Known for his hearbreaking hit “Pink Skies,” Zach Bryan’s new album “With Heaven on Top” is filled with self-reflection, love, grief and healing.
The 25-song collection is sad, but a touching album worth time and attention.
Bryan’s songs related to grief, they were heartfelt and unfiltered. Each song has its own unique symbolism, and though many argue about repetitive instrumentation, the old-time soundtracks added depth and soul to his album. A song that stood out from this category was “Deanne’s Denim,” which is about his mother, who passed away from alcoholism. He implies he does not want to continue her alcoholic cycle. Her denim “jeans” stand for the genes he worries about. “Cannon Ball” is also a song that revolves around grief in the album, and it contains a deep connection with a friend he slowly watched pass away. He reflects on his and his friend’s memories throughout the song while also referencing his deteriorating health.
“Appetite” is arguably the best song of the album. Bryan discusses several heavy topics in one song; its themes revolve around the self-disappointment he feels and the negative effects fame has had on him. He expresses the existential crisis he is going through as he perseveres through sobriety and maturity. A recurring metaphor throughout the song suggests that Bryan does not want to pass down these traits to his children. The song is heavy but touching.
Fame trade-off is a common theme in this album. In “Santa Fe,” he speaks up about wanting to escape from fame and social media by getting a fresh start somewhere unknown. He also states he wants to defend against the toxicity of his own friends and family. While this song explores a broader theme of personal struggles like addiction and relationships, “Say Why” expresses Bryan’s struggle to balance fame and his mental health. He believes there is an emotional cost to fame.
“Bad News,” which is the most controversial song of the album, confronts controversies about ICE’s treatment of those in the U.S., Bryan reflects on societal issues and his own personal heartbreak for the country. He uses the metaphor “red, white, and blue fading” to describe how national division is changing America for the worse. He feels a sense of loss in national identity. Though many critics have found this song to be disrespectful, Bryan stands firm on his beliefs.
Some tracks focus on resilience and overcoming hopelessness, such as “You Can Still Come Home.” The song concentrates on Bryan finding sanctuary in his roots, a metaphor for home, when the world feels overwhelming. “All Good Things Past” also explores this theme. He speaks of how life goes on, even when you feel trapped by nostalgia. Bryan talks about his connection with God through resilience in his own struggles.
Searching for home is a common topic on this album in songs like “Miles.” This song emphasizes Bryan’s search for home through the metaphor of travel, citing lines like “the never-ending yellow lines.” “Runny Eggs” also explores the theme of searching for home but through a metaphor of a fictional chronicle about Bryan going to a restaurant for runny eggs to escape the worry of a home without vitality.
Overall, “With Heaven on Top” is a great album worth listening to. Bryan approaches controversial themes and deep emotions, using metaphors to emphasize the emotional impact of his music.
