On January 9, 2026, Zach Bryan, the Oklahoma-born singer-songwriter whose rise from Navy cadet to country music sensation has become almost mythic, released his sixth studio album, With Heaven On Top. This release, eagerly anticipated by fans and critics alike, cements Bryan’s place at the vanguard of a new generation of country artists—one whose appeal now stretches far beyond the American heartland, reaching as far as the UK’s streaming charts and festival main stages.
At the heart of With Heaven On Top is a track that has already struck a poignant chord with listeners: “DeAnn’s Denim.” The song, like much of Bryan’s work, is deeply personal, weaving together memories of his late mother, DeAnn, who passed away in 2016 when Bryan was just 20. It’s a continuation of a theme that has run through his career; his 2019 debut album, DeAnn, was named for her and included the fan favorite “Sweet DeAnn.” But with “DeAnn’s Denim,” Bryan explores grief, family expectations, and the stubborn pull of inherited traits in a way that feels both fresh and timeless.
According to Clash Magazine, Bryan’s latest album is “incredibly consistent,” managing to balance the classic sounds of Americana and traditional country with his own brand of honest, narrative-driven songwriting. The publication awarded the album an 8/10, noting that “there’s a neat narrative flourish to lyrics, something that pulls you in at every turn.” Songs like “Appetite” and “Santa Fe” showcase his ability to blend genres, while always keeping that Oklahoma storytelling spirit at the fore.
“DeAnn’s Denim” stands out not just for its emotional weight, but for the way it encapsulates Bryan’s strengths as a songwriter. The track was first teased on TikTok in August 2024, where Bryan performed a stripped-back acoustic version that quickly garnered attention. On the album, the song opens with gentle guitar picking and understated piano, soon joined by a distant horn—a subtle nod to the artist’s evolving sonic palette, yet the overall effect remains intimate and reflective.
The lyrics are rich in imagery and metaphor. Bryan begins, “Well, DeAnn's denim dress has got a dandelion scent / That dress with her as she rounds the door / It's all photographic, not from eighth and ten years back / Of a birthday cake with a lit-up twenty-four.” Here, he conjures the vivid memory of his mother’s presence, the scent of her clothes, and the nostalgia triggered by old photographs—reminders that can arrive unbidden, carrying both comfort and pain.
Later in the song, Bryan grapples with his own struggles, singing, “And I miss times I drank 'cause I'd never overthink / And I never gave into this lore / You ain't Jesus Christ 'cause you don't think twice / Sunday when you pass a liquor store.” This verse is especially resonant in light of Bryan’s public announcement, made towards the end of 2025, that he had stopped drinking as part of his efforts to address mental health challenges. The lyrics reflect the complexity of coping mechanisms and the judgments people sometimes pass on those who struggle.
The chorus brings together the song’s central themes: “Well, time changes all, you'll see / Did you become what your mama wanted you to be? / And are you strong enough to stay away from family genes? / 'Cause DeAnn's denim was a stubborn thing / Well, DeAnn's denim was a stubborn thing.” Here, Bryan uses his mother’s denim as a metaphor for the traits and tendencies that run through families—traits that can be both a source of strength and a burden. The wordplay between “jeans” and “genes” adds a layer of meaning, hinting at the difficulty of breaking free from inherited patterns.
Bryan’s songwriting often draws from his own life experiences, including his time in the U.S. Navy. In “DeAnn’s Denim,” he recalls, “Well, I recall a letter that she sent me on base / When I was out playin' a patriot / She said she was leaving the house, headed out / And finally had the nerve for facin' it.” This glimpse into their relationship reveals a bond shaped by distance, duty, and the shared challenge of confronting family history.
Family legacy is a recurring motif. In a nod to his 2022 album American Heartbreak and the song “Corinthian’s (Proctor’s),” Bryan references his grandfather’s influence: “The jeans that her daddy left were workin' in vintage and Proctor's daddy did 'em the same / He said I could change my suit and tie, pray all night to Jesus Christ / But he'd belt my ass if I changed my name.” The stubbornness that runs through generations—sometimes a blessing, sometimes a curse—is laid bare, with Bryan acknowledging that changing outward appearances can’t erase what’s inside.
“DeAnn’s Denim” closes with a sense of closure and acceptance: “Cleaned out the closet, found some closure when I threw those old blue jeans on the floor.” It’s a simple image, but one that carries the weight of letting go—and perhaps, finally, finding peace with the past.
The album as a whole reflects the evolution of country music’s place in popular culture. As reported by Clash Magazine, country’s popularity in the UK is soaring, with festivals like BST Hyde Park dedicating entire days to the genre and American artists selling out stadiums overseas. In this context, With Heaven On Top is more than just a personal statement; it’s a cultural event, one that signals the genre’s growing global resonance.
Despite its broad appeal, Bryan’s music remains rooted in the traditions of country storytelling. There are no sweeping political statements or attempts to comment on the world’s ills; instead, he offers listeners a place to escape, to reflect on their own lives through the lens of his. As Clash Magazine put it, “these are songs that could have been written in 1976, or 1956.” That timeless quality is, perhaps, why so many people find themselves drawn to Bryan’s work—even those who might not have considered themselves country fans before.
With With Heaven On Top, Zach Bryan has delivered an album that is both a tribute to his past and a confident step into the future. Through songs like “DeAnn’s Denim,” he invites listeners to share in his journey—one marked by loss, growth, and the enduring power of family ties. For fans old and new, it’s a journey worth taking.