Two Standing Ovations for Zach Bryan’s Grand Ole Opry Debut
There was fair concern for what might transpire when “viral” songwriter Zach Bryan took the Grand Ole Opry stage Saturday, April 10th, and stood within the hallowed circle of wood to make his Opry debut. As a full time Naval enlistee whose experience with playing live shows is very minimal, and his experience in front of large crowds and in big moments is virtually non-existent, the question many had was if the moment would be too big for him.
On the contrary, Zach Bryan rose to the occasion, and even quelled some of his critics who say he doesn’t deserve the attention he’s been receiving for his homespun recordings that went viral less than two years ago, and have made him one of the most streamed artists in all of independent country at the moment. With both confidence and humility, and help from the Opry’s auxiliary of players who gave more breath to his songs, Zach Bryan made the best of the opportunity, and received two standing ovations.
“I don’t deserve to be in this circle at all. Just wanted to say that,” the native Oklahoman mentioned after performing his first song “Oklahoma City” while wearing a Turnpike Troubadours T-shirt. “It’s been a pleasure, and everyone here has been so good to me.”
Zach Bryan even tested his luck with a little bit of humor. “Opryland’s a huge hotel,” he said to a bevy of laughs. “We got lost in it last night for two hours. But it’s okay.”
His mix of humility and sincerity charmed the crowd, which still remains at limited capacities during the pandemic, but continues to set records with streaming numbers from the amount of people tuning in online for the Saturday night Opry, giving the old country music institution new life and relevancy.
“It’s been just a crazy ride,” Zach said. “I wouldn’t be here without my family and the people who love me. And my mom. I wish she could be here, so I decided for the Opry tonight I was only going to sing songs that meant something to me. I didn’t want to sing something people wanted to hear.”
So he sung “Sweet DeAnn.” The death of Zach’s mother is what initially inspired his foray into music, and the emotional moments he’s able to capture is what continues to fuel his appeal. It also resulted in one of those “Opry moments” where it was hard to not get a little weepy when watching Zach perform the song. And once again, a standing ovation marked its conclusion.
Zach Bryan fans also received a bonus, not only because regular Opry Live host Bobby Bones was not in attendance, but fill-in Natalie Stovall interviewed Zach after the performance.
“I can’t believe they’re so accepting of an amateur in a circle like that,” Zach said…
…to which Natalie Stovall replied, “You are no amateur, sir.”
Zach Bryan may have been an amateur before. But after his performance at the Opry, it doesn’t feel fitting to refer to him as a “viral songwriter” anymore. He’s just Zach Bryan, and folks should be paying attention.
Tballs
April 12, 2021 @ 9:56 am
He definitely over shadowed the other performers. He’s going to be so much bigger than he is now. If only he can keep his humility and not let the game change him
Alvin Pleasant
April 12, 2021 @ 9:59 am
Thanks for all you do bringing artists like this into view. Great to hear he was on the Opry stage. Also, your BB dig (“bonus”) was on point 😉
NAP
April 12, 2021 @ 10:06 am
Am I only person who thinks this dude is incredibly overrated and a Tyler Childers wannabe?
C
April 12, 2021 @ 10:32 am
I can see some people who would think that. At the end of the day though I don’t think there’s too much to complain about. If he wanted to he could be another Brett something playing the same rehashed songs about a girl or truck, leave the navy make a shit ton of money from a couple number ones on the radio. Instead he decided to be true to himself and the fame found him. To me it just shows how much of a great influence artists like Tyler Childers can have for bringing sincerity into music. I think if you take a listen to his Quiet Heavy Dreams album which in my opinion has a lot of great variety you can see some obvious talent there.
Banjo King
April 12, 2021 @ 11:03 am
Not sure why you have to attempt to detract from him by comparing him to Childers. Why do you say a “Childers wannabe”? Just because he makes stripped down, lyrically focused, raw country music? Wish there were more Childers wannabes if that is the case. But he has his own style, he brings something to the table, and he clearly has a lot to say in his music. He’s not trying to be anyone else, he’s just making his own music. It’s not like there’s not plenty of room for both of them. Stop trying to bring down young, talented artists in this manner.
Brian B
April 12, 2021 @ 7:02 pm
Reminds me more of the late Hal Ketchum.
Trigger
April 12, 2021 @ 11:49 am
Zach Bryan on people comparing him to Tyler Childers:
“The fact that people are criticizing me makes me feel lucky, that people care enough to criticize. That’s neat. I never thought I would be in a place where enough people had heard my music to criticize it. I feel blessed about that. Whatever people say about it, it’s okay. They’re my songs … Evan Felker and Jason Isbell. That’s where I learned to love music. And then Tyler Childers came along later, and that just changed my life. Those three songwriters right there. They really spoke to me. That’s where I got my country longing to tell stories in songs.”
“The other thing about people saying that I sound a lot like Tyler Childers, it’s kind of funny to me because every single one of those songs was written from my heart, and the album was dedicated to my mom. I wrote half those songs five years ago (before he knew of Tyler Childers), and I wrote the other half in the last few weeks. When I was writing those songs I was writing them to myself. I was trying to get myself through some hard times, and maybe I thought they could help other people get through them as well.”
https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/meet-zach-bryan-the-man-behind-the-viral-album-deann/
Blackh4t
April 12, 2021 @ 4:11 pm
He forgot to mention the navy. Remember? He is in the navy as well.
Its not that his mother died, its the navy as well.
Its the rule with Zach Bryan, any time his name is mentioned, you have to mention the navy and his dear departed DeAnn. Music is optional.
Sorry Trigger. You know how you feel about Midland? I feel like that about Zach. And in both cases I think the world is better for them. But seriously, everything seems so orchestrated.
THass94
April 13, 2021 @ 5:08 pm
Of your examples, one is literally preventing them from going on tour and consistently making music because they have legal obligations, and the other is putting in the Konami code because their parents are rich and have connections.
Also one’s a 25 year old kid and the other’s a group of 35-40 year olds. Also just look at the demeanor, even he says himself he doesn’t deserve to be there and is still an amateur.
To compare them is asinine and silly.
Blackh4t
April 13, 2021 @ 5:28 pm
No, I stand by my ‘asinine’ comparison.
Both make decent music in an era where decent music is becoming popular again, both came straight into mainstream attention while skipping the ‘paying dues’ part (Zach has a better excuse, or possibly a very clever excuse).
I may be wrong, but I’m sure I read somewhere that Zach used the same marketing strategist as Old Town Road.
Put it this way: if it wasn’t for the navy, people would be expecting him to produce finished products and consistent good shows. And if it wasn’t for his dear departed mum, he wouldn’t be able to get away with a touching tearjerk acoustic set.
He’s a talented kid, wake me when he finishes something and doesn’t make excuses.
Cool Lester Smooth
April 14, 2021 @ 4:20 am
The only place you read that he “Used the same marketing strategist as Old Town Road” was from someone having a fever dream in this comment section, haha.
The “Marketing Strategist” for Old Town Road was Lil Nas X. After he got big, LNX signed with an agent who specializes in monetizing viral hype.
After going viral with Heading South, then DeAnn getting big, Bryan…signed with an agent who specializes in monetizing viral hype.
There’s no conspiracy here. Just people making business decisions based on their individual circumstances, rather than traditional pathways.
And let me “Put it this way”: Lots of people like stripped-down, lo-fi production and simple, “Three chords and the truth” acoustic music.
In the Aeroplane Over the Sea has sold nearly half a million copies.
John Moreland mainly does “touching tearjerk acoustic sets” despite being happily married with two living parents.
But hey – feel free to jerk off to everything being an elaborate conspiracy orchestrated by the Powers That Be, rather than accepting that not everyone prioritizes the same things you do when consuming music.
RayCE
April 16, 2021 @ 2:48 pm
Blackh4t,
Alternative perspective as to his “unfinished goods”. Yes the Navy may be an excuse. But doesn’t it seem that the “paid dues” route and mainstream sources of music have produced a lot of catchy but largely meaningless music in the last 10-15 years with some exceptions?
I would say he’s just doing something tremendously different. And does his Navy service possibly force this different route? Sure. I liken it to information being passed through traditional medias (newspapers, cable news, etc.) and the advent of really popular podcasts like JRE. It’s just a different way of doing business.
A lot of folks (and I mean a lot) my age (mid 20’s) really appreciate the rawness of his music. It feels like he had just written a song and tries it out on you in your living room after dinner and some beers. It’s a sentiment that I hear a lot. it doesn’t have to live through the arduous process of recording, mastering, and waiting for distribution from some record company that doesn’t want to compete with other artists on the label for release dates. He uploads it on social media and people listen.
Just my two cents. Maybe all they’re worth.
Cool Lester Smooth
April 12, 2021 @ 4:09 pm
I mean…people exposing themselves as being so utterly unable to distinguish between Kentucky country and Red Dirt as to compare Bryan and Childers is practically a meme at this point, sport.
Childers isn’t all that close to the top five artists whose sound Bryan emulates.
Y’all really should start an “I’m bad at listening to music” club.
Billy Wayne Ruddick
April 12, 2021 @ 5:42 pm
If you don’t hear Childers in Bryan’s exaggerate vocal inflections, there really isn’t much to say about your ability to properly listen to music.
Cool Lester Smooth
April 13, 2021 @ 2:36 am
Hahaha, it’s beyond parody!
I’m shocked you audiophiles aren’t on Isbell’s case for “ripping off Childers” on Southeastern, and Felker’s for imitating him on D&G.
Man, I can’t imagine how surprised Steve Earle, Ellis Paul, and Jeff Mangum will be to learn that they’ve spent their entire careers ripping off Childers by using “exaggerated vocal inflections” to communicate feeling in their music.
But hey – Childers is literally the very first recording artist to ever use this vocal technique.
There’s zero precedent for it in the Red Dirt or singer-songwriter space!
thebugman10
April 13, 2021 @ 10:24 am
I think you can hear a lot of Childer’s influence in Bryan’s voice on his first album, but I think he really toned it down after that.
Jubba
June 7, 2022 @ 12:39 am
Then if you don’t hear Childers in Conor Oberst’s singing style. Take out the southern accent of course. Lots of folks have this style of singing. I’m not a fan of Bryan’s either but I respect him.
Billy Wayne Ruddick
April 12, 2021 @ 5:38 pm
No.
Bridgett Alldritt
April 12, 2021 @ 6:11 pm
NAP, yes, you are the only one The man is a lyrical magic maker.
Oyster Boy
April 13, 2021 @ 7:34 am
Yeah, it’s weird. I like him okay and wish him all the best, bur I hear guys around a campfire who seem to pick and sing about as well.
Noahb01
April 24, 2021 @ 7:25 am
For me it’s not even that he has great song writing or perfect singing. But he doesn’t claim to do either. It’s the emotion in his voice. The story in his hurt, you can tell how much he means it by the bloodshot in his eyes.
Eric
April 12, 2021 @ 10:11 am
His use of the internet to reach millions with his music didn’t include any gimmicks. So it’s 100% valid
Bob Loblaw
April 12, 2021 @ 10:15 am
Natalie Stovall does a great job as the on air emcee. Why in the world do they have Bobby Bones there?
I also thought Zach did great. He sounded excellent with the full band backing him!
Kevin Smith
April 12, 2021 @ 11:00 am
Bob, you are spot on about Natalie Stovall. She is leaps and bounds better than ol BB. She OWNS that role. Not to mention shes easy on the eyes and a fiddle player too!
As for Zachs performance, for me, Eamon , ( the Opry fiddle player) gave that song life and melody. I see Zach as a songwriter in th e vein of TT and a little bit of Childers. Im still not wowed by the ” emo” vocal style, guess im more a fan of the classic baritone, but thats just me. Comes across a bit more Americana than Country to my ear. His lyrics are rather lengthy compared to typical Country music.
However….
He sang the songs with conviction, and certainly had the live audience excited. Appears hes resonating with a younger demographic, clearly.
Cool Lester Smooth
April 12, 2021 @ 4:13 pm
A major reason the Childers comps are so asinine is that Bryan’s sound really, really isn’t country.
It’s “What if William Clark Green grew up on D&G, Southeastern, and In the Throes”?
robbushblog
April 12, 2021 @ 1:55 pm
I also wholeheartedly agree about Natalie Stovall. She’s great. I wish she could host full-time and still travel with Runaway June, because I really like them (that tall one is John Wayne’s granddaughter!). I think they have a good run ahead of them now that Natalie is in the band.
Barry Zuckerkorn
April 12, 2021 @ 4:49 pm
I heard him on the Spectrum on Sirius a few weeks back. I agree having the Opry band filling out the songs added a lot depth. I look forward to hearing more from Zach.
Before FM
April 12, 2021 @ 10:23 am
Well if that ain’t country…….
Simple and true.
Shined with out polish.
Jeremy
April 12, 2021 @ 10:26 am
If anyone has Tidal music streaming, all of his songs and albums are mastered on there, and sound a lot better than whats on Spotify with the right speaker setup.
Nathan Colombo
April 12, 2021 @ 10:51 am
This one is hard to digest. On one hand, its great to see independent guys like this getting the nod for such a big event. On the other, it’s hard not to feel like we’re witnessing the commoditizing of “sincere country” ( a label I’ve made up for purposes of this comment) or whatever label you want to give to these singer/songwriters whose work is so drenched in that Childers/Sturgill/Colter scent that its hard to figure out if its honest or opportunistic. Like it or not, the Childers/Sturgill/Colter aesthetic can be easily reduced to a paint by numbers style, no different than the formulaic bro-country aesthetic of the past. I worry that’s the direction we’re heading. Find a commercially handsome, mildly-competent, musician with the appropriate background, dial up the “daddy always told me..” type songs, add a hint of brooding, “can’t be bothered”, attitude, and you’ve got your next viral hit “americana” artist. Will the real Chris Knight please stand up!
Banjo King
April 12, 2021 @ 11:12 am
Very pessimistic outlook that in my opinion is completely unwarranted and lacking in evidence. The only piece of evidence from what happened is that there is another talented musician who does resemble the ones you mentioned in style, and he made his opry debut. It’s not like a record label “found” him. He gained massive popularity all on his own through his music that listeners related to. If that isn’t real country idk what is. If the new formula is “find a talented songwriter with something to say who fans naturally gravitate towards and let them produce music their way” then I’m personally down for that and do not see the issue. In my opinion, people just hate when the cool underground artist makes it big. And that’s a shame.
stainedone620
April 12, 2021 @ 12:33 pm
Jesus Christ! When can we be happy about something?! For f#ck’s sake! All the bitching and moaning about “I wish we had some real music to listen to…..” and “I wish we could hear something other than this bro-country pop shit!” This kid pours his heart into what he’s doing and it’s sincere. Did you watch him? Did you listen? It was all he could do to keep it together before he started singing ‘Sweet DeAnn’. I feel the pain he’s singing. I lost my mother to cancer last summer and I know exactly how he feels. What’s country supposed to be about? It’s supposed to be honest music that speaks to real life. That’s what this guy is giving us. We all have our own tastes, but this kid is delivering exactly what we have all been begging for and I thank him for doing so.
Matt F.
April 12, 2021 @ 12:43 pm
Maybe it was the view from my own, slightly-wet eyes, but it sure looked like he was feeling it for real while he sang that song.
Hank Charles
April 12, 2021 @ 4:23 pm
A real life, genuine instance of country “hipster” vs “hardcore” horseshoe theory.
Amazing.
Ian
April 12, 2021 @ 12:16 pm
I’m glad he did well, was curious about how it seemed with him playing in a band format. I only listened to him once and it was certainly while drinking so I can’t remember anything except thinking his songs were fine, then YouTube played a crappy looking home video of Billy Strings playing Dust in s baggie and it blew my fucking mind, until I figured out it was two entirely different artists. Anyway glad he did well and I hope he makes a shitload of money. I don’t care who the artist is, anytime the scam works I am happy. Lord knows the world doesn’t need more hedge fund managers.
wayne
April 12, 2021 @ 12:38 pm
I see nothing hugely distincitve here. I believe Zach Bryan’s story is great and it is his story that is driving much of the recognition. No mistake, he is good and I am rooting for him all the way. But, if he didn’t have teh story and only had the song, I don’t think he woudl be getting noticed as much.
Again, that being said, I am rooting 100% for him.
Sean
April 12, 2021 @ 1:53 pm
I’ve probably watched his Opry performance about 15 times now. He’s incredible. Over the last two years I have listened to his music more than any other artist. Every song on his albums are great and all his songs on YouTube that haven’t been on an album yet are also great.
Jacob W
April 12, 2021 @ 2:06 pm
He has become my favorite songwriter. His quality surpasses Jason isbell and in a significantly shorter amount of time he has surpassed him in shear number of songs at that high level. I hope Evan is taking notice. That’s all we lack. A songwriter circle with those two.
Cool Lester Smooth
April 12, 2021 @ 4:15 pm
I’m not sure he’s written his Southeastern yet…but I’m pretty sure he will.
Jubba
June 7, 2022 @ 12:44 am
Uhhh no. He hasn’t even surpassed “Reunions.” Heck, he hasn’t surpassed “G-damn lonely love.” C’mon,now. Better than Jason Isbell? Who currently? Maybe John Moreland but he’s more Americana.
NJ
April 12, 2021 @ 2:19 pm
He’s on the money about the Opryland Resort. That place is enormous. Watch out for the sneaky resort fee added onto your room charge.
Ken S
April 12, 2021 @ 3:28 pm
Hey Trig,
I’m really curious as to whether you think Zach is overly influenced by Childers or a wannabe/ripoff as some would say. I don’t understand music at a technical or critical level and at all but it doesn’t seem overly influenced to me.
I listened to a a poem he posted on his YouTube channel and he mentioned Kerouc and Steinbeck and that’s when it all clicked for me. If anything those guys influence his song writing more than anything. His songs are overly wordy if anything, if that makes sense. I get the distinct feeling he would write a song without a chorus if he could get away with it. Which I think seasoned songwriters like Isbell and Childers know better than to do. And I don’t think Bryan cares, seems like a guy doing what he wants to do whether people listen or not.
Cool Lester Smooth
April 12, 2021 @ 4:19 pm
There’s a lot more Moreland and Isbell than Childers, structurally.
Childers’ sound is country as hell. Bryan’s isn’t country at all.
Seems some folks can’t tell the difference between tenors – they’d call a Brad Delp album a Childers ripoff.
Danny
April 12, 2021 @ 5:00 pm
ZB Fan here – I find it a little funny how literally no one mentions the most obvious question – how does a guy who’s active duty Navy sign a record deal and go on tour? I’m a navy veteran and musician myself and had to leave to pursue certain things. Standing duty and other aspects of the lifestyle dont lens themselves well to bring a musician. There are also rules governing side work and doing certain things while you’re in the military. I distinctly remember when I saw Josh Gracin milk his military status on American Idol thinking to myself “oh, only some of us have to fulfill our obligations?” I got out years ago so I won’t pretend to know the current regulations but it’s a fair question. All that being said, he seems like a pretty genuine kid and I’m definitely a fan. For all the critics, just go listen to one hour of top 40 country and then listen to ZB. Probably change your mind. He speaks to a group of people that support him and that’s all any of us can hope for.
Godspeed, ZB 👍
Trigger
April 12, 2021 @ 5:06 pm
Zach Bryan has never toured. I don’t know if I can fill up two hands with the amount of live shows he’s played in nearly two years since he first broke out. He’s full-time Navy. He receives deployment orders and disappears for long periods of time. He records songs in barns and AirBNB’s on weekends off. The reason labels still pursued him is because touring doesn’t matter with this guy. As long as he can play some select shows and festivals on the few dispensations he receives, he’ll be fine.
Cool Lester Smooth
April 13, 2021 @ 2:46 am
I think it’s a big reason his stuff has been so DIY – I know he couldn’t get leave to record a full album with Cobb, and I’m pretty sure this is the first show he’s done that’s not driving distance from his base, haha!
I’m guessing any “Tour” will be limited to the PNW – both of his virtual shows in the fall were in WA, where he’s stationed.
Trigger
April 12, 2021 @ 4:22 pm
I don’t see Zach Bryan and Tyler Childers as all that similar. I understand the songwriting of both of them is very earnest, and they both have similar inflections in their voice. But I think when you go beneath the surface, their songwriting and style is pretty drastically different. Zach Bryan relies more on one-liners that really punch, while Tyler Childers is more of a storyteller. They both are heavily influenced by geography and upbringing, which renders differently in their lyricism. Tyler’s foundation is bluegras and mountain music, while Zach Bryan’s is singer/songwriter and Red Dirt.
Are there some similarities? Sure. But it’s just as much coincidental, similar to Sturgill Simpson and Waylon Jennings.
Kenny S
April 12, 2021 @ 4:38 pm
Thanks for the reply and articulating what I was thinking but couldn’t get out of my head. Both guys have spots on my playlists and I can feel the differences in their backgrounds and upbrings when I listen to them. And I mean that in a positive way. They both have a lot to say but in a different sort of way.
Why do you think people seem so critical of him? I don’t want to put words in anyone’s mouth, but it seems to me that most criticism of him is veiled by that Childers comparison and a sense that Bryan hasn’t paid his dues. And the interesting thing about Bryan is that he seems to agree, if anything. The guy always just seems happy to be there.
Trigger
April 12, 2021 @ 5:08 pm
1. Cynicism
2. Success is the worst thing for an independent artist, and he’s successful.
3. He still hasn’t released a well-produced album, so folks are tasked to listen past the homespun nature of his recording, and some just can’t.
wayne
April 12, 2021 @ 5:34 pm
Trigger,
I love ya’. But don’t you EVER use Waylon’s name with Sturgill again. Close to blasphemous.
Trigger
April 12, 2021 @ 6:36 pm
Hey, I’m not comparing the two. I’m saying comparing the two is just as foolish as comparing Tyler Childers and Zach Bryan.
wayne
April 12, 2021 @ 7:02 pm
Ah. Point clarified. My bad.
Danny
April 12, 2021 @ 7:36 pm
Yes I use the term “Tour” loosely, and the only reason I used it at all is because I’m in his fan group and he posted about an upcoming tour. Like I said, I’m just genuinely curious as some who was Navy for six years. This is also a much different time. I didn’t have YouTube and Spotify back then 😂👍🇺🇸. I’m not even entirely sure why he would sign a deal given his indie success but it clearly it’s up to him. He’s pretty grounded so I wish him all the best. 😎👍
Kentucky_1875
April 15, 2021 @ 10:17 am
Great analysis Trigger. I’m fortunate to have spent time on The Strip during the The Great Divide’s heyday along with seeing Jason Boland and Cody Canada for acoustic sessions at the Wormy Dog in Stillwater. Now being a resident of KY, I am immersed heavily in Appalachian influenced country. I can hear the regional differences in Tyler and Zach. It is exciting that authentic country music is being recognized!,
albert
April 12, 2021 @ 4:33 pm
With all due respect for the man , I can barely watch and listen to this knowing that on any given season of ANY of the TV singing shows I’ll hear at least a dozen far more talented voices by some extremely gifted,committed, and hard-working singers . Apples and oranges ? Maybe .
I got through the first song . Musically and melodically I didn’t find it engaging . In fact I found it the opposite .Lyrically I’m not hearing what his fans are hearing . Again , for me there are just so many other writers and singers I’d listen to for emotional and musical inspiration before ZB . Not saying ZB may not develop into a fine writer but IMO he isn’t there at this point .
Sean
April 12, 2021 @ 4:46 pm
If you like the people on the singing tv shows then you will definitely not be a fan of a real artist like Zach Bryan.
albert
April 13, 2021 @ 8:41 am
”If you like the people on the singing tv shows then you will definitely not be a fan of a real artist like Zach Bryan.”
I ‘m not a fan of Randy Newman’s voice , Burt Bacharch’s voice , even Dylan’s voice . But they are all GREAT songwriters ..lyrically and melodically . So yeah …I.Iike the great voices I hear on those singing shows and I like great writers whether they have great voices or not . I just don’t find either of those things ( yet ) in ZB. ”Real artist “”? ….hmm ..
hoptowntiger94
April 12, 2021 @ 5:03 pm
Bryan’s Grand Ole Opry debut was fucking incredible. I love him and Tyler Childers and I don’t think their music is at all similar. Now can we talk about the Randy Travis comment section (those people shouldn’t be here in a Zack Bryan story)? I got into it Sunday morning and was going to comment, but couldn’t find the words. Then I saw Trig’s comment. That was some really fucked up shit!
Matsfan/Jatsfan
April 13, 2021 @ 6:47 am
hoptowntiger94,
Your mention of the Randy Travis article made me go back and read the updated comments…holy shit! That is some crazy stuff. I was amused and confused. The focus of the comments aside, it is funny how many people think they were communicating with Randy.
Brust
April 12, 2021 @ 5:35 pm
I’m a sucker for anyone who sings from their heart, whatever conventions of songwriting, performing, or vocals they bust through- be damned. I don’t want formulas- and I believe this kid is coming from a real place. I want to get all “papa bear” on those who don’t like it, and blast him from their keyboards, but I also have to realize that dissent is what makes this whole thing healthy and work. That he’s currently serving matters to me, as it provides context to his lyrics and authenticity that many in the industry completely lack- and I’m glad he’s doing that rather than working 80 hours a week in a “publishing house” in nashville paying his dues.
Art
April 12, 2021 @ 9:28 pm
Geez. So many critics/know it all on here. Give the guy his credit. Compare him if you want but what’s wrong with resembling another great artist? Would y’all rather him sound like the bullshit on country pop radio? Let the guy have his moment.
Charlie
April 13, 2021 @ 4:18 am
I might normally be the first to say that the criticism is getting out of hand. You know, let the guy be. He’s just trying his best. He can’t help it that he’s in way over his head. That his talent level is virtually non-existent. That his personality is that of a potted plant.
But in this case it’s all well-deserved. Bobby Bones is a turd. He drags that show down worse than Ashton Kutcher did to 2 1/2 Men. PLEASE give us more Natalie Stovall!!
Zach Bryan is awesome, though. Keep it up, son!
Charlie
April 13, 2021 @ 4:19 am
Bobby Bones : Grand Ole Opry
Kid Rock : Buckingham Palace
NattyBumpo
April 13, 2021 @ 6:23 pm
Even Kid Rock is too worthy to be put on par with Bobby Bones. There’s some genuine talent with KR and a purpose to go along with that. BB really serves no purpose other than someone else’s agenda to make Nashville kinder, gentler and more hip. Bobby Bones is a banana and broccoli sugar-fee, low sodium soy-lite latte without any caffeine.
Double J
April 13, 2021 @ 7:45 pm
I like this, thanks for sharing. Would be nice though if he added some lead instruments to his second song (the 1st songs had the fiddle, which was great.) Twangy telecaster or Pedal steel guitar would’ve been a great addition to add variety to the sound.
Bob D.
April 23, 2021 @ 5:37 am
You can hear Zach Bryan live on the Free At Noon Concert broadcast live over xpn.org on Friday April 30, 2021 at noon Eastern time. It was just announced today.