The article reviews Zach Bryan's album 'With Heaven On Top,' noting its mix of good and forgettable songs, his raw vocal talent, and the ongoing debate about his authenticity and public persona, ultimately concluding that despite his flaws, he continues to produce compelling music.
Joe Ely, a pioneering country-rock musician from West Texas known for blending various genres and collaborating with notable artists like The Clash and Bruce Springsteen, has died at age 78 after battling Lewy body dementia and Parkinson's disease. His influential career included solo work, collaborations, and reuniting with The Flatlanders, leaving a lasting legacy in American music.
Country rock singer Aaron Lewis, known for his support of the U.S. Constitution and criticism of cancel culture, spoke out after a failed cancellation attempt and endorsed unity around American values. He emphasized the importance of upholding the Constitution and expressed concern over the erosion of American patriotism and values. Lewis also voiced his support for political figures like former President Trump and called for an end to division, urging a return to constitutional principles.
Zach Bryan kicked off The Quittin Time Tour with a powerful performance at the United Center in Chicago, showcasing his rugged howls and delicate vocals to a sold-out crowd. The singer-songwriter's devoted fan base, which has expanded to include more women and teenagers, passionately sang along to his emotionally charged songs, creating a unique and deeply connected concert experience that transcends mere musical harmony.
Brit Turner, drummer and founding member of country rock band Blackberry Smoke, has passed away at 57 after being diagnosed with glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer, in 2022. The band described him as caring and driven, and he was instrumental in guiding the band's ideology. Turner co-founded the Atlanta-based band in 2000, and the group achieved success on both U.S. and U.K. country album charts. Fellow musicians and fans have expressed their condolences following his death.
As the 50th anniversary of Gram Parsons's death approaches, it's time to shift the focus from the macabre details of his demise and celebrate his influential music instead. Parsons, a country-rock pioneer and former member of the Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers, left behind a legacy of two influential solo albums and a vision for a genre he called "cosmic American music." Despite his untimely death at the age of 26, Parsons's impact on country music is undeniable, and his songs like "Hickory Wind" and "Return of the Grievous Angel" continue to resonate with audiences. While the fascination with his death endures, it's his music that deserves recognition and appreciation.