Zach Bryan has forever changed the way I view music. Through the album “The Great American Bar Scene,” he conveyed emotions in songs that I could barely put into words. The album consists of 19 tracks, all beautifully and poetically written. This album was released on July 4, 2024, and received moderate reviews from critics. The album scored a 73 out of 100 on Metacritic, averaging scores from six critic reviews. Making the album generally acceptable to the public.
The top three best songs from the album, in my opinion, are: “American Nights,” “Purple Gas,” and “Oak Island.” Each of the songs exhibits that country twang, while not losing the lyrics in the process.
“American Nights” is one of the faster paced songs, and it colorfully describes life in small-town America. He notes evenings with his friends on the beach, dock working, waving goodbye to their women, and a boy returning from his first tour overseas with the military. I like this song because it has an almost nostalgic air to it, really bringing the listener in and making them feel at home. This song is an 8.5/10 for me.
“Purple Gas” is a duet by Noeline Hofmann and Bryan. It displays southern grit and being too stubborn to stop even when times are tough. I like this song because of its unique sound and tempo. It is a semi-slow song, but that really allows you to hear the artists’ voices and understand the lyrics. This song is an 8/10 for me.
“Oak Island” is a song about two brothers, one of which is trying their hardest to save the other from making a possibly detrimental mistake. This is a song of family bonds, loyalty, and brotherhood. I like the intensity of this song. Not only does it have a good rhythm, but it also has a deep message about trying to keep your family on the right path. This song is a 7.5/10 for me.
Freshman Morgan Thurman considers herself an “avid listener” and rates this album “a 20/10.” She said that it contains some of her favorite songs and is one of her top favorite albums. Coach Chase Fleming also had good things to say about “The Great American Bar Scene.” Fleming said that Bryan is a, “really good writer for a young guy.” He really likes that Bryan fanboys the same artists that he fanboys. Fleming rates the album an 8.5/10. One thing that Fleming doesn’t appreciate about Bryan’s songs is that, “he can be a little repetitive,” but despite these things, Fleming doesn’t think Bryan “makes a bad album.” Flemings’s favorite song from “The Great American Bar Scene” is “Pink Skies,” because it really talks about the shift you undergo when you grow up.
“The Great American Bar Scene” is a generally beloved album, and most people have good things to say about it. I definitely recommend listening to it. You may find a new favorite song!
