In less than a month, popular country artist Zach Bryan released two albums for the first time since his last release in early 2022. “Zach Bryan” and “Boys of Faith” are the most recent additions to the popular singer’s discography, and I will not lie, they are absolutely sad, strong, and fantastic at the same time. As a long-term fan of Bryan, I am ecstatic to have these two albums just in time for the fall season where bonfires and long car rides happen often; it is a godsend. These new works differ slightly from Bryan’s past albums with a heightened sadness overall, whereas his past albums have hints of anger and frustration mixed with the bittersweet tune, but I have absolutely no  complaints in regards to his new style.  

Bryan has recently become more popular for his more folk-ish sound and his popular duets with other artists like Kacey Musgraves, War and Treaty, Noah Kahan, The Lumineers, and Bon Iver. In “Zach Bryan,” sad and romantic lyrics complement each upbeat accompaniment, which is confusing yet enticing to listen to. Differing from his average music, the more you listen, the heavier the songs weigh on you. Bryan makes you think with some of the saddest lyrics, yet each song feels like a breath of fresh air because of the pure honesty that he exhibits. His songs are relatable for times when you don’t know where you are going and what you are doing with your life, and as a college student, I do not think I could relate more. 

There are songs like “Tourniquet,” where Bryan hits the nail on the head when singing the overly realistic tune of a person who always helps others but never themself. Another favorite of mine on the album is “Hey Driver,” a song of this lost emotion, where you don’t know where to go from the point in life you are at, but even with this sad theme, it almost seems to say that getting lost isn’t always a bad thing. Bryan also contemplates what fear is, what being worthy means, the feeling of  lost love, what letting go means, and other hard and painful topics. Overall, the album is too relatable, and I enjoyed screaming my lungs out to it and crying as a sad college student before moving back to EMU. 

The most recent edition to Bryan’s discography is “Boys of Faith,” an addition to his prior release (“Zach Bryan”). Even though this album has a set list that is half of his average number of songs on an album, it has the potential to be one of the most influential to his rapidly growing career. This is where both Bon Iver and Noah Kahan appear within his music. This album has the feeling of his older releases, a hint of that anger and frustration that he is known well for as well as the bittersweet feeling. 

Overall, I am in love with the newest releases, and I have even subjected my friends to this new realm of music that now includes some of their favorite artists so we can all enjoy it. Even if you are not a fan of country music, get a box of tissues, hook up the aux in the car, grab your friends, and listen (maybe even sing along) to this happy, sad, and honest music.