Zach Bryan, and the Magical Rise of “DeAnn”
Friday, August 23rd was one of those mammoth release days in country music we’ve been experiencing more and more as labels and artist managers circle certain dates on the calendar they believe to be optimal for releasing new music, and highly-anticipated records come flooding out all on the same day, taxing the attention spans of listeners. From Tanya Tucker’s first album of new music in 17 years, to Midland’s much anticipated second record, to Vince Gill and Jason Hawk Harris, and specifically in the Texas music scene with Dalton Domino, Seth James, and Kevin Fowler all releasing records, it was too much for ears to take in already. And somehow in this crowded field of top notch artists and their new titles, it was a solo acoustic record called DeAnn from a dude nobody had heard of that arguably titillated Texas and Red Dirt music fans the most.
With no label, no representation whatsoever, not even a Facebook page, let alone a proper website, DeAnn has become the late summer smash throughout the Lone Star State and beyond simply off the power of Zach Bryan’s songs, and strong word of mouth support from fans and fellow artists. This may not be Lil Nas X level, but the songs of DeAnn have received some 500,000 streams over the last week on Spotify alone (and counting), and some are already naming it one of their favorite records of the year. Followership on Zach Bryan’s Twitter account has skyrocketed virtually overnight as well, and people are crashing his YouTube channel looking for more. Never before has Texas country seen this type of an overnight sensation. And the appeal for Zach Bryan is not built from infectious ear worms and 30 second snippets on the Tik-Tok app, or any song specifically. This is all about the way the all the songs of Zach Bryan are speaking to people.
Anyone who tells you they knew about Zach Bryan beforehand is probably lying, present company included. All the effort expended at Saving Country Music headquarters running down leads on promising up-and-comers, and all the time spent out in the field sifting through the lineups of grassroots festivals and events throughout the year scouting for talent, and it would be a boldface lie to say I’d even heard his name until one of Zach Bryan’s songs called “Condemned” started swirling around YouTube a few weeks ago. Aside from the fact that he claims dual citizenship in Tulsa, OK and Seattle, WA on his Twitter account, nothing much else is known about the songwriter at this point, aside from what you can glean from his songs.
Drawing from both the bleeding edge of authenticity that has made the performers of Kentucky like Tyler Childers and others define the current country music insurgency, and the spellbinding songwriting magic of Oklahoma’s preeminent writers like Evan Felker, John Moreland, and John Fullbright, Zach Bryan stuns in one song after another in DeAnn, with lines that seem to be ripped right out of your own personal history, yet could be stuck on a bumper sticker and be universally appreciated by everyone. The songs of DeAnn are nothing short of stunners, and don’t need any window dressing for those listeners with keen ears and open hearts to fall in love with. In fact those musical suitors might insist they don’t want any further development in these songs—that the rawness of the experience is what makes it so magical.
Writing is one thing, and bringing songs to life in the imaginations of an audience is another. The voice of Zach Bryan has that “rode hard, put away wet” aspect that drips with genuineness and has you hanging on every word, just waiting for that next line that will floor you, which he delivers over and over again. The guitar playing may be basic, but the melodies and hooks are devilishly developed, even if they could use some refining and polishing. And there’s a palpable story running through the songs of DeAnn, and puts your emotional equilibrium in peril when you stare at the cover art of what appears to be Zach with his mother, and the overarching narrative all starts to make sense to you.
Any praise lumped on Zach Bryan is probably valid. But for these songs to thrive, they need water, and clothes. That’s not to in any way knock what Zach Bryan has accomplished here. By compiling these 12 songs and releasing them together, he’s already bested many professional musicians who struggle to encapsulate the inspirations for songs in the way Mr. Bryan has done. And don’t let anybody sell you on the idea that the album concept is dead. Zach Bryan just proved that songs, and lots of them, still reign supreme. With no musical accompaniment, Brown had to rely on the patience and open minds of an audience to make this project work, and he received these compliments through the power of song.
The success of DeAnn also validates the power of Texas and Red Dirt scene, and the camaraderie and grassroots support that reigns there, despite some of the sewing circle gossip that can sometimes get in the way. One of the reasons DeAnn did so well was Parker McCollum—who recently went from local songwriter to major label-signed artist himself—tweeted out his support.
But even as resonant as DeAnn has proven to be in just the last week, if it had arrived on the desk of Saving Country Music six weeks ago looking for a review, the counsel Zach Bryan would have received would be to not release this record at all, pull the plug on the launch, and seek representation. The songs are just too good, and the project is too under-developed for public consumption at the moment. Zach Bryan is not an acoustic performer in the traditional sense, like a John Moreland or James McMurtry type, at least not yet. These are songs written to eventually be fleshed out with a full band. This is where they would thrive and find the widest audience. DeAnn is basically a work tape of tunes to bring to a label or producer to gain better support and representation, not a proper album release.
Think about how people complain these days about how the live or acoustic versions of Tyler Childers songs are far superior to whatever they release for their major labels. This same phenomenon will reappear when all the folks streaming DeAnn right now hear these songs with a full band behind them. Their brains will have latched onto these basic recordings, and will reject the new version like a bad kidney. If asked, I would advise Zach Bryan to pull DeAnn from streaming services right now [audible gasps coming some from readers], take the data he’s racked up that proves how much his music resonates, and get himself some proper support and representation so he can do DeAnn right. Then again, the genie is out of the bottle now, at least it is for those who’ve listened so far, and you may never be able to get it back in.
It would be unfair to assign DeAnn a number grade, because despite the power of the songwriting, there are just some audible flaws here beyond the stripped-down nature of the recordings, and not just the purposeful unraveling at the end of the song “Condemned,” which reveals itself as one of the more endearing moments of the record. Despite how great it is, DeAnn is just not done yet. The guy needs a band, and a manager, or at least needs to refine his guitar playing and delivery if he wants to be a solo performer in the interim. But all that’s coming. Zach Bryan will have a strong career in country music if he so chooses. The power of what he’s accomplished with DeAnn decrees it. He might be miles behind many professional musicians, but he’s leagues ahead because he has all those intangibles you can’t teach, and can’t learn. In a word, he has “it.”
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Sunny
August 31, 2019 @ 10:24 am
“These are songs written to eventually be fleshed out with a full band. This is where they would thrive and find the widest audience. DeAnn is basically a work tape of tunes to bring to a label or producer to gain better support and representation, not a proper album release.” Trig, I understand what you’re saying, but this sounds like something a Nashville label rep or a cumulus program director would say. The standard response. How many local and even major label songwriters with great songs do what you’re saying here, only to get lost in the shuffle? “Work tape” should be it’s own genre, my opinion. I think the way this whole thing went down is the the way it was supposed to happen, and couldn’t have happened any other way. Thank you for the article.
Trigger
August 31, 2019 @ 11:25 am
…this sounds like something a Nashville label rep or a cumulus program director would say.”
I get that, and I agree. But it doesn’t make it any less true. It also doesn’t mean this guy has to waltz down Music Row looking for a deal. I’m sure he already has people reaching out and wanting to help/work with him.
Not to sound pointy-nosed, but there is a difference between an acoustic track you would record for a work tape, and an acoustic rendition of a song that is meant to be a standalone track. For example, in a scratch track you would leave breaks in parts of the songs where others would play solos, or sketch out lead melodies on the acoustic without playing the full thing. That is exactly what Zach Bryan has done here, either purposely or subconsciously. It doesn’t even mean these songs can’t be done acoustically. But recording them the way he did gives you that sense of unfinished business. But like I said in the review, even with this hanging over this record, it’s great just as it is.
And lastly, when I spoke about if someone had sent me this record before the release, I’d recommend he not release it at all, I meant that. I’m a journalist, and it’s my job to not get too immersed in the specific project and careers of artists. And if I do, then I must excuse myself from covering them in the future. But I have, and do sometimes direct traffic for artists, labels, and managers, because I get sent a lot of stuff, including stuff that shows incredible promise, but is still in its early stages.
I think Zach Bryan will have a bright future if he plays his cards right. And under-developed or not, this record is more enjoyable than most music released by full bands. But it’s also my job to be critical in the effort to be constructive in the artistic marketplace.
Robert
September 1, 2019 @ 1:00 am
I am a little oldschool and one of the few that uses an samsung device so no iTunes, apple music or spotify so I went searching for a site to download Zach Bryan’s music and stumbled across several other songs by Zach and can’t wait to see the country music world go crazy when they find the song’s “Honey, All Roads lead Home, Hymnal, Bad Man, Moon in Oklahoma, Please don’t move, Sunday Flannel, and Young Girl Eye’s” just to name a few.
Dan
September 14, 2019 @ 8:50 pm
Robert, you can get Spotify on Samsung devices!
The entire Deann Album is on Spotify and it’s just incredible.
Scott
September 14, 2019 @ 6:29 am
Agreed! Work Tape should be genre, much like Chris Knight’s Trailer Tapes form back in the day. This article even mentioned itself that people flock to these types of recordings. Childer’s Red Barn series carries far more weight than his produced tracks in my opinion.
Blake
August 31, 2019 @ 10:41 am
You mentioned “genuine” in the article and that pretty much hits the nail on the head. I downloaded the recorded on Apple Music last night and was thoroughly impressed. Another word I would float out would be “Raw”… no frills, no bullshit, just quality music from what I have heard so far.
Also, for what it’s worth, when Zach “name drops” Tyler Childers it in no way feels forced and pandering like when radio “country” singers spew out the names of George Strait or Joe diffie. An atrocious song that does this that was released lately is “That’s Country Bro” by Toby Keith… just God awful.
Kyle N
August 31, 2019 @ 11:23 am
Honestly my favorite song of his might be one that isn’t even on the album. “Felker” was sounds like it was written about an aging legend on the level of Willie Nelson or Guy Clark with the way he articulates his reverence for Evan
Tracy
August 31, 2019 @ 3:18 pm
Where ever Evan is I hope he hears “Felker.”
JAY
August 31, 2019 @ 11:28 am
I agree with Blake when he says “Raw”. But that’s raw in the best way possible.
All those songs are greatbut “Felker” gave me chills.
I hope to hear more from him.
Possible Album of the Year material?
Thanks for getting the word out, Trig.
Blake
August 31, 2019 @ 11:54 am
Yes I also meant “Raw” in the best possible way, Jay. I picture Zach sitting around a fire pit with a few beers and the acoustic guitar just playing. I can see how others would like a more polished release, but sometime I personally just like this bare bones approach.
Dan Morris
August 31, 2019 @ 1:00 pm
To me this is ‘rawness’ reminds me of the Townes Van Zandt music that was recorded in his buddys studio one drunken night and recently released. Sparse and plaintive… but in a good way. I like it a lot this way but could see it being equally as good with a 3 piece band backing him. The biggest thing would be to find a producer who wouldn’t polish all of the raw off.
Blake
August 31, 2019 @ 1:46 pm
I think you’re talking about “Sky blue”, Dan…. and yeah, that’s one hell of a good listen. Speaking of Townes, a few weeks ago I found his first Record “For the Sake of a song” at a local Vinyl shop and scooped it up.
Dan Morris
August 31, 2019 @ 5:09 pm
Yes I was referring to Sky Blue just couldn’t remember off the top of my head. Sake of the Song is a good listen also. I would have to say Live at the Old Quarter is my favourite Townes album. Always thought he was at his best when just his voice and guitar. Same with Guy Clark. Speaking of Guy have you heard the new Vince Gill album ‘Okie’? He does a really nice tribute called ‘Nothin’ Like a Guy Clark Song’ on it. Really good album.
Throwback Country
August 31, 2019 @ 4:01 pm
Well said.
Blake
September 1, 2019 @ 7:48 pm
Yes, Dan, I did hear the new Vince Gill record… I think the album is good but wasn’t blown away. “ Nothin like a guy Clark song” is a good nod to a legend so I really like that… I also really liked the first track “I don’t want ride the rails no more” and think that is the stand out track of the whole album.
Trigger
August 31, 2019 @ 1:13 pm
The material is possibly Album of the Year caliber. I just don’t know if the record is. It’s just really hard to know what to do think about all of this. And there’s two stories. The first is Zach Bryan and his music, and the second is how well it’s been received. Much is still to be determined where all of this goes.
Daniele
August 31, 2019 @ 11:46 am
That’s a real raw talent, thanks Trig as ever. And since you mentioned him, what’s up with John Moreland? any news?
Trigger
August 31, 2019 @ 1:05 pm
No specific news on Moreland, but I would expect a new album from him next year.
Blake
August 31, 2019 @ 1:49 pm
I know Moreland is our touring fairly heavily… he will be within a few miles of me here in Missouri in September and I look to be in the audience. Tickets are only about $15 which is one hell of a deal.
Sunny
August 31, 2019 @ 12:36 pm
Trigger
I’ll add that this could only happen among the most savvy of music fans- the Texas and red dirt fans. They get it. “Hey this guy’s just starting out but check out these songs!” Anywhere else they’d say “huh? What’s wrong here, it doesn’t sound like songs on the country radio, duhh huh huh.” And Trig, you know the saying “you don’t need a manager until you need a manager.” There isn’t a manager out there that would have returned an email to this guy or even listened to his songs. They will now. He put the cart before the horse, but it worked. You’re saying do what everyone else is doing. I’m saying that’s what most artists do…..follow the protocol…..and we never hear about them.
Trigger
August 31, 2019 @ 1:11 pm
Totally agree with you about Texas and Red Dirt fans. Maybe a manager had returned his emails, maybe they wouldn’t have. And it didn’t have to be a manger necessarily, just someone who was in a position to help. Either way, he’s proven that he can connect with people. It will be interesting to see where all of this goes from here.
Throwback Country
August 31, 2019 @ 4:02 pm
Couldn’t agree more, Sunny.
D Ray White
August 31, 2019 @ 1:20 pm
Trig,
Respectfully, the reason the Childers album songs get ripped is becasuse they lack the feel and the energy of The Foodstamps or Tyler solo. The musician choices and Sturgill’s production kneecapped those songs, not some half-finished work project being heard prior to the studio versions. One example: The LR Baggs version of Bus Route is waaaayyyy better than the album and current live version. Not even close.
AdamAmericana
August 31, 2019 @ 2:30 pm
You’re not wrong.
Trigger
August 31, 2019 @ 2:41 pm
The underlying point I was trying to make is that people’s brains latch on to whatever the first version of a song is that they hear. That’s the one they fall in love with, and everything else afterwards is never going to sound as good to them. Whether it’s scratch tracks, live versions, acoustic versions, whatever. Not only do I see this in people’s reactions to music, I suffer from this myself. This is the risk Zach Bryan runs by releasing these songs in this state.
I get it, people want to hear The Foodstamps on Childers records. I agree they should at least be given a chance in the recording studio. But that’s not the same issue here. It’s also a little silly to simply not like the studio version of a Tyler Childers song just because the Foodstamps aren’t on it. “Country Squire” has some excellent tracks on it.
albert
September 3, 2019 @ 9:39 am
”The underlying point I was trying to make is that people’s brains latch on to whatever the first version of a song is that they hear. That’s the one they fall in love with …….”
songwriters know this only too well , trigger . vince gill , apparently , never demos his songs before taking them in to the sessions with the band for fear of what he calls ”demo-love” . he wants the players to feel the vibe / lyric and respond with THEIR performance rather than be informed by his own ‘ ingrained home demo ‘ .
publishers will suggest to songwriters that they ‘ tailor ‘ their demos to the artist they are pitching to . if a writer is pitching to a young ( impressionable ) artist , the writer is encouraged to make it sound like radio . THAT’S what a young act understands ….how does it SOUND , rather than ‘ how good is the lyric and /or melody?’ . if the writer is pitching to producers , a guitar demo is fine because a good producer can ‘ hear’ the arrangement in his head . the young artist cannot . hence we have so many young artists who sound alike . they want to sound like the radio .
as a writer , you learn early on not to fall in love with your demo . it makes it nearly impossible to hear the changes that invariably need to be made to lyrics and melody to improve your song .
Billy Wayne Ruddick
August 31, 2019 @ 6:54 pm
Couldn’t disagree more. I love the fact that Tyler has taken a few different approaches. And we all have access to all of them both on released (live + studio) abs YouTube type clips. It’s ridiculous to compare live recordings to studio sessions in pretty much all cases. And let’s not act like Tyler hasn’t had full creative control over everything he’s done to date. Would love to hear a studio recording of the foodstamps next go around, but what’s been done to date has been well executed and you can’t find much fault in it unless you are the type to absolutely hate anything new and artists branching out from one specific / early on niche they had when you first fell in love with them.
618creekrat
August 31, 2019 @ 2:29 pm
This guy’s voice is different, and his style is less Appalachian, but there’s an intensity (a controlled strain) in his vocal delivery which reminds me of Childers’ rawer material. Good stuff.
Corncaster
August 31, 2019 @ 2:54 pm
Seems like a natural writer.
This is what makes me so damned sad about Neal Casal’s death. He had the ears to hear what the next musical level of these songs could be.
One more thing: could someone please give this kid a good J-45.
WT
September 1, 2019 @ 9:07 am
I’ve been out of town all week and did. Ot hear the news about Neal. Man, that’s terrible news, he was a true musical genius. RIP Neal, truley a special musician.
Thills
August 31, 2019 @ 3:00 pm
The way it’s recorded reminds me of bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska. Which he recorded all the songs as demos to record them with the full band, but was convinced to release them as is.
Bo Fiddley
August 31, 2019 @ 3:50 pm
Was gonna say the same thing.
Thills
August 31, 2019 @ 3:02 pm
And I’m pretty sure he’s one of the kids from home improvement haha
NJ
August 31, 2019 @ 3:25 pm
He is. And I think he went viral with Turnpike fans over the Felker song. Reception was …. mixed
AdamAmericana
August 31, 2019 @ 6:35 pm
He’s not. That dude is 37.
Crum
August 31, 2019 @ 7:16 pm
I’m only a few songs in, but I like what I hear. Reminds of my cousin and his buddies in Kentucky. A great time around a fire, or a house party, drinking cheap beers, and playing cheap guitars as best as they could. But this guy writes better songs.
Cameron
August 31, 2019 @ 7:19 pm
I mean he’s got a good sound and shows songwriting promise. But he’s clearly imitating Childers. Which is fine. And his songs are fine. But to me this just kinda comes off as a fanboy with talent. The Childers and Moreland comparisons need to slow the fuck up.
Wes
August 31, 2019 @ 8:37 pm
Is that a bad thing? I believe “Shivers Down Spines” is a Childers style song that is better written then most of Tyler’s last album. Don’t get me wrong there are spots that need improvement on here and he isnt close to Tyler with a guitar but song writing wise I literally cried hearing the song “DeAnn” hit me harder than “Follow You to Vergie” ever did. The references where more specific and yet still more universal.
Billy Wayne Ruddick
September 1, 2019 @ 12:29 am
Yeah. We are living in bizarro world when anything this imitating bro does is even 25% as good of a song as ‘Virgie. You have to be kidding….? Good lord.
Cameron
September 1, 2019 @ 6:42 pm
Shivers down spine may be better than bus route but that’s debatable.
The Original WTF Guy
September 1, 2019 @ 12:08 pm
“Neither party knows when, or even if, the other party will reciprocate.”
Isn’t that everybody at some point or another? I mean every person who ever made it big in music, or was never heard from, was at one point a fanboy or fangirl. Some have the talent to go beyond that and some don’t.
Trigger, this is why this blog has become so indispensable over the years. I am not inherently drawn to country music but have found so much on this blog that I have come to love. This is a great example.
Dewayne Bryan
August 31, 2019 @ 8:04 pm
The writer might want to get to know the man behind these songs. He was born in Japan, has been literally all over the world, lost his mom, loves his sister, loves God and his country, and I would not hold your breath waiting on him to kiss up the producer thinking his songs are just seeds to be played with a full band and a bunch of extra fluff. He serves in the Navy proudly, just like his mom, dad, uncle, grandpa and many others he looks up to did and do. He runs Marathons with almost no prep work and hauls couches half way across the country just to take a picture and sleep in the badlands. Zach is wise beyond his years and has seen many of life’s bumpy roads in his youth. Take him to lunch. Then, post an article. Oh…take him to MCalisters Deli. – Dad
Trigger
August 31, 2019 @ 9:44 pm
Hey Dad,
Thanks for filling us in on some of the back story with your son. Sounds like a very interesting guy with a lot of character and motivation. You should be infinitely proud of what he’s accomplished with this record, and with minimal help from others. He’s released something that many seasoned, professional musicians regularly fail at, which is something that resonates so deeply, it takes on a life of its own. Any criticism offered here by myself is meant constructively, because I believe in this music and the talent displayed here, and I want to see it thrive and reach its utmost potential and the audience it deserves. The last thing I would want is for Zach to kiss up to a producer. I want a producer to kiss up to Zach.
Saving Country Music is a commentary and criticism website, and very rarely interviews artists directly. Perhaps an exception could be made in this case, if and when the time is right. But first I wanted to focus on the music that has done something virtually unprecedented, and deserved honest criticism and recognition.
–Kyle “Trigger”
Dewayne Bryan
September 3, 2019 @ 6:21 pm
I spoke with Zach about your article and he appreciates it. He has been raised to know when someone is just being a jerk and when someone is trying to offer objective feedback that can help build a man. Thanks for your article. If you’re anywhere near Tulsa or can get here, feel free to reach out and I can give you the details of a back yard family and friends gathering when he is home on leave.
– Dad .
Wes
August 31, 2019 @ 8:31 pm
Those hooks have depth and they are catchy enough to keep you singing them in your head later. I must have been singing “Your the moon in Oklahoma and I’m the night” or “Sweet Deann how I miss you so a million times already. And if sivers down spines isn’t one of the songs of the year in everyone’s books you may just not like country music.. This is one album that will only get better the more times it hits the listeners eardrum…
Billy Wayne Ruddick
September 1, 2019 @ 12:42 am
Interesting for sure, and definitely is taking cues from early Childers (literally directly). Is it just me or does every song sound the same? Dude needs to branch out a bit. Literally he has hit on the pulse of all the “underground” stuff and buzz Trigger speaks of him being a part of…..by imitating the sound of the day. I could care less if he is from Seattle or Japan…or Kentucky as he’d have you believe.
JK
September 1, 2019 @ 6:06 am
Think I agree – I’m impressed that someone’s blown up like this on the strength of a few acoustic tracks, but the influences are a bit overwhelming (his phrasing and lyrical style are, erm, very very Childersish). I suppose though that for anyone at such an early stage in their career they’re bound to sound like their influences to an extent – take George Jones for instance. I thought the Charles Wesley Godwin album was a good example of taking the stylistic basis of someone like Tyler Childers and adding their distinct perspetive. It’ll be great to see this guy working towards something like that in the future – best of luck to him.
Trigger
September 1, 2019 @ 7:48 am
“Is it just me or does every song sound the same?”
That’s because they’re all just acoustic songs recorded without any production. I don’t think it’s fair the criticize his style because right now, he has none. Yes, the songwriting and vocal inflections are similar to Childers, but that is what production is for, for each artist to put a signature stamp on expressions. And so even though it’s fair to criticize the tracks for lacking a production element, to say this guy sounds too close to Childers is unfair, because in truth, we still don’t have any idea what he sounds like yet.
Corncaster
September 1, 2019 @ 12:00 pm
I’ll take a shot at being constructive and practical.
First, I don’t think he’s found the keys that best suit his voice. Two, barre chords sound muffled on acoustic guitars, and I don’t think the chord voicings he’s playing are best fits for the melody notes he’s singing.
So here’s what I think he could do to explore:
1. I’m willing to bet he’d sound better in flat keys like F, Bb, Eb, and so on.
2. “Godspeed” is currently in C, so capo 5 and play as if in G. Then move the capo to 3 and try it in F.
3. “Flying or Crying” and “Felker” are in G, so capo 3 and play them as if in E. Then move the capo to 2, play it the same way, and so try it in Eb.
4. “Condemned” is in F, so capo 1 and play as if in E.
He’ll get more open strings ringing this way, it’ll be easier for him to play fills, and he’ll get used to using a capo to find the keys that best suit his voice.
He’d probably also have fun exploring more strum patterns and feels. Three of the four songs have the same strum pattern. Do they need to?
FWIW from an old-timer.
albert
September 3, 2019 @ 9:46 am
GREAT points CC .
btw….seems I’m the only one here not feeling this music. but i don’t care . it seems honest and people are responding to ‘ honest ‘ . mission accomplished zach .
Billy Wayne Ruddick
September 1, 2019 @ 1:51 am
Also, everyone YouTube Blake Berglund. “Crooked old Earth” is an impeccable song which you won’t see covered here. Moose Mountain is also a great video and song. Look it up
Corncaster
September 1, 2019 @ 12:02 pm
Ditto “Pretty Good Guy.”
I’m a fan.
Billy Wayne Ruddick
September 1, 2019 @ 10:05 pm
Really can’t put into words how awesome it is that Blake is putting out actual videos. And badass videos at that. He should be the subject of every turnpike douche-adores article that was ever on this website. Felker could learn a thing or 30 from Bergland about real songwriting.
Ben
September 2, 2019 @ 10:36 pm
Y’know, liking both Brother Blake Berglund and The Turnpike TROUBADOURS’ music is not mutually exclusive… 🤷♂️
Huntermc6
September 1, 2019 @ 4:16 am
Good stuff, definitely gives me a Moreland feel to his music and that is not a bad thing.
Billy Wayne Ruddick
September 14, 2019 @ 2:28 am
True. But in my taste turnpike has always sounded like an attempt at making Counting crows sound “country”. Evan has never had it in him, not a good heroin nor a good county music front man. He’s a douche grunge kid looking for acceptance, and he’s never written an A plus song. That there is why he is all twisted. (Trigger will never post this, but good on you if you do)
Christopher Burrell
September 1, 2019 @ 7:16 am
He gets a huge knock for playing a gutless, lifeless Taylor…lol!
Adam
September 2, 2019 @ 5:09 am
I guffawed at this
Christopher Burrell
September 2, 2019 @ 7:01 pm
Anytime, because one simply shouldn’t play Country, Folk, Americana or any other type of Roots music on a Taylor guitar…leave the Taylor’s for pop music where they belong.
Adam
September 3, 2019 @ 2:49 am
You’re not wrong. I have two Martins and a Collings.
albert
September 3, 2019 @ 1:59 pm
…..seldom see anyone cite that about the Taylors in print although its a common observation amongst pro players. …..
they are almost never set up hanging in the shops and they never come close to having the character and warmth of martins , gibsons or many other lesser known and FAR less expensive brands . they are ‘strummers’ .
Shine Onn
September 9, 2019 @ 3:05 am
Uh…Pat Green started off playing a Taylor geetar in his beginning days in Lubbock Tx.
Rooster Cruiser
September 4, 2019 @ 7:22 am
Oh, get the hell outta here with that. This kid is obviously just getting his start. He’s making music and sharing his feelings with the tools he has.
Get over it.
OlaR
September 1, 2019 @ 10:46 am
Ok…i’m confused.
Tyler Childers is replaced as the savior of country music by Zach Bryan?
After the release of 12 raw tracks (demos)?
Is Zach Bryan country? Or Folk (Google Play) or singer/songwriter…or americana?
Is his rise “natural” or pushed like the rise of Lil Nas X?
Will his first major release be produced by the other former savior of country music? You know…the guy who can release industrial-death metal-rap-polka & his fanboys & girls go gaga how good it sounds?
Overnight sensations come & overnight sensations go…
Trigger
September 1, 2019 @ 1:11 pm
“Ok…i’m confused.
Tyler Childers is replaced as the savior of country music by Zach Bryan?”
Maybe the reason you’re confused is because nobody ever said that.
OlaR
September 2, 2019 @ 4:23 am
But why so many words for a guy who has released 12 raw tracks?
It starts with the headline (“magical rise”)…country music had seen a magical rise or two in the last month & years (Lil Nas X, Kane Brown…).
But Zach Bryan is the real deal because he is sitting in the garden, playing a guitar & he is singing like…well…other young guys sitting in the garden, playing a guitar & singing?
The release of the new Trisha Yearwood album was not important enough…
The Original WTF Guy
September 2, 2019 @ 7:49 am
“The release of the new Trisha Yearwood album was not important enough…”
WTF? Trisha Yearwood gave up any claim when she associated herself with that no talent self-promoting ass clown GARTH!!!.
“country music had seen a magical rise or two in the last month & years (Lil Nas X, Kane Brown…).”
WTF? What do either of these clowns have to do with country music? Do yourself a favor and please just sit in the corner and keep quiet.
Oh, wait. I get it. You are not being serious. You are making a point through exaggeration for comedic effect. That is pretty good!!! You actually had me for a minute or two. Uh, you weren’t serious. Right?
OlaR
September 2, 2019 @ 11:45 am
“Do yourself a favor and please just sit in the corner and keep quiet.”
Lol. You have no clue what i’m talking about.
When adults talk little punks like you have to shut up.
Trigger
September 2, 2019 @ 11:20 am
“The release of the new Trisha Yearwood album was not important enough…”
Once again you’re putting words into my mouth. I really appreciate your commentary and musical recommendations here OlaR. But frankly, it’s really insulting to me when folks make assumptions on my behalf. Maybe if Trisha Yearwood’s team had deemed Saving Country Music important enough, they would have responded to my requests of a review copy of the record so I could have posted a review more promptly. But they didn’t. And as I have stated over and over, choosing who and what to cover is NEVER a binary decision. I didn’t say, “Hey, I’m going to cover Zach Bryan instead of Trisha Yearwood.” And there’s nothing more demoralizing than when people insinuate this, especially long-time readers who should know better. Maybe I will do a review for the Trisha Yearwood record, maybe I won’t. But that has to do with whether the material compels me and I feel inspired to write about it, NOT because I have chosen to write about anything else.
I just posted my SIXTH album review from records released on August 23rd alone. I can’t review or feature everything. But I feature a hell of a lot of stuff, and for free to the public. If that’s not enough for you or anyone else, tough shit. I’m doing the best job I can.
OlaR
September 2, 2019 @ 12:23 pm
We just disagree from time to time.
The buzz around Zach Byran comes to early. A couple of demos are not enough to put him in the same place with Tyler Childers or other fine artists.
Even after a third round with his songs & i don’t see or hear what makes Zach Bryan so special. Maybe with a full album or after playing a couple of concerts.
So far…it’s a young man playing a guitar, with an ok voice & the same tempo again & again.
…”and people are crashing his YouTube channel”…3900 follow him…it’s not crashing the channel…it’s creating an artificial hype.
albert
September 3, 2019 @ 9:50 am
”Even after a third round with his songs & i don’t see or hear what makes Zach Bryan so special. ”
I’m in your camp , ola r ….not getting this fuss at all from the performances posted .
Toddxolsen
September 1, 2019 @ 11:55 am
Trigger. I don’t think I disagree with you often. But I disagree with you whole heartedly. This music is perfect just the way it is.
I grew up out in the country but when I was in ninth grace some skate boarders invited me up a punk rock show and it’s the best thing that ever happened to me. In my adult age I’m much closer to my upbringing and the country music my grandparents raised me on but there’s something about the punk scene that’s stuck with me.
The early demo tapes and tiny shows are part of every good artists story. Would I trade the red barn radio sessions for those to be produced by Sturgill Simpson next Nashville? FUCK NO I wouldn’t. Would I want Sturgill Simpson without those Sunday Valley records? HELL NO.
This record is perfect and this album is exactly what I need right now. And it’s what Zach Bryan needs right now so people can learn of his authenticity and he can earn authentic fans. He’s so very lucky to have you writing about him on your site but thank Christ he didn’t search out your advice before releasing this!
It’s part of his story. Part of his discography and it’s the part that those of us who have been lucky to find him at the ground floor will be so stoked we got to experience early on. There’s plenty of time of full bands and over produced records but it ain’t right now. I’ll forget be grateful for seeing Tyler Childers in front of 50 people because you turned me on to him but Zach Bryan needs no rapid ride. He needs the struggle and empty venues and points when he thinks he should quit it all so he can still have something to sing about.
Thanks for turning me into this right now.
Jacob W.
September 1, 2019 @ 6:27 pm
Man, I think it’s not about being “raw.” This is hero worship and really a little more than just being influenced by childers and turnpike, it’s outright stealing their exact style. The songs aren’t poorly written but the phrasing and inflection is not just similar it is blatantly identical to the names he is calling out. This guy sat down on YouTube watching guitar lesson videos about turnpike and the like, and adopted that as his own style. Don’t get me wrong, I watched those videos and read the music too, but he should internalize it and develop something new or at least something from his own identity. High hopes still, but I’m not a sucker and this isn’t ground breaking.
Cameron
September 1, 2019 @ 6:39 pm
You said what I said but so much better. Like I’m Zach and you’re Evan.
Cameron
September 1, 2019 @ 6:47 pm
Correct
Trig is getting way too carried away calling this album of the year material.
This fmdoesnt exist in the same universe as “cheap silver and solid country gold”
Trigger
September 1, 2019 @ 8:15 pm
Please don’t misquote me. A commenter asked me if I thought it was Album of the Year material. My answer was, and I quote:
“The material is possibly Album of the Year caliber. I just don’t know if the record is.”
If asked for a side by side comparison, there is no question that “Cheap Silver and Solid Country Gold” is the superior release.
I’ve also been misquoted in this comments section as saying Zach Bryan is country music’s new savior. I’ve also been misquoted that I think he’s the caliber of Tyler Childers and Cody Jinks, which I never said.
I was very articulate and detailed about my feelings on this release, including sharing some very deep concerns about the unfinished nature of the songs and the recordings, and the decision to release them in that state, and for the very concerns on how the public would react that comments like these illustrate perfectly.
There are two factions here. About half are saying I was too hard on the guy, and am being shortsighted in suggestion he needed to develop these recordings more for releasing them. The other half is saying I’m praising him to the rafters unnecessarily. Both of these perspectives resolve into the right answer.
Heyday
September 1, 2019 @ 11:31 pm
Fine writing, but boy howdy, I’m getting tired of people doing the Charlie Parr side-mouth singing schtick. It lends a vocal affectation that, to me, adds nothing and is off-putting. Just sing the song.
Woogeroo
September 2, 2019 @ 12:15 am
good stuff, gonna have to keep an ear out for this fella.
Matt "Phuckin" B
September 2, 2019 @ 4:58 am
Ev will hate “Felker”…..
Its lazily written using titles of his own songs…and Tyler Childers sound…..not to mention its written like a GD memorial….if he knew anything about Evan he would know that 1 he NEVER uses a person’s real name in a song…and 2 Evan’s not dead……you heard it!! THERE IS NO LORI!!
Jack
September 2, 2019 @ 7:57 pm
I agree with most of what you said but…
You sure Danny ain’t real?
https://www.okemahnewsleader.com/2018/07/19/two-county-commissioners-have-song-dedicated-at-woodyfest-by-turnpike-troubadours-lead-singer/
The Original WTF Guy
September 2, 2019 @ 7:57 am
After listening to this for the past couple of days I have come to a couple of conclusions. One, it’s very good. Pete Townsend was wrong when he wrote “It’s the singer not the song
That makes the music move along” because it most definitely *is* the song. The talent, IMHO, lies in the songwriting.* And Zach can do that. But this leads to my second conclusion, which is that Trigger is correct – the songs could really benefit from being fleshed out by a full band. There is simply a sameness to them that leads to the overall effect being diminished after repeated listenings. If all Zach does is play with his acoustic guitar and sing, I will keep listening. But I believe if he really wants to move forward, pairing his songwriting and singing ability with a band will be necessary.
*Part of the reason I’ve always had trouble with country music. Too many of the supposed “artists” walk in a studio and sing lyrics without having any input into those lyrics or the musical arrangements behind them. I can show up in almost any town in America on any given night and find someone who can sing their ass off. There are *very* few places/times I can walk in a bar and hear someone doing originals as good as what Bryan is doing. Sorry, Pete, “it’s the song that makes the music move along…”
Elliot
September 2, 2019 @ 2:43 pm
What I think he should’ve done was pick a couple songs (maybe flying or crying, shivers down sounds, condemned and god speed) and put out an EP to build some following and then gone and done a fully produced album
Benny Lee
September 2, 2019 @ 9:54 pm
Agree with a lot that has been said here, from both sides.
The kid can write lyrics, and that, to me, is the single most important part of songwriting.
The melodic and vocal style is somewhat Childers-ish, but he has his own voice, and when it comes out it’s definitely a net positive.
Looking at it from a production lens… well… I’m no expert there, but… it needs polish. Not Jay Joyce polish. I’m talking mixing, making sure a given song is played in the right key for the singer, adding an instrument or two where needed, etc. You know, the basics that a good, honest producer would help deliver.
Ultimately, I agree with both sides that this kid has something worth following, and that this album is really not a proper finished product. Regardless, I’m listening and hopeful for more.
Craig
September 3, 2019 @ 6:02 am
Everyone is assuming that he wants to make a living writing and singing songs. Not every artist wants to pay the bills with his art. He may be perfectly happy just having written these songs and knowing that people are out there listening to them and thinking. I know that some people feel like painting or writing or whatever is all that they can do well but from his Dad’s comments this guy isn’t one of those people.
Young Gun
September 3, 2019 @ 7:00 am
I’ve spun it probably six times now and I like it.
I don’t know how he sings “Sweet DeAnn” without choking up because I can’t even listen to it without crying.
Robert
September 4, 2019 @ 7:58 pm
This is my fav site on the internet. I check it twice a day to see what’s new. It used to be so much easier to find music and all the blogs are slowly closing.
I for one appreciate this site. I find so many great artists on here. And I’m really digging this Zach Bryan. Your interview with him explained everything. Just a guy with a full time Navy job singing songs in a living room. It sounds a bit raw but amazing.
Keep up the great job.
Trigger
September 4, 2019 @ 9:45 pm
Thanks for reading Robert!
M.
September 6, 2019 @ 1:40 pm
This. I mean, this probably isn’t “my fav site on the internet,” but I come to it often, I pay attention to the reviews, and I often read the commentary as well. My tastes are not Trigger’s – not by a long shot – but he introduces me to quality music that I enjoy often enough that I listen to almost all of the samples he provides. And that’s enough. (There’s also the fact that it was only after reading a number of entries on this site that I fully understood why country radio almost entirely ceased contributing songs to my playlist ca. 2009-2010; perusing the Records of the Year as chosen by Trigger for the past 8-9 years showed me where all the good country music had gone).
I’m not sure how much I like “DeAnn,” but I like it enough to listen at least a bit more.
Charlie
September 12, 2019 @ 8:46 am
There needs to be more of these kinds of releases, considering the way music is made these days. Don’t have a Korg D 1600 Digital Workstation and a bunch of players handy? Just do this.
BBR
October 11, 2019 @ 8:15 pm
Ive given it a couple weeks on regular rotation in the playlist. Sincerity. Voice. Fuck man, this kid can flat sing. I don’t want ANY polish on his voice and song. It’s the flaws that partially make this thing work- REK can’t sing to save his life, but it’s the words and sincerity that make him timeless.
Let’s leave this kid to make magic however he can.
Eliza belle Morgan wallen and Zach fan 2010
January 24, 2023 @ 10:08 pm
Hay Zach I am a big fan I love deann but I got a quick question for you why did you miss 3 lines
And I am so happy that you are albol to be on Opry and I know that I should,not bring this up but I’m sorry about your mom mom’s are the best and thay are like your best friend