Boys of Faith is the third EP by American singer-songwriter Zach Bryan. It was released on September 22, 2023, through Belting Bronco and Warner, a month after the release of his eponymous fourth studio album. The project features guest appearances by Bon Iver and Noah Kahan.
| Boys of Faith | ||||
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| Released | September 22, 2023 | |||
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| Length | 15:59 | |||
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| Zach Bryan chronology | ||||
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Background and composition edit
On September 17, 2023, weeks after the release of his fourth studio album,[2] Bryan shared clips of songs he recorded with Bon Iver and Noah Kahan.[3] For the recording process, Bryan "locked" himself in the studio for a week, wrote himself "through a notebook" and met with people he loves, before going camping and feeling "restful and hopeful". He closed out the statement by mentioning the EP title "them boys of faith".[4] The project was once again self-written and self-produced by Bryan himself.[5] The release strategy follows a similar pattern to his 2022 releases American Heartbreak and Summertime Blues.[6]
The singer-songwriter enlisted Bon Iver for an "autumnal Americana" title track that features a "tumbling chorus",[4] on top of "hearty voices sprawl over strings, piano and affecting percussion".[7] Bryan had previously shown admiration for their music, including a cover of "Skinny Love" which dates back to 2016. In November 2022, Bryan explained that Bon Iver's Justin Vernon was the reason he "started playing music".[8] "Sarah's Place" features fellow Nashville singer-songwriter Noah Kahan in "an uptempo barnburner that bittersweetly reminisces on a past relationship". Finally, the musician included a previously unreleased fan favorite deep-cut "Deep Satin".[9]
Track listing edit
All tracks written by Bryan, except where noted; "Deep Satin" co-produced with Eddie Spears.
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Nine Ball" | 2:49 | |
| 2. | "Sarah's Place" (featuring Noah Kahan) |
| 3:34 |
| 3. | "Boys of Faith" (featuring Bon Iver) |
| 2:50 |
| 4. | "Deep Satin" | 3:31 | |
| 5. | "Pain, Sweet, Pain" | 3:15 | |
| Total length: | 15:59 | ||
Charts edit
| Chart (2023) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canadian Albums (Billboard)[10] | 8 |
| New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)[11] | 25 |
| US Billboard 200[12] | 8 |
| US Folk Albums (Billboard)[13] | 2 |
| US Top Country Albums (Billboard)[14] | 3 |
| US Top Rock Albums (Billboard)[15] | 2 |
References edit
- ^ a b Diorio, Julia; Boilard, Skylar (September 28, 2023). "Review: Zach Bryan's Boys of Faith is the perfect folk EP for the nostalgics". Washington Square News. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
- ^ Renshaw, David (September 22, 2023). "Zach Bryan drops Boys of Faith EP featuring Bon Iver, Noah Kahan". The Fader. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
- ^ Breihan, Tom (September 18, 2023). "Zach Bryan Teases New Songs With Bon Iver, Noah Kahan". Stereogum. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
- ^ a b Madarang, Charisma (September 22, 2023). "Zach Bryan Fuels Hot Streak With 'Boys of Faith' EP, Enlisting Bon Iver, Noah Kahan". Rolling Stone. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
- ^ Vigil, Dom (September 22, 2023). "Zach Bryan Releases "Boys Of Faith" EP". Prelude Press. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
- ^ Breihan, Tom (September 22, 2023). "Zach Bryan Releases Surprise EP Boys Of Faith Feat. Bon Iver & Noah Kahann". Stereogum. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
- ^ Bell, Sadie (September 22, 2023). "Zach Bryan Releases Moving Folk Song 'Boys of Faith' — His First Collaboration with Bon Iver". People. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
- ^ Minsker, Evan; Strauss, Matthew (September 23, 2023). "Zach Bryan Enlists Bon Iver for New Song "Boys of Faith": Listen". Pitchfork. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
- ^ Jones, Abby (September 22, 2023). "Zach Bryan Drops New EP Boys of Faith Featuring Bon Iver, Noah Kahan: Stream". Consequence. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
- ^ "Zach Bryan Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
- ^ "NZ Top 40 Albums Chart". Recorded Music NZ. October 2, 2023. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
- ^ "Zach Bryan Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
- ^ "Zach Bryan Chart History (Top Americana/Folk Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
- ^ "Zach Bryan Chart History (Top Country Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
- ^ "Zach Bryan Chart History (Top Rock Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved October 3, 2023.