Jake Owen has a theory about 2024, at least as far as country music is concerned, sharing some praise for rising artist Zach Top in a recent social media post.
Owen Praised Zach Top, Comparing Him To The Country Music “Class Of ’89”
On December 31, the singer took to X to share his thoughts on the upcoming year in country music, writing, “And my Country Music 2024 Prediction on the last day of ‘23.. @Zachtopmusic will change the entire format in the greatest way since 1989. Bet.”
With his mention of 1989, Owen was likely referring to the legendary “Class of ’89” group of country stars, which included Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Clint Black, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Travis Tritt, who all made their chart debuts that year. The group is widely credited with influencing country music for the next several decades.
Owen previously praised Top in an interview with Women’s Wear Daily, calling Zach Top one of his current favorite artists. “We’re lucky that it’s just a never-ending talent pool of kids coming up. And I think it’s important for people like me to applaud them, pat them on the back and encourage them,” Owen said, adding that he looks forward “to hopefully being an ambassador in country music.”
Parker McCollum Also Endorsed Zach Top
Top is a 25-year-old Washington native whose brand of traditional country music has been earning him numbers of fans, and famous ones at that. Along with Owen, Top has been praised by Luke Combs and Parker McCollum.
In July of 2023, McCollum wrote on X, “If you love real and true country music, and you’re not [listening] to Zach Top yet… this is your sign to start. The dude is a stone cold killer with them country songs.”
Combs previously praised Top’s music as “ELITE” in addition to Craig Morgan gushing over his music on TikTok.
Who Is Zach Top?
Top grew up on a ranch and began playing the guitar before he turned five years old. He has been a fan of traditional and ’90s country, including icons like George Strait, Keith Whitley and Randy Travis, all his life. He lived in Colorado and worked as a contracted construction worker before moving to Nashville in 2021, earning a publishing deal with Bob Doyle’s Major Bob Music and making his Grand Ole Opry debut in 2022.
“Gotta pinch myself every now and then,” Top told Country Now before 2023 wrapped up. “Since April, that’s what I’ve been doing. I’ve been making music for a living and nothing else. It feels like it’s been a lot of work to get here, and now I’m just very thankful and wouldn’t rather be doing anything else. I feel like it’s what I was born to do. So, really happy, really grateful. I’m really proud to be making music full time this year.”
Zach Top Released New Single, “Sounds Like The Radio”
On Monday, he released his debut single, “Sounds Like The Radio,” which became the most-added song at country radio this week. Written by Top with Carson Chamberlain and Wyatt McCubbin, the honky tonk-fueled track is full-on old school and an ode to the sound of ’90s country hits.
“Sounds Like The Radio” will appear on Top’s debut album, Cold Beer & Country Music, set for an April 5 release. Top co-wrote every song on the 12-track project, which was produced by Carson Chamberlain.
“Creating Cold Beer & Country Music has been an incredible journey,” Top said in a statement. “This album is a labor of love, a reflection of my roots, and a celebration of the timeless spirit of country music.”
This year, Top will hit the road with Brothers Osborne on their Might As Well Be Us Tour and Lainey Wilson on her Country’s Cool Again Tour.
For more information on Zach Top, visit his official website or follow him on Instagram.
