“With Heaven On Top” plays out like a novel told in fragments — each song a chapter revealing another piece of the story.

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TOP 5 SONGS

5. Say Why

Simple and repetitive in structure, “Say Why” still lands emotionally because of its storytelling.

It centers on abandonment — someone leaving despite your effort, love, and willingness to stay. The metaphors are understated but effective, painting a quiet heartbreak rather than a dramatic one. It feels cinematic, like the background song to a scene where everything falls apart slowly instead of all at once. There’s sadness here, but also acceptance, which makes the track hit even harder.

4. If They Come Lookin’

This track feels like a hushed phone call with someone you trust.

It’s about hiding out — physically, emotionally, or spiritually — and carving out a moment of peace in a loud world. Whether he’s talking about fishing somewhere off the grid or something more symbolic, the message is clear: sometimes survival means stepping away. The song’s warmth and casual tone make it feel deeply personal, like an invitation into Zach’s inner circle.

3. Appetite

“Appetite” cuts deep in a quiet, reflective way. 

Lyrically, it wrestles with the weight of expectations — what society tells you that you should want versus what your heart actually craves. Zach Bryan writes about hunger not just in a physical sense, but as a metaphor for ambition, restlessness, and the desire to live authentically. The song feels intimate and unfiltered, like a journal entry turned into music. It captures that uncomfortable space between responsibility and freedom, and it lingers long after the final line.

2. Plastic Cigarette

Dreamy, bittersweet, and deeply romantic.

“Plastic Cigarette” tells a small-town love story full of contrasts. It’s about two people who don’t necessarily make sense on paper but feel right anyway. Zach paints vivid imagery — tight-knit families, riversides, simple living — that makes the song feel tangible and lived-in. There’s beauty in its simplicity and sadness in knowing that love doesn’t always last, even when it’s real. It’s gentle, nostalgic, and emotionally rich.

1. Cannonball

This is one of the album’s most devastating and beautiful moments.

 “Cannonball” feels almost magical in its storytelling, weaving together love, friendship, faith, and freedom with a sense of innocence. That innocence makes the ending even more heartbreaking when loss enters the picture. The song melts your heart with warmth before breaking it completely, leaving you sitting in the quiet aftermath. It’s tender, poetic, and unforgettable — the kind of track that reminds you why storytelling is Zach Bryan’s greatest strength.

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SONG BY SONG RATING

Down, Down, Stream (N/A)

Runny Eggs (3.5/5)

Appetite (4/5)

DeAnn’s Denim (4/5)

Say Why (4/5)

Drowning (3.5/5)

Santa Fe (3.5/5)

Skin (4/5)

Dry Deserts (3.5/5)

Bad News (4/5)

South and Pine (3.5/5)

Cannonball (4.5/5)

Slicked Back (4/5)

Anyways (4/5)

If They Come Lookin’ (4/5)

Rivers and Creeks (3.5/5)

Plastic Cigarette (4.5/5)*

You Can Still Come Home (4/5)

Aeroplane (3.5/5)

Always Willin’ (4/5)

Miles (4/5)

All Good Things Past (3.5/5)

Camper (4/5)

Sundown Girls (3.5/5)

With Heaven on Top (4/5)

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RGM RATING

(77%)

Zach Bryan blends country, folk, and indie influences seamlessly, leaning heavily on lyrical imagery and emotional honesty rather than flashy production. His writing feels lived-in and sincere, pulling from small-town life, loss, love, faith, and longing. The album moves slowly and deliberately, encouraging listeners to sit with the emotions rather than rush through them.

What makes this project special is its ability to feel both deeply personal and universally relatable. Zach’s voice carries a quiet weight that makes even the simplest lines feel profound. While this isn’t a genre I typically gravitate toward, With Heaven On Top pulled me in completely. Its ebbs and flows, heartbreaks and moments of peace, make it an immersive listening experience — one that leaves you reflective, emotional, and grateful for the art of storytelling in music.

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