Let's talk about Zach Bryan and 'Elisabeth' 

Zach Bryan's story is one of my favorite things in country music at the moment. I know y'all love him too. I definitely give some critique of the production here, but I think it's contextualized fairly! More than anything, I just wanna break down some of these beautiful songs! This has been my nighttime walking album for the past week. Hope y'all are well!

“And I go running through the THICKET”

I think his lyrics speak for younger men in total; the ones who deal with bad habits they’ve picked up on the way while trying to drop them to be domesticated. That’s why it speaks to me.

The rawness of his recording is one of the things I like most about his music. It’s a good change up from all the over produced music that we always here.

his fan appeal is absolutely crazy to me. i’ve never seen anything like it

This has got to be the fastest I've clicked on a video 😂

Heard "Rest, Rose" a couple times this week on our local station in Ft. Worth, TX this week, 95.9 the ranch. i was so hyped.

He has no reason to sign with anyone. This style of music doesn't get airplay on radio of any kind. He already built a fan base. He is living the dream right where he is, he could tour small clubs, he sells records, gets massive support on social media...he won already! The majority of indie artists are only looking for those things. Great vid as always! Cheers

Zach’s probably my favorite new artist from the last five years. His lyrics are so truthful and raw. I have a feeling people are either going to completely vibe with his music or get turned off by the instrumentation and dismiss it.

He just writes real music about himself and about his relationship with his fiancé that you don’t hear from other artists to me it’s refreshing. The documentary he on his RU-vid channel just makes his whole story even better in my opinion. Great review!

Zach Bryan's word choice is most definitely my favorite part about him. He can just say things in a way that are beautiful and albeit at times disjointed and confusing but so very relatable in a way. And yes the ablum does have points of repetitiveness with the melodies but you get past that on the second or so listen of the album because his lyrics and messages are, at the core, what you go back for. Like in -Come as You are, the melody is slightly off for me but you look past that when he says "The bridges you have burned are still there just floating". That hit me hard in that song. -Driving, "You think of your sister and the mighty heart she has, she's been sober for a year now, how the time really does pass" and that verse continues and talks about missing his mom and how he drives to stay alive because he wants to be aomewhere other than where he is. The melody of this song is sad and longing and in a way slightly haunting -Washington Lilacs: "Darling won't lie back and let an old flame warm ya, I know I'm not the same me and Lord knows youre not the same you". Just damn, talking about reconnecting with an ex in such a beautiful way and how the relationship is going to be different this time. And he compares her to beautiful Washington Lilacs. I could go on and on thier are so many examples of such clever ways of saying things.

For some reason I feel invested in Zach even though I don’t even know him. Seeing his album hit #2 on the country charts made me so happy for the man

i literally can't stop listening to the album. the writing is just so interesting to listen to, its unlike anything ive ever heard. i find myself listening to certain verses over and over just to think about them.

Hey Grady! When he sings “the masses screams the lyrics of a messed up kid”.. I took it as a double meaning of he’s just a messed up kid writing songs that people love, and also “Messed Up Kid” is a deep cut of Childers before he made it big as well. Thought you might find that interesting.

Coming from a Nashvillian… stay in Charlottesville! You being an “outsider looking in” (“in” being the Nashville scene) is better for you and your channel. Your audience loves it! :)

I found Zack Bryan deep in the red river gorge of Kentucky and I swear to God I haven’t been able to stop listening to his music since, that was four weeks ago and counting and I just can’t stop listening to it, it’s exactly what the world needs right now, exactly!

Zach Bryan has quickly become one of my favorite artists. His sound is so real and raw.

Grady low-key bragging that he can "walk" 3 miles at a 21:33 mile pace. I see you!

I can't stop listening to Zach once he released heading south and I heard it for the first time

Please do a video on Canadian country music. Like so Grady sees

I was clicking back to youtube all day just waiting for this! So excited when I got the notification!!!

I have discovered so many new artists that have quickly become favorites since finding your channel

The Truthful Sessions performance video of "Leaving" sold me.

best review channel. Thanks Grady

Solid review. I think his music is amazing. The fact that they produced the record in a barn only added to my respect. I grew up on 80’s and 90’s country. It’s all about the story telling and the passion for me. I’ll take an “unpolished” album like this any day over the “polished” modern day “bro country”.

I listened to this whole album before I watched your review and you hit the nail right on the head with this one my dude!

Grady I just want to say thanks. I started listening to Zach after watching your interview with him and I absolutely love his music now. It really has helped me out especially since quarantine started and I've been with only my thoughts sometimes. Love the video

Every one of this guys songs are in my playlist his music is so amazing, thanks for the video grady

I love how you can make a song sound even more beautiful and deep

Grady, you have one of the best, most thoughtful channels on RU-vid. Quality content as usual.

In all honesty one of my all time favorite albums, can't wait to see what else he has to offer

Great video, I think Zach's music is so refreshing because it's so pure and not tainted by any other pursuit but to share feelings

Great video Grady! Always appreciate your insights. Much like you, I’m dying for a regular guy oozing with talent to refuse to sell out...I think Zach is the best shot right now! Here’s to the anticipation of more great music & keep the shares coming.

This might've been your best video Grady! I almost feel embarrassed to have not heard of Zach Bryan, personally. Thank you sir!

I love the story he weaves with his lyrics, and I've never cared for a "celebrity" quite like I've cared for his story. His documentary just made me love it even more. I can confidently say I love every song he has put out so far.

He is hands down one of my go-to guys. Lyrics are raw as hell and when you’re sad drinking it just hits even harder

He is loved because he follows his heart! His own Love for what he is doing, and taking us along with him is worth so much, and I thank him and the people he chose to be close to him for what they are doing!

Zach Bryan and you have both realized and taken adavantage of an awesome thing about the internet. Even if you aren’t “mainstream” there is an audience out there for you, and they’re probly more dedicated than most mainstream audiences...I know I am!! Great video once again!

From a Lover’s Point of View was my first stand out song and it embarrassingly took my a couple minutes in to realize that it’s from his lover’s point of view 😂 so beautiful though! Love this album and it’s always nice to hear your thoughts Grady!

Hey Grady! I agree with you completely! Zach just feels so extremely real. Love that he still serves and rejects some of the ideals of Nashville!

How was revival not talked about in this video?!? Songs so catchy and has the best feels. Listening to him and all of his friends get after it together is amazing, and the bits played on the piano that means so much to them has something so special about it

I love your analysis of the songs. There definitely is hype around what I think lots of us call 'real' music. Country is swinging back to the good stuff

Zachs just a genuine guy and it shows through his music and his social media. Everything he writes is personal and it makes you feel connected with him as an artist.

Fastest I’ve ever clicked on one of your videos, Zach is already a legend.

Hello Grady! Thank you for looking at so many details in the music an especially the lyrics, I probably would miss (not being a native speaker of the english language). I love Zach Bryan foremost for this lyrics. They have thesame magic touch like some of the great ones. Reminds me of the feeling, when I discovered Townes, Ben Nichols of Lucero, UncleTupelo, Calvin Russell and other heroes of my musical journey. Dont change and always be honest!

I've been listening to him since you mentioned God Speed awhile back and I truly enjoy his sound. Thank you for always giving me new music to listen too!

I’ve never clicked on a video so fast!

I've never heard of him, but I might have to go have a listen. I had not heard of Ashley McBride until you and I love her music, I even hear her on my radio now! Maybe he will get there too.

great video! I always enjoy your reviews :)

I loved your perspective and commentary. He is so intriguing. And wow I find myself listening to the same song. Over and over scratching my head saying, wait. What did he say ? His lyrics say so much more than the words he is actually saying Like the example you gave about the Pabst and jewelry. I’ve been listening for 2 days straight. I’m crying. Praying. I’m all over the place. But then I start listening again when I’ve gotten the chance. Cudos to him for his transparency. But I just want to hug him and tell him he’s ok. 😊👀🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸I don’t think I mentioned I was married to a Marine. Bless all of you service men and women for your sacrifice for These United States of America. 🙏🏻🇺🇸 your sacrifice isn’t in vain!! 🇺🇸 We aren’t married but I sent him some of these songs and he’s enjoyed listening.

Check out Benjamin Tod and start with “We Ain’t Even Kin” and his band Lost Dog Street Band and their most popular song “September Doves”, Please I think you would love them.

Great video put together about a great artist!

His music still reminds me of Uncle Tupelo or a Lumineers song. Heading South is still my favorite song and I still listen for hours on end. I don't have enough ways to describe how much I love his music.

Great video! Just discovered his music. I was blown away by Elisabeth. My only beef is that most of his songs sound "samey" but his voice and songwriting are untouchable. The last album that hit me like that was Lana's NFR.

This man is by far the best new artist in music in my opinion. The lyrical talent is outstanding. The simple but affective instrumentation is beautiful and the raw passion is there. If you write off Zach Bryan you are truly missing out on a great new musician.

Love this album, love this video! I feel like it was very organic and less structured than your usual videos which plays into the feel of Zach and his albums... not sure if that was intentional of not. All in all, great work Grady!!

Heading south is the song me and my friends blast loud as hell in the truck. Thank you for covering this artist

Looking good Grady!!!

I don’t even necessarily love country music but I love Grady’s input. I also really enjoyed “Revival” off of this album, and Americana as a genre in general.

Man, I’m sitting here In albermarle high school ironically watching this and I have listened to this album like 10 times thru and I love how you still point out things I’ve missed. The album is a perfect mess and I love it.

👂🐛The lyrics, "Baptize me in a bottle of beam, put Johnny on the vinyl" are a total earworm for me & I Love It!!! I was surprised you didn't cover 'Revival' in your review. I think it's a great way to end the album. It's fun and the lyrics are simple but so well written!!

I've been really going deep into a lot of lo-fi artists recently. Some favourites that stick out are Esther Rose and Carver Baronda, or pretty much anything else Mashed Potato Records has been putting out. They record their stuff usually with one mic direct to tape, gives it a real warm, old-time sound that fits in with the New Orleans scene so well. And as far as raw and dark lyrics I can't get enough of that. Zach Bryson's last album Songs That Will Ruin Your Day hit me hard and I loved the sparse, lonely sound that he creates. Willi Carlisle also has some really raw stuff; Angels really got to me and his lyrics all around are so full of pain and the tough sides of reality.

I love Revival and how it's a group sing along song and it perfectly wraps up the album.

Thank you so much, for champion this you man !!!

New to your channel. Thanks for turning me on to this guy. I'd hate to see him change anything about his style of music and recording. Takes me back to older country. ✌️

Zach is the man! Love his music

I've heard about Zach before but never actually listened to him. Gonna check him out now!

Definitely gonna have to check him out. Also it would be really awesome to see a video of Canadian country music.

Grady you are the one I want to critique my album when I record it.

I would really love to hear what Grady has to say about Steve Earle's new album, The Ghosts of West Virginia!

I loved this guy when I heard his music. Then when I leaned he grew up where I am growing up and he’s in the military makes him 10x better.

He’s helping me figure out who I am in some of the most low moments of my life right now. Great artist and story teller

Really like Revival. It’s a hair different and a little more fun I guess you would say. I mean I love em all but it’s almost refreshing to hear some fun in there. If he can mix it up just a little bit like Revival...he’ll really grow even more.

this is why I love music. its the best kind of art.

I think beyond the deep/able to connect to lyrics. The lack of production is what makes it so raw and real.

Really like this guy. After listening to more of his music, he reminds me of Mumford & Sons in their early days.

If I’m sipping on a beer I’m listening to Zach Bryan. He’s got his own down to earth style and can churn it out as quick as anyone. It definitely works for me.

I was at what I’m pretty sure was Cagles last concert. He cried on stage and said that Nashville keeps telling him no but we (the fans) keep telling him yes. He put on the best show I’ve probably ever seen live including Garth and George.

Finally everyday for the past few weeks ive checked your channle for this video Lol 👍

Well it needs to be blasted everywhere

Heading south 👌🏼

I’ve been a fan of Zach since the very beginning of covid, it is crazy how spot on Grady was on this video.

He needs to be on the radio

you are the best

Can proudly say I was listening to this guy from the get go. Absolute legend

I “discovered” Zack only a month ago. I listened ro condemned for a week. Going south for a week. And then Elizabeth for two weeks. And literally nothing else. I’m blown away.

Love Zach Bryan!

So much for not heading to Nashville! Haha, you and Zach have the same timeline of growth haha. Nice!

This is Pure -T- Perfect and thank you

Zach is my guilty pleasure. I actually usually listen to metal but zach has stolen my heart! Think he has fans coming from all sorts of different places.

I feel that way a lot i have such a huge passion for music idk what to do with it. But I think both albums are great and i like that he doesn’t seem to have that interest in all the hassle of being famous just doing it for the emotional relief

My dawg giving American Aquarium a shout out. Yea they don't need one but god its so nice to hear

I’ve been on the train for a while , I absolutely love his music and the lyrical value to it, even if the cords kinda sound the same.

I really hope to see more artists take this path. Zach is absolutely fantastic. And I love the message he tries to send out. The “if I had anything to say it would be to that kid sitting in his bedroom playing guitar, just keep doing it” message. I feel like there are probably many more out there that go severely unnoticed or don’t even try because they don’t want to sing the songs other have wrote. They want to sing about their story. Zach was the first person I saw see success from practically nothing. Was a huge inspiration. The first time I listened to heading south I interpreted it as “just play music.” And for the last 6 months or so I’ve sat in my basement just writing songs that are so damn personal and it’s been a way to kind of recover from a high speed life. Nothing but respect and a huge thanks to Zach Bryan for helping me kind of discover myself.

I can say coming from the same graduation class of Zach I can say I'm so proud. Way to represent Oologah, ok

voices by Joshua Ray Walker. One of my favorite songs of 2020

The production (or lack of really) on this album is striking the first listen through, but after that, it just makes sense. I don’t notice the small flaws anymore. Can’t get enough of it.

Yep, had no idea who Zack Bryan was... Now I gotta check out his music.

great album by zach but my god you do a great job of analyzing it

love his writing