Writers from Atwood Magazine discuss Zach Bryan's ambitious and emotionally resonant fifth album, 'The Great American Bar Scene,’ reflecting on its introspective storytelling, vivid Americana imagery, and lasting impact one year after its release on July 4th. This record encapsulates the subtle beauty of everyday moments, late nights, and cherished connections.
Joining the conversation are Atwood writers Jake Fewx and James Crowley!
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First off, how do you relate to Zach Bryan’s music?
James Crowley: I first discovered Bryan's music through his 2022 album, American Heartbreak. Both that album and his self-titled follow-up have made it onto my favorite album lists for 2022 and 2023. While I see distinct highlights on each album, I honestly don't think he has any bad songs. I've been keeping up with all his releases since then, and several tracks have become integral to my regular listening.
Jake Fewx: Zach Bryan is quite new to me! I learned about him earlier this year when I noticed his self-titled album featured prominently on various 2023 end-of-year lists. Curiosity led me to give it a listen, and I was truly impressed! As someone who typically steers clear of country, I found myself captivated by what Zach Bryan brought to that album. The atmosphere he creates is wonderfully immersive, but it’s truly his exceptional storytelling that made me an immediate fan.
Zach Bryan at BST Hyde Park 2025 © Bethan Miller
Reflecting on last July 4th when this album was released, what were your first thoughts on The Great American Bar Scene?
James: I genuinely feel that he has enhanced his sequencing and flow to produce his most cohesive album yet. The Great American Bar Scene seems the most well-rounded of his five albums. The standout tracks still hit hard, and it serves beautifully as a late summer night’s soundtrack for relaxing with beers on the porch.
It’s almost like the counterpart to summer’s biggest (and indeed best) album, brat by Charli XCX. While brat is vibrant and lively, suited for exciting nights out, The Great American Bar Scene is more about those serene, solitary late-night hours.
Jake: My first listen left me in awe. I had the album playing on my AirPods as I walked through a lovely lakeside park, and the music fit the ambience perfectly. For me, this new album signifies a significant leap forward for Zach Bryan across the board. The performances are impressive, the sounds are more cohesive, and somehow, his songwriting has improved even from his previous work (like, how is that possible??). I fell in love with it immediately and have been listening to it nonstop this month. Bar Scene has great substance, and I’ve been enjoying diving into all it has to offer.
How does this album stack up against 2023’s Zach Bryan? What are the key similarities or differences you observe?
James: Looking back a bit, it’s easy to categorize Bryan into two phases: Major label ZB and independent ZB. While American Heartbreak was his major label debut, it acts as a bridge between the sound he established in 2020 with Elisabeth and where he went with the self-titled album in 2023. Just like Zach Bryan, The Great American Bar Scene features the best production in his career, and it somehow retains the elements that made his early work so unique.
However, I sense a bit more restraint on this album compared to the self-titled one. Following the success of American Heartbreak, Zach Bryan seemed ready to share everything, almost like a victory tour. Now, with his rising fame, he seems more selective about what he reveals. The Great American Bar Scene feels much more relaxed and introspective than celebratory.
Jake: To me, Zach Bryan's self-titled debut is a pure country album, while Bar Scene serves as an artistic tribute to the diverse musical influences Bryan cherishes. Both projects showcase his consistency in addressing similar themes, but this new album seems to have a more intentional approach to its concept, presentation, and sonic palette. It feels like Bryan is weaving in the wistful, dreamlike qualities of early 2000s indie legends like Sufjan Stevens and Bon Iver into his country style, complemented by an impressive folk-rock vibe from the 20th century; it all works wonderfully together. Bryan clearly put in the effort for this new project, and it’s paying off.
How does the title ‘The Great American Bar Scene’ reflect the essence of these songs?
James: Even though I haven't had a drink in nearly three years, I still hold a warm fondness for dive bars. Stepping into a bar and inhaling the scent of spilled beer, hearing the low murmur of chatter, and spotting the boilermaker special feels comforting. The warmth of these songs evokes the ambiance of a bar that isn’t overcrowded with rowdy patrons and bl
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Writers from Atwood Magazine contemplate Zach Bryan’s bold and emotionally rich fifth album, ‘The Great American Bar Scene.’ They examine its thoughtful narratives, striking Americana visuals, and lasting impact one year after its release on July 4th – an album that encapsulates the subtle beauty of daily life, late-night moments, and the connections we cherish.