by Stefaniya Simanava
The country music genre was born in a rural part of the United States in the 20th century. It has since transcended all sorts of geographical and cultural boundaries and can be found all over the world. From the honky-tonks of Texas to metropolitan cities in Japan, country music has been able to touch the lives and hearts of all those who will let it. This genre of music tells stories about love, friendship, and the celebration of all parts of life by illustrating the highs and lows that people can experience through love and friendship. I find that (good) country music has a way of reaching into a person, playing instantly with your heartstrings, and delving into the depths of human emotion. It encourages acceptance of feelings that others might deem inadmissible, and for that, I’m a staunch listener, no matter the occasional jab.
One exemplary representative of this genre is Oklahoma’s Zach Bryan: rising country superstar and Navy veteran. In 2022, he released the single Something In The Orange, which would go on to reach the top spot on Billboard’s Hot Country chart. This song’s successput him on the path to international recognition. Since then, Zach has put out three albums: American Heartbreak, self-titled Zach Bryan, and Boys of Faith. This latest album also features up-and-coming folk artists Bon Iver and Noah Kahan. With each new track, his loyal fanbase grows, as more people are able to connect with his music. I can’t even say that I’m shocked at how expensive tickets to his shows have become; ticket supply simply cannot keep up with rampant fan demand.
As of the evening of March 6th, Zach is on tour, showcasing his talent for touching the hearts of anyone and everyone who hears him sing. This past September marked the release of Boys of Faith.The Quittin Time Tour will be the first time most fans will have the chance to hear Boys of Faith performed live. This profoundly passionate release is overflowing with heartfelt, melodical lyrics, based heavily on situations that Zach himself has experienced. It’s been very well received, to the point that I can attest to the fact that this album has converted even country music’s most ardent haters. His songs feature heavily on my playlists, so I admit that I might have a little bias, but I think his lyrics are uniquely potent in their ability to evoke powerful emotions. The honesty with which he displays his emotions in his songs is tangible, and his instrumentals are perfectly suited to his soulful vocals. His music often explores complex relationships and offers a compassionate experience to those who may be trying to overcome those same struggles. Zach’s authenticity and willingness to display vulnerability in his music have resonated with a new generation of country fans who are seeking genuine connections through music and are eager to dive into the emotions unleashed by his lyricism. His fanbase is growing by the day, and his fans (especially me) are counting the days until his next release.
I had the privilege of seeing his show in Toronto on March 17 and can therefore speak for every person in the sold-out audience at Scotiabank Arena when I say that we were spellbound for the duration of his performance. Each time Zach and the band left it to the crowd to handle a chorus, thousands rushed to answer the call in a united, deafening voice. Those moments embody the togetherness that you can only really feel at a show. The incessant ringing that follows such nights serves as a persistent reminder for a few days, until that united feeling is a bittersweet memory. You can see an artist a million times, but you can’t experience the same magical night twice.
The live rendition of Sweet DeeAnn was, without a doubt, one of the highlights of the show’s setlist. The single was written about Zach’s mother, who passed away in 2016. During the emotionally charged performance, he sang:
I miss having you around.
But in my heart you’re always found….
I don’t want the stage.
I don’t want the girls.
I want back the days.
You were breathing in this world.
These lyrics, among others, put his relationship with his mom on display for the whole world to see. Zach addresses the consequences of the loss of a loved one, the pain that never lessens, and the gaping hole that grief creates in one’s heart. Learning to live with these consequences is a difficult personal journey. For Zach, the lesson came while he was in his van on the road, in the form of an emotional breakthrough in his songwriting that would blossom into Sweet DeAnn in 2019. The song is about the dreadful acceptance that comes after grief, denial, and sadness: he would do anything to have his mother back, but there’s simply nothing he can do except cherish the memory of her love and support. We are reminded to treasure and preserve in our memory every second of the precious few moments we have in our lifetimes with those we hold dear.
A great many country songs share Sweet DeAnn‘s ability to pull violently on my heart strings. The emotional authenticity, raw passion, and unique tenderness that resonate throughout this genre are its most alluring characteristics. Listeners are captivated by the ease with the country repertoire allows you to tap into sentiments of love, loss, and nostalgia, through melody and memory alike. This music creates a connection that transcends boundaries and speaks to the very core of the human experience.