Zach Top’s “Good Times & Tan Lines”: A Deep Dive into Country’s Next Evolution
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Zach Top, the name on every country music fan’s lips, is gearing up to release his highly anticipated new album, Ain’t In It For My Health, on August 29th via Leo33. Hot on the heels of his breakthrough debut, Cold Beer & Country Music, and his first #1 country radio hit, “I Never Lie,” Top is poised to cement his status as a true force in the genre.
The buzz around Ain’t In It For My Health kicked off with the release of its lead single, “Good Times & Tan Lines,” which hit airwaves today. This track, which Top famously debuted live at the CMA Fest in Nashville’s Nissan Stadium, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the album’s sound. From the early listens, “Good Times & Tan Lines” feels like a natural progression from his previous work – still rooted in the traditional country sound that defines him, but with a fresh, undeniable energy that promises to be a summer anthem.
It’s been an absolute whirlwind year for Zach Top. He was recently crowned the 2025 ACM New Male Artist of the Year, delivering a “moving acoustic interpretation” (as American Songwriter put it) of his poignant song “Use Me” at the live awards ceremony. Beyond that, he graced “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” with a performance of “I Never Lie,” earned a nomination for “New Artist of the Year” at the 58th Annual CMA Awards, and was honored as “Discovery Artist of the Year” at the 2024 MusicRow Awards. And let’s not forget the “Me & Billy” EP, a three-song collaboration with two-time Grammy winner Billy Strings, which further showcased his versatility and appeal.
Last year’s debut, Cold Beer & Country Music, was nothing short of a phenomenon. Produced by Carson Chamberlain (known for his work with Billy Currington and Easton Corbin), the album amassed over 3.5 million streams in its first week and even earned an ACM Album of the Year nomination. Critics raved, with The Tennessean praising its “star-tunes” and Country Central declaring it “a masterclass in traditional country music… With such a strong album, Zach Top has proven himself to be a standout rising star in this format and a top-tier vocalist in country music.”
Born and raised on a family farm in Sunnyside, Washington, Top’s musical journey began early, steeped in classic country. By the age of seven, he was already performing with his siblings in a band, laying the groundwork for his future. Throughout his teenage years and early twenties, he honed his craft playing in various bluegrass bands, a foundational experience that undoubtedly contributes to his refined musicianship today. His move to Nashville in 2021 proved to be a pivotal moment, and since then, he’s steadily carved out a reputation as an artist to watch.
As he embarks on Dierks Bentley’s Broken Branches Tour this summer, with stops at iconic venues like Budweiser Stage in Toronto, Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, and Madison Square Garden in New York, as well as festival appearances at Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Watershed Festival, and Country Calling, Zach Top is clearly on an unstoppable trajectory. Ain’t In It For My Health feels less like a sophomore effort and more like the next confident stride in a career destined for longevity. If “Good Times & Tan Lines” is any indication, fans can expect an album that respects tradition while pushing the boundaries, solidifying Zach Top’s place at the forefront of country music’s exciting new wave.