Today, two years ago, Zach Bryan released his groundbreaking album, American Heartbreak. The smash LP resonated deeply with listeners and immediately solidified Bryan’s place as one of music’s biggest stars. This album also established Bryan as more than just a trendy singer-songwriter on the fringes of the indie-country movement; weeks after its release, everyone in and out of Nashville knew his name and his songs.
The 34-track project is the home of some of Zach Bryan’s biggest hits, including Something In The Orange. That track is still his biggest song to date and helped launch him to dominating superstardom beyond his original cult following. While there were two versions of the song, only “Z&E’s Version” was included on the album. It would go on to receive seven platinum RIAA certifications, with the most recent one coming in February 2024.
American Heartbreak is a musical journey that offers a diverse range of experiences. From the upbeat and energetic tracks to the nostalgic and melancholic ones, each song is a unique piece of art. Despite the variety, they all harmonize seamlessly, creating a cohesive and satisfying listening experience that truly never gets old.
Every song included in the collection was written solely by Zach Bryan. He shows off his profound songwriting skills as all 34 tracks hit the listener hard, even if it is a more fun song like “Younger Years.” Even “If She Wants a Cowboy” is well written, and it was on the record to take a shot at the country music industry. The auto-tune and lyrics like “If she wants Nashville, I’ll Nashville the best” were a shot at the direction country music was headed, especially on the heels of the bro-country era. One of the best-written songs on the record is “Billy Stay.” It’s from the perspective of an old woman with her dying husband in his final days. She tells him reminiscent stories of their yesteryear as Billy is losing his battle against dementia.
American Heartbreak not only marked a significant milestone in Zach Bryan’s career but also set a new trend in the music industry. Its success introduced a wider audience to the unique styles of artists like Charles Wesley Godwin, Sam Barber, and Wyatt Flores, paving the way for their recognition.
Eddie Spear’s production is top-notch, improving every song. Everything is really smooth while not being overly polished. Each song has its own qualities that make it unique, so it doesn’t feel like the same song 34 times over. Spear is one of the best producers in all of music, and his work on American Heartbreak is a perfect example of why.
American Heartbreak made a powerful debut, claiming the #5 spot on the Billboard 200 Top Albums Chart and the #1 position on the Top Country Albums chart. It also reached the pinnacle of the Billboard Top Rock Albums Chart. These achievements, coupled with its platinum certification by the RIAA, underscore the album’s undeniable success.
The album also led to Zach Bryan’s headlining “American Heartbreak” tour, where he played many memorable shows. One of which was his show at Red Rocks, where he recorded his live album, All My Homies Hate Ticketmaster (Live From Red Rocks). American Heartbreak allowed for some iconic moments in his career, which allowed him to become one of the best artists in all of music.
American Heartbreak is one of the most successful (and best) albums to grace the country format in recent memory. Two years after its release, there are still no skips, as it has quickly passed the test of time.
