Zach Bryan has taken the country music world by storm for writing songs that reject the genre’s current state. During a time of country music being relegated to musicians singing over trap beats with a southern twang and the stirring of many culture wars, “I Remember Everything” feels like a breath of fresh air.

Featuring Kacey Musgraves, the song plays out like a dialogue between two people who used to be in love. The man – Bryan – looks back at the relationship fondly, which creates a deep tension with the pain the woman – Musgraves – felt during their time together.

The opening line, “Rot gut whiskey’s gonna ease my mind,” is a clever insight into the song’s theme: As the man drank to forget life’s problems, his actions pushed his loved one away. He cannot repair a broken relationship, no matter how much he reflects on the good memories.

The song’s soft, Americana-styled balladry creates an intimate, lyric-focused tune with a genuine atmosphere. With “I Remember Everything,” it feels like Bryan has mastered his craft in reflecting on American working-class life. It is a grand return to country music’s origins, capitalizing on the genre’s power to relate to so many people.