Zach Top, a singer gaining recognition for his traditional country sound, has voiced criticism of contemporary country music, stating it has lost its "soul" due to an excessive pursuit of polish and perfection. He suggests that the genre has become overly produced, leaving behind a rawness that audiences now crave.
Top, who started his career in bluegrass, believes the genre's growing popularity is directly linked to this shift. "From my perspective, it’s pretty parallel to the reason that my music is as popular as it is right now," Top told Rolling Stone. "We had a long time, at least in the country world… everything is really perfect and everything’s tuned. Everything’s pocketed just right. I think some of the soul got left behind in that."
He posits that listeners are increasingly searching for music that is "a little more raw and real again." Bluegrass, according to Top, fits this description because it offers a performance where "there's nothing covering you up." He emphasized that in bluegrass, musicians must be highly skilled instrumentalists and vocalists, a contrast to what he perceives in mainstream country music.
Top cited artists like Tyler Childers and Zach Bryan as examples of performers who embrace a "very real and raw" sound and have achieved significant success. "You’re not trying to chase perfection," he explained. "You’re trying to just play good music and put your heart and soul into it. People enjoy that. And that’s what bluegrass has always been to me."
Known for his honky-tonk style, Top is considered a key figure in the resurgence of traditional country music among younger artists. His first EP was released in 2022, the same year he debuted at the Grand Ole Opry. His debut album, "Cold Beer & Country Music," was released in 2024, followed by "Ain't In It for My Health" in 2025. That same year, he received the ACM New Male Artist of the Year award and the CMA New Artist of the Year award.
Top is preparing to release two new songs, "Good Girls & Cowgirls" and "Other Side of Hurtin’," on August 21. He anticipates his third album will be released in April, though a definitive date has not yet been confirmed. He described "Good Girls & Cowgirls" as a "goofy, fun song" that explores the contrast between different types of women.
Following his CMA win, Top shared his modest celebration plans: "I brought a beer up on stage, read between the lines, you know," he said backstage. "I got a bunch of my road crew here with me, my band. We're gonna go find someplace and knock a few beers back. I'll probably call my family at some point...outside of that, I just hope I can get to bed before 5AM I suppose."