, IL — Soldier Field
May 14 — East Rutherford, NJ — Metlife Stadium
May 15 — East Rutherford, NJ — Metlife Stadium
May 18 — Baltimore, MD — M&T Bank Stadium
May 14 — East Rutherford, NJ — Metlife Stadium
May 22 — Nashville, TN — Nissan Stadium
May 25 — Philadelphia, PA — Lincoln Financial Stadium
May 29 — Atlanta, GA — Mercedes-Benz Stadium
June 2 — Buffalo, NY– Highmark Stadium
July 16 — Las Vegas, NV– Allegiant Stadium
July 20 — Los Angeles, CA– SoFi Stadium
July 24 — Seattle, Washington– Lumen Field
July 28 — Vancouver, BC– BC Place
August 1 — Edmonton, AB — Commonwealth Stadium
August 6 — Boise, ID — Albertsons Stadium
December 3 — Melbourne, VIC — Marvel Stadium
December 4 — Melbourne, VIC — Marvel Stadium
December 10 — Sydney, NSW — Accor Stadium
December 11 — Sydney, NSW — Accor Stadium
December 17 — Brisbane, QLD — Suncorp Stadium
December 18 — Brisbane, QLD — Suncorp Stadium
