Where Did Zach Bryan’s Enormous Chart Week Come From?

By kpoppo on September 6, 2023

Zach Bryan: The Rising Star of 2023

If you didn't know, now you know: Zach Bryan is one of the biggest singer-songwriters of 2023. The Americana artist has been steadily growing his fanbase for the past half-decade and has even scored a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 smash this year with his song "Something in the Orange" from his highly successful album "American Heartbreak," which reached the top five on the Billboard 200 chart. This week, Zach Bryan dominates Billboard's two marquee all-genre charts with his self-titled new LP debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and his ballad "I Remember Everything," featuring Kacey Musgraves, entering the Hot 100 at pole position.

A Surprising Commercial Success

Did we see this kind of week coming for the rapidly rising Zach Bryan? And what does it mean for the larger country world? Let's dive into these questions and more.

1. Zach Bryan's Chart Domination

Zach Bryan has already flexed his Billboard chart muscle with his previous album "American Heartbreak" and its breakout hit "Something in the Orange." However, his latest achievements are on another level. On a scale of 1-10, how surprised are you at this commercial showing for Zach Bryan?

Kyle Denis: I think I'm at a 3. Zach Bryan has been a star, and it's great to see that properly reflected on the charts in a major way with his latest album. When I think of the way songs like "Something in the Orange," "If She Wants A Cowboy," and "Cold Damn Vampires" subtly took over campus last year, it's only right that the follow-up to "American Heartbreak" would debut with such an impressive start.

Lyndsey Havens: I'm at a 7. Zach Bryan's one-off single with Maggie Rogers, "Dawns," really showed that there was an audience who wanted more of that Americana, country-rock leaning sound. Especially in the form of a vulnerable collaboration with gorgeous two-part harmonies. And oh boy, did he deliver on Zach Bryan. That said, quality aside, I am surprised at how the mainstream embraced this album and its lead single to the point where Bryan has simultaneously topped the Billboard 200 and Hot 100 charts.

Melinda Newman: I'm at a 3. It's not much of a surprise. There is a groundswell for Bryan that keeps growing. If you watch his streaming numbers and his ticket sales, he's one of the biggest artists out there right now. Plus, his predecessor "American Heartbreak" has spent 67 weeks in the Top 40 on the Billboard 200. There is no shortage of demand for Bryan's material.

Kristin Robinson: I'm also at a 3. Zach Bryan's fanbase has always been incredibly passionate about him. If you listen to Zach, you don't just like him, you love him. He has his longtime fans, but he picked up a lot more with his last album and the breakout success of "Something in the Orange." I think we should've anticipated that this album would hit No. 1.

In conclusion, Zach Bryan's rise to stardom in 2023 is nothing short of remarkable. With his latest album dominating the charts and capturing the hearts of both his loyal fanbase and mainstream audiences, it's clear that Zach Bryan is here to stay. Keep an eye out for this talented singer-songwriter as he continues to make waves in the music industry.

Source: Billboard