OPINION: Zach Bryan’s American Heartbreak is the perfect album

Before releasing American Heartbreak, Zach Bryan posted a preface on Instagram. In it he stated, “I pray everyone finds something in American Heartbreak.” I can say without a doubt that everyone that listens to the album can find something.  

I listened to the album the whole way through while travelling from Bellingham, Washington, to Lewistown, Montana. I was finally able to get through it and listen intently to each song between Lincoln, Montana, and Lewistown.  

The album, which is just over two hours long, has already been streamed over one billion times globally. Needless to say, the album is popular. 

“Late July” is the first song on the album. The song starts with “I heard life is what passes when you’re too busy living.” This phrase instantly hooked me, and I was set on listening to the rest. The next song, “Something in the Orange,” seems to be a fan favorite, peaking at number 11 on Billboard Hot Country charts. It also peaked at number 55 on Billboard Hot 100. 

My personal favorite is “The Outskirts,” in which Bryan seems to be talking about what he wants his life to be in the future. He wants a house on the outskirts of town where he lives with a loving wife and where he can host his friends. It’s a wonderful song of hope, love and friendship. 

Another favorite of mine is “Heavy Eyes.” After the mostly calm “Late July” and “Something in the Orange,” “Heavy Eyes” brings a more upbeat tune to the album. The instrumentals to the song make it sound like something you’d hear at a country line dance.  

The lyrics, however, bring a reminiscent tone in which Bryan recalls “all the nights we spent outlaws.” The first two songs are ones that you could sing after a heartbreak, but the third song is one that you could jam out to while driving around with your friends.  

With there being 34 songs on the album, it would be impossible to dive into each of them. The first three songs on the album really give the listener a taste of what to expect for the next 31.  

I would recommend listening to the whole album, but if you want just a few to add to a playlist, I have some suggestions.  

For your late-night drive around sessions, “Late July” and “High Beams” are both fantastic. For when you’re hanging out with friends, “Heavy Eyes” and “Younger Years” would both be great.  

This just skims the surface of what American Heartbreak has to offer. It’s easily the best country album of 2022, and I wouldn’t doubt that you hear a lot of the songs on the radio and at parties throughout the summer.

James Taurman-Aldrich can be reached at [email protected]