In this deep dive, we explore Zach Bryan’s journey leading up to his 2026 album, With Heaven on Top. Over the past year, Zach has faced lots of personal challenges and growth, and this album reflects a more complex and introspective side of his music. I’ll walk you through the themes, the emotions, and my personal interpretation of what makes this album a turning point for Zach.

We’ll also touch on how Zach’s journey through mental health and self-discovery has influenced his sound and lyrics. While this video focuses on the album’s narrative for the main version, it’s worth noting that Zach also released acoustic versions of the tracks. Let me know in the comments which version you prefer!

As always, this is my interpretation, and I’d love to hear your thoughts and reactions. Dive in and let’s discuss Zach Bryan’s evolving sound!

Thanks so much for listening! Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and follow us on Instagram and TikTok @the_westernside to keep up with all things country, folk and Americana.

It’s January 2026, and we’re diving into the heart of country music from 2025. In this episode, we’re gonna unpack all the moments that defined the year, from the top albums that took us by surprise, to the trending songs that had everyone talking. We’ll also touch on some of the unforgettable moments and surprises that made 2025 so unique. And make sure you stick around until the end, because I’ll share my top three defining moments of the year that you won’t want to miss!

If you’re a country music fan or just curious about the scene’s evolution, this is the place to be. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth country music content!

Thanks for listening! Watch more just like this on YouTube and follow us on Instagram and TikTok @the_westernside.

Chancellor Lawson is an artist whose journey is as real as the songs he writes. Growing up in a small town in Tennessee, music was always part of his world, influenced early on by his mother and the sounds around him. What makes Chancellor’s story different, though, is the road he took to get here. From playing in bands to opening his own bar that became a home for local musicians, every chapter pushed him closer to finding his voice.

In this unfiltered conversation, Chancellor opens up about the ups and downs of chasing music, how his experiences shaped songs like Ups and Downs, and how Cheers to My Friends was inspired by the people he met while running his bars. We also talk about his unique blend of country and Americana, releasing music while on tour, and what it was like opening for 49 Winchester.

This is a raw, honest look at an artist who’s still writing his story, one song and one mile at a time.

Thanks so much for listening to our first episode of 2026! Give our show a like, check out our YouTube and stay up-to-date on all things country music on Instagram, @the_westernside.