New Music Tuesday: Vol. 28-2025
Thoughts on Zach Bryan and Music You Should Actually Listen To This Week
There is enough wrong in the world for me to ignore the crappy music and crappy people who take up space in this industry as I try to shine a spotlight on artists making great country music.
But I can’t ignore Zach Bryan’s bullshit anymore.
Byran has done a lot of good for the music and elevated numerous incredible artists, including Noeline Hofmann and The War & The Treaty, and provided a significant boost to dozens of smaller bars and venues through his Great American Bar Scene tour.
That said, right below the surface, there are countless stories and reports about his antics and pisspoor treatment of people who don’t serve his purpose. I’ve also heard first-hand from folks I consider friends that his behavior outside the spotlight is petty and immature.
However, what bothers me the most is that he seems to have a surprise release or changes his previously announced dates every time someone else in the space has an announced release. The recent release of Streets of London, the three-song EP/single, came out the same day as Tyler Childers’ latest single off the Rick Rubin-produced Snipe Hunter, out later this month.
It reeks of middle school drama.
Even without this knowledge, his music remains reductive and shows no signs of growth. He is the same guy with a guitar and semi-clever lyrics about love and life that he was when DeAnn came out in 2019 and when he hit the big time in 2022 with American Heartbreak. His lyrics are banal and sophomoric, the music is consistently good but not great, and his lack of self-awareness is distracting.
But we do know he’s kind of a jerk. It’s time to move on. He isn’t worth the spotlight. There are better people making better music who deserve our attention.
“Streets of London” is pretty good, though.
Songs You Should Put on Your Lists
Now, back to your regularly scheduled New Music Tuesday recommendations.
Verna Margaret — “Paper Cut”
A structurally perfect country song, Margaret's piercing vocals expose a seemingly lived pain within these lyrics. This song could have easily slipped into cliché, but the references to queer relationships, subtle modern touches and high-quality stereo production allow this classic sound to fit perfectly within the present.
Lauren Lovelle — “Anxiously Attached”
A smart, country bop with an interesting rhythm section and supporting lyrics, as well as a jangly steel line that elevates the production.
Colby Acuff — “Average American”
With razor-sharp lyrics and soft, rounded vocals and instrumentation, Acuff (a distant relative of Roy) does what most country music today cannot — provides a perspective on the American Dream and how it remains elusive for most. I was taken aback at the precision of this song. It’s the stark juxtaposition of the lyrics and sound that gets me. It’s really impressive.
Presley Haile — Someday Soon
There is such depth to this story, and the music builds with the love between the protagonists. Songwriter Ian Tyson crafted a powerful song that pairs perfectly with Haile’s delivery. A great rodeo love song.
Ian Noe — Born In The USA
I can’t say anything bad about the Boss. But the sadness and heft that Noe brings to this version of the song elevate a classic.
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