Commercially the album debuted atop the US Billboard 200 with the biggest streaming week for a rock album, while its only single "I Remember Everything" became the first song to debut at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, Hot Country Songs, and Hot Rock & Alternative Songs charts simultaneously.
In support of the album, Bryan will embark on the Quittin Time Tour '24 throughout 2024. It is set to begin on March 6 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, and will end on December 19 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.[3][4]
Background and composition
Bryan revealed that there is "no grand explanation" or "riddle in reasoning" behind any of the songs on the album. Instead, he simply described them as "poems and songs" he wanted to share because he thought they were special. He referred to the tracks as "heavy" and "hopeful" but what matters most to him is that they are his.[5] Upon release, Bryan announced that listeners should not come into the album thinking it would be a "chart topper" or that this was his "intent", otherwise they would be "severely disappointed".[6]
Bryan first shared previews of ten tracks on June 25, 2023, on his Instagram and hinted at an upcoming album release. He also revealed that this record was for him and that he does not care if listeners like it.[7] The singer-songwriter announced the album with details about the cover and tracklist on August 9.[8] The 15-track project sees Bryan mashing "elements of indie rock and folk into his unique take" of country music.[9]
Zach Bryan received a score of 79 out of 100 on review aggregator Metacritic based on four critics' reviews, indicating "generally favorable" reception.[10] In a positive review, Maura Johnston of Rolling Stone opined that Bryan showcases a "careful presentation of his obvious songwriting talents" which makes for a "gripping listen" and praised his ability to not only give his songs room to breathe but "to seethe and yearn". Johnston thought the album was a blend between "hooky Nashville storytelling" and "Americana realism".[14] Sam Sodomsky of Pitchfork wrote that Bryan "works with a traditionalist's appreciation for songwriting and the intense, earnest emotion of heartland rock", concluding that his "fierce determination also ends up being his saving grace. Whatever effect his songs have on you, there's never any doubt they're coming from the heart".[13]
Zach Bryan debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 with 200,000 album-equivalent units (including 17,000 in pure album sales), the largest week for a rock album in four years and Bryan's first number-one album. It also earned the largest streaming week for a rock album in Billboard chart history.[1]Zach Bryan remained atop the US Billboard 200 in its second week, moving an additional 115,000 album-equivalent units (including 3,000 in pure album sales), being a 42% decrease from its debut week.[19]
Zach Bryan fell two places to number three in its third week on the US Billboard 200, moving an additional 95,000 album-equivalent units.[20] In the albums fourth week of charting on the US Billboard 200, it remained at number three—moving an additional 79,000 album-equivalent units thus bringing Zach Bryan’s four week total to 489,000 units earned.[21]
The album also debuted at number one in Canada,[22] and New Zealand,[23] and at number two in Australia and Ireland.[24][25]
Track listing
All tracks written by Zach Bryan except where noted; tracks also produced by Bryan except "Oklahoman Son" produced by Eddie Spear.[26]
