Let's talk about Zach Bryan and 'Elisabeth'

Today's video is all about Zach Bryan, the Navy serviceman that has become THE independent country music star of a new generation over the past year. His new album 'Elisabeth' follows his last album 'Deann,' and I wanna review it (sort of) and talk about his rise.
Favorite songs:
"Messed Up Kid" • Messed up Kid
"A Boy Like You" • Zach Bryan - A Boy Lik...
"Mine" • Zach Bryan - Mine
My interview w/ Zach: • How Zach Bryan Became ...
More:
Patreon: / gradywsmith
Merch: gradywsmith.threadless.com
Spotify: open.spotify.com/playlist/5SB...
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Discord: / discord
Cameo: www.cameo.com/gradywsmith/
Twitter: / gradywsmith
Instagram: / gradywsmith
Facebook: / gradysmithwriter

[@GradySmith]

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!

[@johnreal2321]

Grady Smith thank you so much for reacting to Zach Bryan

[@sarcastichillbilly9910]

Need to interview Cody Johnson.

[@gregbolstad]

Please review Larry Fleet as well. I would love to hear your input on him!

[@TheJoeman1000]

With the heading south I think it might be something like "heading DOWN that path and south is associated with down. " as if he is himself taking the road he wants to take but not going down that mainstream road, by heading south.

[@aidank1549]

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.

[@kylehormann5233]

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.

[@matthewthornton583]

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.

[@BuckeyeCory]

That Codeine Pills on that porch is amazing

[@BenDover-yb2wp]

“And I go running through the THICKET”

[@reillyoneill4847]

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

[@mexicanbot14]

Reilly O'Neill Whats the link to his merch I cant find it.

[@reillyoneill4847]

Charros de Mexico i asked him and he said he doesn’t have any

[@dylan.swardy]

@@mexicanbot14 he doesn't have merch at the moment, his dad was running it but Zach is trying to get a team together to start selling some!

[@BrennenK]

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.

[@caribou2636]

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.

[@texasoutlaw5558]

HELL YEA LOVE 95.9 THE RANCH!!!!

[@jacobpotter2237]

And now he has blown all the way up.

[@RandyBadour]

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

[@adyyoung19]

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 KZbin channel just makes his whole story even better in my opinion. Great review!

[@shawnabrock4743]

I really enjoyed the documentary Hope too! It's raw and real just like his music. I live that we get a behind the scenes look into the making of "Elisabeth". I think Zach Bryan is a songwriting phenomenon and I believe his writing will only get better. I really hope he doesn't get sucked into the mainstream country scene, they would corrupt something truly pure. Also I'd really like to see him co-write with Steve Earle, Tyler Childers, and or Evan Felker. Can you imagine a songwriting circle of these guys...Amazing!!

[@kylievandonkelaar6156]

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

[@PatrickBowmanRuns]

Ky V.D. Same😂

[@rcook1475]

factsssss

[@davidgierszewski2819]

Yup

[@danieljenkins2522]

Same

[@eknutson89]

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.

[@shawnabrock4743]

I agree totally!! I've had Revival in my head for days now! Baptize me in a bottle of beam put johnny on the vinyl hits me at the most random times and just makes me happy!

[@eknutson89]

@@shawnabrock4743 right! That song is great as well! But I almost think I almost prefer the KZbin version more. There is something a little more raw about it. And after multiple listens some of my other favorite lines are from: -Mine, it hits me hard when he sings "I hate the man I am but I'll love him when your mine". -Old Man: there's a line in the song that really mirrors my life growing up, it's "Old Man the dinners you've missed so your daughters can eat at this table" that was kinda my life growing up. My dad busted his ass for me and my siblings and missed a damn lot of dinners. Im actually thinking about getting something made for father's day with this song on it. -Cold Blooded: the entire chorus is just so so good. Just heartbreaking. Lyrically he is just amazing, something's don't work sometimes but for the most part he hits it outta the park.

[@Ginzy]

It's cuz he is a poet. Also my favorite thing.

[@johnking975]

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!

[@JohnWyatt]

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

[@MrJuggalo2001]

I feel the same. I think the reason is because he's somewhat of an underdog. He keeps it like a normal guy and we all can relate.

[@meeshta]

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.

[@kailasweeney9508]

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

[@brendenrisser402]

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

[@colerandolph747]

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.

[@collinscott2067]

I totally agreee with u man that’s how I took it as well

[@sebastianbonilla4187]

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

[@jadendavis2455]

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

[@Ryank2150]

Fr

[@lonestardude6283]

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!

[@sarahpaepke9860]

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

[@jellyall1704]

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

[@marcus_stabe]

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”.

[@johnhughes8092]

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

[@NBelinski]

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

[@jedijake8798]

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.

[@laurenmoore8703]

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!

[@hamptoncokeley1456]

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

[@igorlutay48]

best review channel. Thanks Grady

[@DFehrenbacherMusic]

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!

[@brandonbaril4516]

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! :)

[@katieprouty5914]

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

[@toniwolfe4333]

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

[@JTMayo803]

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.

[@elliottwoods6943]

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

[@matthewm4336]

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.

[@kellendobmeier9876]

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

[@danieljenkins2522]

What he said

[@WalrusBoy-vv2sf]

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

[@chelsweeea]

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

[@katyp.4615]

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!

[@christianrapp2170]

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!

[@andrewjensen2447]

I’ve never clicked on a video so fast!

[@andywhite1995]

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

[@skylargartamaker7296]

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.

[@tannerbundy1204]

Skylar Gartamaker I love what he’s doing too and I love this movement of doing stuff for ourselves at home. I do the same on my SoundCloud.

[@skylargartamaker7296]

Tanner Bundy send me a link man I’d love to check it out! I have my stuff here on youtube. If anyone else writes leave a link! I’d love to check all you folks out!

[@sullivan3182]

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.

[@KatiePower]

great video! I always enjoy your reviews :)

[@eric2vanleeuwen]

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

[@stacysmith7937]

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.

[@shawnabrock4743]

👂🐛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!!

[@daltonnunamaker113]

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

[@oboefreak1992]

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!

[@jacobschally6617]

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!

[@ShaqsBigToe69]

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

[@mitchelllipscomb6683]

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.

[@GradySmith]

Why on Earth are you there?!?

[@dannyyonts687]

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.

[@djdkch]

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.

[@Alblooben]

Great video put together about a great artist!

[@czsmindhole3507]

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.

[@bigballer151]

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.

[@austinguernsey4517]

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

[@maxwelljose2241]

Daniel Romano- Sleep Beneath The Willow, Del Barber- Headwaters, Richard Inman- Songbird(all albums)

[@aidank1549]

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.

[@miguelrocha1145]

Actual Ace the version of we aint even kin from the gemsonvhs page is just incredible

[@MuzikkJunkiee]

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!!

[@yg-dn5ms]

Looking good Grady!!!

[@clgreen7]

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.

[@ktthethrifty9425]

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

[@harrisonhargrave886]

You’re gonna love him!

[@caleb6415]

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

[@DarrinsDaffs]

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

[@mrray55]

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. ✌️

[@shelbymorlock5810]

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

[@ladywunderkind9390]

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.

[@Divided_Highway]

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.

[@jonathanmolik4397]

I'm on the Zach Bryan hype train. Him and Parker McCollum have been on my radio everyday at work.

[@yearzero6534]

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

[@ZackBoyce53]

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

[@jacobantony9033]

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

[@charlespeters4489]

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

[@Day12My]

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

[@mattcoun27]

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

[@isaiahbryson2872]

Zach is the man! Love his music

[@thewhitelbj4843]

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.

[@noahmiller9251]

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

[@KevinCummingsFitness]

He needs to be on the radio

[@meganczerwinski9815]

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.

[@GradySmith]

Yeah I agree! To me, it shows the value in just getting the work out there without overthinking the teensy minute details of every song (which I know paralyzes so many artists). Audiences will get what you're going for just fine!

[@jimmychilcott9495]

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

[@baconfootball3995]

Well it needs to be blasted everywhere

[@yclindsay9952]

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.

[@jennifergoetz4716]

This video is great! I was a little disappointed by production on Elisabeth - especially heading south. But the message behind that song and others was so honest. He is truly a poet and I hope while he is deployed he writes a memoir or maybe a poetry collection - I think he has it in him and I would like to hear it.

[@danielleelizabeth9417]

What you were disappointed in, is what I fell in love with. The first time I heard this album I cried. I connected with it in a way I have never connected with a recent album

[@ahauntingincolorado5655]

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.

[@Harryvonturbo]

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

[@shelbychanley5078]

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

[@brother5675]

you are the best

[@MrLittletube]

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.

[@DarrinsDaffs]

This is Pure -T- Perfect and thank you

[@adelleamorado8934]

"I listen to Gradio." That's my answer when I'm asked where I learned a song from. Just saying.

[@SillyBanjo]

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

[@ericaaustin4332]

I think calling it poetry set to the semblance of music is a great way to describe his music. I think that's what draws people in. For me the clear standouts on this album are From a Lovers Point of View and Codeine pills. From a Lovers point of View is a great, sad but hopeful song about how its hard to stick by people who are struggling, but its worth it. Codeine pills I think showcases his ability to build catchy hooks. I listen to that song, and even though the topic might not ever get played on country radio, but I could see a record label hearing it and recognizing just how catchy it is!

[@thejon93rd]

I honestly think this was the first time I've ever heard you drop an F-bomb in one of your videos, I love it! I'd love to hear you talk about some artists/bands that are outside of the country genre that have done songs/albums that could easily fit into the country genre. A song I was thinking of, as an example, is "Like I Roll" by Black Stone Cherry, a fuckin' beautiful song that is so underrated from an equally underrated band. In regards to an album, I think you'd really get a kick out of Sevendust's Time Travelers and Bonfires record. I've been a massive fan of theirs ever since I first heard one of their songs and I'd love to hear your thoughts on them. Thanks for staying classy, Grady.

[@GradySmith]

Interesting! I might have some non-country stuff in the pipeline soon. But also, thanks for still calling me "classy" after my f-bomb haha

[@thejon93rd]

@@GradySmith Haha. You're welcome, my man. You made my day with this reply. I think you may just be my favourite music critic here on KZbin. I just find you're so kind and thoughtful in your commentaries, even towards stuff that you can't stand, that it's really refreshing and inspiring. I could definitely learn a thing or two from that lol.

[@dragonkfg]

Love Zach Bryan!

[@pat_rickb8523]

Gethen Jenkins, not sure you’ve covered him yet, fast became one of my favourite artists would be great to get your views on him. Ps keep up the excellent work 👌🏻

[@willliv7990]

Heading south 👌🏼