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Boys of Faith
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| Boys of Faith | ||||
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| EP by | ||||
| Released | September 22, 2023 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 15:59 | |||
| Label |
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| Producer |
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| Zach Bryan chronology | ||||
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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 from Noah Kahan and Bon Iver—who appear on the tracks "Sarah's Place" and the title track respectively.
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]
Weekly charts[edit]
|
Year-end charts[edit]
|
Certifications
[edit]| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Canada (Music Canada)[17] | Platinum | 80,000‡ |
| New Zealand (RMNZ)[18] | Gold | 7,500‡ |
| United States (RIAA)[19] | Gold | 500,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
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.
- ^ "Top Country Albums – Year-End 2024". Billboard. Retrieved January 3, 2025.
- ^ "Canadian album certifications – Zach Bryan – Boys of Faith". Music Canada. Retrieved November 12, 2025.
- ^ "New Zealand album certifications – Zach Bryan – Boys of Faith EP". Radioscope. Retrieved January 23, 2026. Type Boys of Faith EP in the "Search:" field and press Enter.
- ^ "American album certifications – Zach Bryan – Boys of Faith". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved July 15, 2025.
Boys of Faith
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Background
Development
The Boys of Faith EP was conceived in the wake of Zach Bryan's self-titled album, released on August 25, 2023, as a complementary collection of tracks to extend the creative momentum from that project without committing to another full-length release.[6] The EP was recorded in the weeks leading up to its release, allowing for a quick turnaround.[7] This timing positioned the EP as a rapid follow-up, arriving just 28 days later on September 22, 2023, in a surprise drop that capitalized on the acclaim of the preceding album.[8] Drawing from Bryan's ongoing personal reflections, the EP explores themes of friendship, nostalgia, and the passage of time, rooted in his experiences navigating life after leaving the U.S. Navy in 2021.[9] Tracks evoke snapshots of childhood bonds and the emotional weight of growing older, capturing a transitional mindset amid evolving relationships and self-examination.[10] The title track, for instance, pays homage to a loyal group of friends who provided unwavering support, underscoring motifs of faith and camaraderie.[11] Opting for a concise format—five tracks spanning 16 minutes—allowed Bryan to deliver intimate, unpolished content swiftly to fans, emphasizing raw emotional depth over expansive production.[1] Conceptualized amid the summer buildup to his album's launch, the project aligned with an intentional autumn release, mirroring its moody, introspective folk tone suited to the season's contemplative atmosphere.[9]Writing process
Zach Bryan composed the lyrics for most tracks on the Boys of Faith EP independently, with "Sarah's Place" co-written alongside Noah Kahan, infusing them with personal experiences such as reuniting with childhood friends and grappling with themes of loss and mortality.[11][12] His songwriting process typically began with simple acoustic guitar sketches developed during extensive tours, allowing for spontaneous creation that captured raw, Americana-style storytelling without reliance on co-writers for the core material.[13] Central to the EP's lyrical content are explorations of nostalgia, as in the title track "Boys of Faith," which reflects on youthful camaraderie and the enduring role of faith amid life's hardships.[14] In "Nine Ball," Bryan employs billiards as a metaphor for introspection and the precarious risks of familial bonds, particularly through the lens of a son's reluctant involvement in his father's gambling habits.[15] The track "Pain, Sweet, Pain" delves into emotional turmoil, portraying pain as a bittersweet teacher that fosters growth and resilience in the face of personal setbacks.[16] A distinctive aspect of the EP's writing is how songs like "Deep Satin" originated as fan-favorite pieces performed live during earlier tours, later refined to include subtle religious undertones reflective of Bryan's upbringing in Oklahoma's heartland culture.[17] This approach underscores his commitment to authentic, experience-driven narratives that resonate with themes of memory and spiritual introspection.[18]Production
Recording sessions
The recording sessions for the Boys of Faith EP took place over three days in mid-September 2023 at a studio on the Upper West Side in New York City, with parts recorded at Electric Lady Studios.[19] [20] The process featured a quick turnaround, with the five tracks captured over three days to emphasize a live band feel and minimal overdubs.[19] Bryan self-produced the sessions, prioritizing analog equipment to achieve a warm, folk tone through focused acoustic and string elements.[20] One key challenge involved integrating the featured artists remotely, particularly Bon Iver's vocals for the title track, which were added via file exchange from Wisconsin in mid-September 2023.[3] This approach allowed for collaboration despite geographical distances, maintaining the EP's intimate and organic sound. Key personnel, such as string arranger Rob Moose, contributed during these efficient sessions to enhance the arrangements; Moose arranged and performed strings on "Boys of Faith" and fiddle on several tracks, including "Sarah's Place," "Nine Ball," and "Pain, Sweet, Pain."[19]Collaborators
The Boys of Faith EP features two prominent collaborations that highlight Zach Bryan's connections within the folk and indie music scenes. On "Sarah's Place," Noah Kahan contributes co-vocals and harmonies, infusing the track with a folk-pop sensibility that complements Bryan's raw country-folk style. The collaboration arose from mutual admiration between the artists, with the two co-writing the song during the recording sessions, adding emotional depth through shared storytelling on themes of past relationships. During these sessions, Noah Kahan was present for co-writing and recording "Sarah's Place."[12] The title track, "Boys of Faith," showcases Bon Iver's Justin Vernon delivering ethereal higher harmonies, layered vocals, and a prominent role in the outro, which enhances the song's ambient Americana atmosphere. This partnership stemmed from Bryan's long-standing admiration for Vernon, whom he has credited as a major influence on his music career since covering Bon Iver tracks like "Skinny Love" in 2016.[21][14] Beyond these featured artists, there were no other major collaborators on the EP; Bryan handled primary vocals, guitar, and production throughout, while session musicians provided support on drums and bass to maintain the project's intimate, stripped-back sound.[22] These features significantly broadened the EP's appeal, merging Bryan's country-folk roots with indie and folk-pop influences to attract a wider audience across genres.[10]Release
Announcement
On September 17, 2023, Zach Bryan teased upcoming collaborations, including snippets of songs featuring Bon Iver and Noah Kahan, through his social media channels to generate interest among fans.[23] The project adopted a surprise release strategy, with the complete five-track EP made available one week later on September 22, 2023, distributed via his independent label Belting Bronco in partnership with Warner Records.[24][6] These teases leveraged the momentum from his ongoing 2023 tour supporting the self-titled album.[23] The EP's cover artwork consists of a straightforward, sepia-toned photograph depicting Bryan alongside childhood friends, visually encapsulating the record's core themes of friendship and shared experiences from youth.[14]Marketing strategies
The promotion of Boys of Faith emphasized live performances to build fan engagement following the EP's September 2023 release. The title track debuted during Zach Bryan's Burn, Burn, Burn Tour on December 9, 2023, at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia.[25] Tracks from the EP were subsequently integrated into full sets during his Quittin Time 2024 Tour, which ran from March to December 2024 and marked his largest headline outing to date. A live version of "Boys of Faith," recorded at Rogers Place in Edmonton on November 18, 2024, was released as part of the surprise live album 24 (Live) on December 20, 2024, further extending the EP's visibility through performance captures.[26] Digital efforts focused on visual content to amplify streaming and social sharing. An official music video for the title track "Boys of Faith," directed by Matthew Dillon Cohen and featuring narrative footage from New Mexico, premiered on December 6, 2023, and has garnered millions of views on YouTube.[27] Production on a narrative-style video for "Sarah's Place" (featuring Noah Kahan) began in October 2023, with filming in Seymour, Missouri, highlighting small-town Americana themes aligned with the song's lyrics. These releases supported broader digital pushes, including placements on Spotify's Americana and Folk playlists, where the EP debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Americana/Folk Albums chart in October 2023.[28] Media coverage spotlighted the EP's high-profile collaborations to attract wider audiences. Rolling Stone highlighted the project as fueling Bryan's "hot streak," praising the Bon Iver and Noah Kahan features for blending folk introspection with country roots.[24] Billboard covered the pre-release teases and emphasized the collaborators' roles in elevating Bryan's sound, with all five tracks debuting on the Hot 100.[23] Merchandise tied promotional efforts to live events and fan loyalty, with limited-edition vinyl bundles for the 24 (Live) album—incorporating the Edmonton "Boys of Faith" recording—offered via Bryan's official website, numbered out of 2,500 copies and bundled with tour-exclusive apparel.[29] These items connected to community gatherings, such as pre-show fan meetups during the Quittin Time Tour, fostering deeper engagement beyond streaming.[30] Physical formats, including vinyl, became available following the digital release, with no major updates to promotions or video releases as of November 2025.Musical content
Composition
Boys of Faith is characterized by an Americana and folk sound, blending country rock elements with indie influences across its five tracks.[31] The EP emphasizes acoustic-driven arrangements in a mid-tempo style, with songs averaging approximately three minutes in duration to maintain a concise, introspective flow.[32] Instrumentation centers on guitar as the primary element, supported by piano, bass, drums for light percussion, and occasional electric guitar accents that enhance emotional layering without overpowering the folk core.[33] Subtle programmed elements and backing vocals contribute to a textured yet restrained production, evoking a rootsy intimacy.[34] Structurally, the tracks employ traditional verse-chorus forms augmented by bridges that underscore narrative progression, fostering a storytelling approach typical of the genre.[9] The title track, featuring Bon Iver, stands out with layered vocal harmonies and ambient reverb, creating a haunting, close-harmony effect that infuses the EP with an autumnal, nostalgic atmosphere.[14]Track listing
The Boys of Faith EP consists of five tracks written by Zach Bryan (with Noah Kahan co-writing 'Sarah's Place'), with a total runtime of 15:59. There are no alternate editions or bonus tracks.[1][4]| No. | Title | Length | Writer(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Nine Ball" | 2:49 | Zach Bryan | Upbeat opener employing a billiards metaphor to explore themes of fate and familial legacy.[15][35] |
| 2. | "Sarah's Place" (featuring Noah Kahan) | 3:34 | Zach Bryan, Noah Kahan | Duet-style collaboration highlighting harmonious vocals in a reflection on lost love and cherished memories.[36][37] |
| 3. | "Boys of Faith" (featuring Bon Iver) | 2:50 | Zach Bryan | Title track presented as a slow-building folk ballad centered on enduring friendship and nostalgia.[22][14] |
| 4. | "Deep Satin" | 3:31 | Zach Bryan | Introspective piece incorporating subtle instrumental elements, noted as a fan favorite in live performances.[38][17] |
| 5. | "Pain, Sweet, Pain" | 3:15 | Zach Bryan | Closing track delivering raw emotional depth through an examination of suffering's dual nature as both burden and teacher.[39] |
Credits
Production personnel
The EP Boys of Faith was primarily produced by Zach Bryan, who handled production duties for tracks 1 through 4, underscoring his hands-on approach to the project's creative direction.[33] Track 5 featured co-production by Eddie Spear, marking a limited collaborative element in an otherwise self-directed effort.[4] The release was distributed through Bryan's imprint Belting Bronco Records in partnership with Warner Records, which served as the executive producer.[1] Engineering responsibilities were led by Jake Weinberg, who contributed on tracks 1, 2, 3, and 5, including recording and additional instrumentation support.[33] Additional engineering credits included Daniel Bacigalupi, Dawson March, and Jacquire King, with the latter known for his work on related Bryan projects.[33] Mastering was completed by Pete Lyman, assisted by Daniel Bacigalupi, ensuring a polished folk-rock sound consistent across the five tracks.[31]Musical personnel
The musical personnel for Boys of Faith emphasizes a sparse, intimate arrangement typical of Zach Bryan's folk-country style, with limited session musicians contributing to the EP's raw, acoustic-driven sound across its five tracks.[33] Zach Bryan handles lead vocals and primary instrumentation on nearly every song, providing acoustic guitar throughout and electric guitar on "Deep Satin," which underscores the project's DIY ethos and personal touch.[33] Session musicians include multi-instrumentalist Jake Weinberg, who performs drums on all tracks except "Deep Satin," along with bass on "Nine Ball," "Boys of Faith," and "Pain, Sweet, Pain"; piano and electric guitar on "Boys of Faith"; and backing vocals on "Nine Ball," "Sarah's Place," and "Boys of Faith."[33] Electric guitarist Christopher Deyo Braun contributes to "Nine Ball" and "Sarah's Place," adding bass and backing vocals on the latter.[33] String player Rob Moose provides fiddle on "Nine Ball," "Sarah's Place," and "Pain, Sweet, Pain," as well as strings on "Boys of Faith," enhancing the tracks' melancholic texture.[33] On the closing track "Deep Satin," the lineup expands slightly with Read Connolly on acoustic guitar, Zephyr Avalon on bass, Steve Clark on drums, Stuart Bogie on saxophone, and Jordan McLean on trumpet, introducing subtle jazz-inflected elements while preserving the EP's understated vibe.[33] No fixed touring band is credited, reflecting the recording's focus on select collaborators to evoke emotional directness rather than a full ensemble production.[33]Reception
Critical reviews
Upon its release, Boys of Faith received positive reviews from music critics and publications, who praised its emotional depth, authenticity, and collaborative elements within the Americana and folk genres. Publications such as Holler highlighted the title track's nostalgic themes and harmonies with Bon Iver, noting its resonance in Bryan's style.[14] Washington Square News described the EP as "the perfect folk EP for the nostalgics," commending its relatable exploration of bittersweet emotions and longing.[9] The Daily Illini called it a "poignant and authentic addition to the artist's discography," appreciating its growth in songwriting.[10] The title track, "Boys of Faith" featuring Bon Iver, was frequently highlighted for its haunting harmonies and themes of lost youth, blending Bryan's country roots with indie-folk sensibilities. Critics noted the EP's strengths in raw songwriting and introspection, viewing it as a companion to Bryan's self-titled album that solidifies his reputation for heartfelt Americana.[40]Fan and commercial response
The release of Boys of Faith elicited strong enthusiasm from Zach Bryan's dedicated fanbase, who lauded the EP's raw emotional resonance and the collaborations with Bon Iver on the title track and Noah Kahan on "Sarah's Place." These partnerships were frequently highlighted in fan discussions for blending Bryan's signature folk-country introspection with the guests' atmospheric styles, further endearing the project to his audience. The EP's tracks rapidly accumulated high streaming volumes, with over 50 million global plays on Spotify in the first month post-release, underscoring the immediate fan embrace.[41] This fan acclaim notably bolstered Bryan's existing supporter community, amplifying calls for expanded live performances and generating widespread positive discourse around the collaborations' authenticity. Amid overwhelming ticket demand, Bryan expanded his 2024 Quittin' Time Tour by adding 19 dates in October 2023.[42] Commercially, Boys of Faith achieved a solid debut, entering the Billboard 200 at number 8 with 43,500 equivalent album units in the United States during the tracking week ending October 7, 2023, propelled largely by digital downloads and robust streaming activity.[43] By the end of 2023, YouTube content related to the EP, including official audio uploads and the December-released music video for the title track, had garnered significant views, highlighting ongoing fan engagement.[44]Commercial performance
Weekly charts
"Boys of Faith" debuted at number 8 on the US Billboard 200 chart in the week ending October 7, 2023, marking Zach Bryan's third top 10 entry on the ranking, and remained on the chart for a total of 20 weeks. On the US Top Country Albums chart, the EP reached a peak position of number 3 and charted for 35 weeks. It also performed strongly on the US Americana/Folk Albums chart, peaking at number 2. Internationally, "Boys of Faith" entered the Canada Top Albums chart at number 8. In New Zealand, it peaked at number 25 on the Albums chart, with no other international top 50 placements.[45] The EP's debut week was driven by streaming activity, accumulating over 50 million on-demand official streams in the United States.[46]| Chart (2023) | Peak | Weeks on Chart |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 | 8 | 20 |
| US Top Country Albums | 3 | 35 |
| US Americana/Folk Albums | 2 | — |
| Canada Top Albums | 8 | — |
| New Zealand Albums | 25 | — |