Zach Top recently shared his views on the current state of country music. He believes that the genre has become ‘perfect’ and lost some of its ‘soul.’ In an interview with Rolling Stone, the 28-year-old country artist discussed his new song, “Good Girls & Cowgirls,” and explained why he thinks bluegrass music, his original style, is gaining popularity.
He commented, ‘From my perspective, it’s pretty parallel to the reason that my music is as popular as it is right now.’ He stated that the country music scene experienced a phase where ‘everything is really perfect and everything’s tuned. Everything’s pocketed just right.’ According to him, this precision left ‘some of the soul behind.’
Zach Top believes that listeners are now looking for music that feels ‘a little more raw and real again,’ a quality he finds inherent in bluegrass music. He emphasized that in bluegrass, ‘there’s nothing covering you up.’
‘When playing bluegrass, you better be a bada– on your instrument and a bada– singer,’ Zach Top remarked, citing artists like Tyler Childers and Zach Bryan. These performers are embracing a ‘very real and raw’ sound and achieving significant success. ‘You’re not trying to chase perfection,’ he said. ‘You’re trying to just play good music and put your heart and soul into it.’
Zach Top is recognized for his traditional honky-tonk music and is credited with invigorating traditional country sounds. In 2022, he released his first EP and made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry. His breakthrough came in 2024 with his debut album, “Cold Beer & Country Music.”
In 2025, he released a second album, “Ain’t In It for My Health,” and won ACM New Male Artist of the Year and CMA New Artist of the Year. Reflecting on his win, he said, ‘I brought a beer up on stage, read between the lines, you know.’
His new track, “Good Girls & Cowgirls,” will be officially released on August 21, followed by another song, “Other Side of Hurtin’.” Although a date for his third album release is not confirmed, it is expected in April. ‘It’s a goofy, fun song, the dichotomy between what you would call a ‘good girl’ and a little more the wild side of women,’ he said, expressing confidence that fans will enjoy it.
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