Zach Bryan American Heartbreak (2-CD)

(Warner Records) 34 tracks

Bryan, who is known for blending musical styles, stayed true to his word with the 34 genre-bending tracks. He gave fans a taste of American Heartbreak by releasing strong singles from the album over the past few months. From Austin and Something in the Orange stood out among the five singles released as heartbreak anthems.

Although the version of Something in the Orange on the album - Something in the Orange - Z&E's version - is actually the second version on the single release, the way Bryan is emotional on the track comes across better than the original version.

The singles give a clear insight into Bryan's intention to tell stories with his music, which he has continued with the album releases.

Bryan uses familiar country imagery like a harmonized Levi jean queenin Younger Years to support his stories. The energy of a sawdust-covered bar radiates out of the track and into the listener's imagination. Bryan's world becomes the listener's playground thanks to his soothing voice and detailed lyrics, especially on the track Tishomingo.

The classic country sound shines through in Heavy Eyes. The heavy banjo and stand-up bass exude the same beat as Jackson from Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, but with a modernized production. The track Whiskey Fever also has a Cash sound to it. Both are two of the best tracks on the album.

There are a few tracks on the album that don't feel like something Bryan would release, but that fits with his idea of not being a one-trick pony. Ninth Cloud has some rock energy because of the kicking riff in the background, but transitions back into a country sound.

Sober Side of Sorry and Happy Instead sound a bit more mainstream than Bryan's usual tracks, but are still good songs. The tracks sound more like ones that belong in the Top 40, but Bryan keeps them on his turf with bluegrass elements.

In The Outskirts, Bryan leans into his romantic side. The song describes the beauty of life outside the city and the simple life with a partner. It has the feel of driving down country roads with the windows down. Bryan also plays with softer energies in the other romantic song on American Heartbreak, Darling.  

There are two other songs on American Heartbreak that Bryan fans may already know. In the middle of the track list is a reworked version of Bryan's 2020 single Oklahoma City. The newer version features stronger production, but it doesn't detract from the strong vocals.

The second song fans may recognize is a strumming cover of You Are My Sunshine. It has a lightness that feels like dancing barefoot on grass. Bryan's version retains the essence of the original version, but with his own touch.

American Heartbreak has it all. From establishing a new 2 o'clock anthem in Poems and Closing Time to the loving melody of Sun to Me, Bryan does it all on this triple album. Listeners don't have to waste a skip on American Heartbreak, because there are no