In a summer defined by the steady rhythms of country music, Zach Bryan’s newest album, The Great American Bar Scene, pioneers a genre historically dominated by cheesy one-hit wonders. The album, released on July 4th, still includes the staples of country music, but also showcases slower, more folky tunes, highlighting Bryan’s inspiration from pop and indie influences. With songs such as “28” and “American Nights” debuting high on the Billboard Hot 100, The Great American Bar Scene was a huge success, proving to be a great addition to Bryan’s lengthy discography. Despite the whole album being a “must-listen,” find below which songs especially caught our eye:
“28”: Since its release in early July, “28” has remained on the Billboard Hot 100 for twelve consecutive weeks, likely rendering it The Great American Bar Scene’s signature, most successful track. The song, which Bryan composed with respect to ex-girlfriend Brianna Chickenfry combines intricate, beautiful melodies with purposeful lyrics to create an unsuspectingly catchy and meaningful song. For most, “28” is the face of the album, a song country fans and skeptics alike are familiar with. Even for those opposed to country music, it is impossible to associate Bryan’s lyric “how lucky are we” with anything else.
“American Nights”: “American Nights” holds a special place in the hearts of Bostonians, as it was first debuted to the world during a rain show at Gillette Stadium. “American Nights” follows in the footsteps of Bryan’s 2020 hit “Revival,” displaying rock-like energetic tempos and a complex lyrical performance. Sharp violin solos and relatable references to typical southern life make Bryan’s songs nostalgic and refreshing. Lyrics such as “He got caught counting cards, then them spades broke his heart” illustrate Bryan’s extraordinary songwriting talent, providing a hidden meaning behind simple catchy words. Upon further research, “he” in this lyric is a character named Danny, for whom Bryan has created a storyline and hints at through many of his works.
“Bass Boat”: The delicate, distinct twinkle of “Bass Boat”’s opening verse is an artistic highlight of Bryan’s The Great American Bar Scene. Combining meaningful, solemn lyrics with satisfying melodies, “Bass Boat” is the perfect song for a peaceful night in. Beautifully weaved into his lyrics lies a coming-of-age story where Bryan reveals a personal truth of growing up with family. “Bass Boat” brings folk-like aspects into the album, leaning more into tranquility and a steady, slow beat than Bryan’s usual works.
“Oak Island”: Although it can be interpreted in many different ways, “Oak Island” is ultimately a suspenseful, climactic song. With hints of railroad anecdotes, treasure hunting, and stunning instrumental sections, “Oak Island” is surely one of the favorites of the album. It was first performed on Bryan’s “The Quittin Time Tour” in late May, and has remained a gem ever since. If you enjoy Bryan’s storytelling style within his creative upbeat tunes, this one’s for you!
This article also appears in our October 2024 print edition.
