After countless teasers, EPs, and singles, Zach Bryan finally released his much anticipated album, With Heaven on Top, on January 9th, 2026. After almost two years since his last release, With Heaven on Top is Bryan’s sixth album. With Heaven on Top has twenty-five tracks and a total play time of one hour and eighteen minutes!
Bryan was born in Okinawa, Japan on April 2nd, 1996. His father was stationed overseas with the Navy. The family decided to relocate to Oologah, Oklahoma for Bryan’s teenage years. Deciding to take after his father, Bryan joined the Navy at age seventeen. During his time serving, Bryan released DeAnn, his debut album as an ode to his late mother. He served for seven years before receiving a commendable discharge.
Bryan’s storytelling is unmatched. He often talks about his life stories and experiences through his work: the good, the bad, and the ugly. The way he discusses heavy topics in such poetic ways helps him reach his audience. With Heaven on Top is arguably his most beautifully written album. Fans were getting restless from waiting so long, but Bryan made up for it. It is easy to tell how much hard work and dedication he put into this album. In the song “DeAnn’s Denim“, Bryan sings about struggling with his mother’s addiction. The lyrics “And are you strong enough to stay away from family genes? ‘Cause DeAnn’s denim was a stubborn thing” is a good example of Bryan speaking out and a clever play on words. He does have more upbeat songs to diversify his tracks like “Say Why, Slicked Back” and “Appetite”. These are catchy tunes with a lively beat and fun lyrics from his new album.
Continuing with the storytelling theme, Bryan released his third poem on this album. It has been a recurring theme for this talented writer to compose poems as his first track on his last few albums. For With Heaven on Top, Bryan wrote the poem/story “Down, Down, Stream”. All his poems, but especially this one, brought out a philosophical side of Bryan that many fans don’t pay attention to while listening to his usual songs. “Down, Down, Stream” is about Bryan’s previous New York apartment home owner. The older man shares wisdom and tales he has learned in his time on earth with Bryan. “Said he had seen children grow old and elderly people die in each little apartment; Said he didn’t change the wooden floors for sixteen years ’cause he knew where each scuff came from,” are lyrics that exemplify how analytical his songs are.
With Heaven on Top is a phenomenal and impeccably written album. It is highly encouraged to check out this album along with his other work. Bryan has helped up-and-coming artists gain recognition like Noeline Hofmann, Maggie Rogers, and Gabriella Rose.
The With Heaven on Top tour begins Saturday, March 7th, 2026. Opening night will take place at The Dome At America’s Center in St. Louis, Missouri. From there, his tour will visit more of the Midwest before going overseas to Europe. Bryan will hit many popular cities such as London, Oslo, Edinburgh, Cork, and more. He will eventually work his way back to the States and head to the Western region. As the year goes on, more tour dates and specifics will come out. Grab tickets while they are still available.
