Country magnetism from Oklahoma's talent...
09 · 01 · 2026
Country music appears to be a thriving industry. In the UK, streaming numbers for this genre have surged, with a new generation of enthusiasts drawn to its timeless appeal. London’s extensive BST Hyde Park festival dedicates an annual day exclusively to country music, and the top American artists are now capable of announcing and quickly selling out massive stadium concerts. In this setting, Zach Bryan’s latest album stands out as a significant event on both sides of the Atlantic—an impressive work that remains faithful to his roots while exploring new directions, all bound together by his inherent creative assurance.
The songwriter’s background has taken on the aura of a contemporary legend. An Oklahoma talent naturally inclined to create music, the Navy Cadet turned internet sensation works with remarkable intensity. ‘With Heaven On Top’ features 25 tracks—including his traditional spoken word introduction—but is shorter than the breakout 2022 album ‘American Heartbreak,’ which encompassed a staggering 34 tracks.
What’s particularly impressive is that ‘With Heaven On Top’ maintains a high level of consistency. The sound moves between Tom Petty-like Americana and more conventional country styles, constantly evoking images of the Oklahoma landscape. While ‘Appetite’ might have a rock edge, it still retains a strong country identity, with traces of Nashville’s legacy throughout; ‘Say Why’ takes a more straightforward songwriting approach, but just two tracks later, ‘Santa Fe’ offers a beautiful, mandolin-rich Southern experience.
If there is a central theme here, it lies in Zach Bryan’s dedication to storytelling. The lyrics present a clever narrative quality that draws you in at every twist and turn. “I haven’t written a love song in so long,” begins ‘Plastic Cigarette’; ‘Miles’ reflects in the mirror, questioning, “if I’m so messed up / why you lookin?” There’s a genuine honesty in Zach Bryan, accompanied by a commitment to craft. These songs don’t make grand political statements or comments on today’s dystopia; aside from a few studio experiments, they could have easily been written in 1976 or even 1956. Perhaps that’s why so many people—right here in the UK—are captivated by this humble Oklahoma voice. ‘With Heaven On Top’ is both comforting and engaging, timeless yet relevant, providing a space for escapism while still presenting challenges and entertainment. Whatever the essence is, Zach Bryan has mastered it.
8/10
Words: Robin Murray
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It appears that country music has become a significant industry. In the UK, streaming numbers for this genre have skyrocketed, attracting a new wave of fans.