Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Zach Bryan is back with a bang. On January 9, 2026, the 29-year-old musician released his highly anticipated sixth studio album, With Heaven on Top, featuring 25 tracks that dive deep into his personal life, relationships, and inner struggles. Fans and critics alike are buzzing over Bryan’s candid lyrics, which touch on his past romance with ex-girlfriend Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia, his new marriage to Samantha Leonard, his journey to sobriety, and even his thoughts on fatherhood.
A Closer Look at With Heaven on Top
Bryan’s latest album is a bold reflection of both heartbreak and new beginnings. Through heartfelt storytelling, he explores the highs and lows of love, fame, and self-discovery. From scathing diss tracks to romantic odes, With Heaven on Top presents a fully immersive experience for listeners.
One standout track, “Skin,” appears to take aim at an ex. Bryan sings:
“I’m taking a blade to my own skin/And I ain’t ever touching yours again.”
The lyrics suggest an attempt to sever emotional ties, while reflecting on the pain and toxicity of past relationships. Further lines criticize his ex for speaking negatively about friends, hinting at LaPaglia, with whom Bryan ended a public and tumultuous relationship in October 2024.
References to Ex-Girlfriend Brianna LaPaglia
Bryan’s breakup with LaPaglia, a podcast host and social media personality, was reportedly acrimonious. LaPaglia accused Bryan of emotional abuse and alleged that he offered her $12 million and a house to remain silent about their relationship. While Bryan has not publicly addressed these claims, several songs on the new album, including “Plastic Cigarette” and “28”, seem to reflect his perspective on their time together.
In “Plastic Cigarette,” he references meeting someone “evil” in Queens, New York, hinting at challenges in his past romance. Meanwhile, his lyrics in “Slicked Back” contrast his ex with his current wife, Samantha Leonard, praising Leonard’s artistry and emotional support.
Celebrating Love: Zach Bryan and Samantha Leonard
Bryan also uses With Heaven on Top to celebrate his relationship with Samantha Leonard, whom he married on New Year’s Eve in Spain. Leonard, 28, is an artist whose paintings Bryan frequently shares on Instagram. Songs like “Runny Eggs” and “Slicked Back” are clear tributes to his wife, highlighting both their romance and shared experiences, such as attending the famous Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain.
Lyrics from Slicked Back capture the admiration and intimacy in their relationship:
“You’re so cool in my living room/And when you talk trash with your hair slicked back/When I get to hell or heaven, can I bring my girl?/’Cause she likes romance, good sex, music and ruling the world.”
Even tracks like “Camper” nod to Leonard’s California roots, illustrating the personal details Bryan weaves throughout the album.
Sobriety and Self-Reflection
Beyond romance, With Heaven on Top reveals Bryan’s journey toward self-improvement. In “Appetite,” he explores the pressures of adulthood, parenthood, and sobriety:
“Everyone I know got older/Told my drunk ass to get sober, settle down and have some kids/Be content with all of this/What if I don’t want children that grow up like their father, willing to stir s— up and start a fight?”
Bryan confirmed in November 2025 that he had been sober for two months, working through what he described as a “toxic relationship with booze” with the help of therapy. This honesty adds depth to his music, making the album relatable to fans navigating similar struggles.
Legal Troubles and Raw Storytelling
Bryan doesn’t shy away from past controversies. The album’s title track includes lyrics referencing his 2023 arrest in Oklahoma for interfering with a traffic stop. Lines like:
“Wanna fight and cry, wanna fall in love/Scrap and claw for what we’re dreaming of/Spend a night in jail after pissing off a cop”
showcase his unfiltered storytelling and willingness to share real-life experiences, enhancing the album’s authenticity.
Production and Upcoming Tour
With Heaven on Top was written, recorded, and produced by Bryan himself over several months in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Fans can expect a world tour starting in St. Louis in March 2026, alongside an acoustic version of the album released three days after the original drop. Bryan’s hands-on approach ensures that each track reflects his personal journey and musical vision.
Conclusion
Zach Bryan’s With Heaven on Top is more than just an album; it’s a candid window into the life of one of country music’s most emotionally transparent artists. From heartbreak and past controversies to new love and sobriety, the album explores the full spectrum of Bryan’s experiences with raw honesty. With 25 tracks that range from biting diss tracks to tender love songs, Bryan proves once again why he’s one of the most compelling singer-songwriters of his generation.
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