“Bowery” feels like a raw, late-night confession set to music—Zach Bryan’s reflective folk sensibilities meet Kings of Leon’s arena-ready rock in a collaboration that’s both intimate and explosive.
The song begins with Bryan’s voice paired with sparse acoustic guitar and a quiet counting intro, establishing a deeply personal tone. As the track unfolds, Kings of Leon burst in, layering in gritty guitar riffs and driving energy without overshadowing Bryan’s storytelling .
Bryan’s vocals conversational and weathered—blend seamlessly with the Followill brothers’ dynamic instrumentation. He opens with verses imbued with nostalgia and longing, recounting a poignant encounter in the Bowery: “sick to her stomach as she sipped gin and tonic… rather be dead than sleep alone” .
The chorus showcases the contrast beautifully. Bryan steps back, letting Caleb Followill’s emotive voice lead:
“But when the time’s right / I’m a hell of a good night / I’ll make you burn bright / As the heat of the day”
The shift ups the intensity and gives the track a barn-burner energy, transforming it from reflective folk ballad into a deliberate rock anthem .
Critics have endorsed this blend. Pitchfork praises it as “a great marriage of Bryan’s gruff passion and Kings of Leon’s reckless abandon” with a “one-take jam” vibe . Holler echoes that sentiment, calling the instrumentation “subtle and strong,” praising how the artists’ contrasting vocal styles “push the song’s emotional narrative forward” .
Fan reactions are mixed but passionate. A comment on Reddit reads:
“I think it’s a masterpiece… they definitely added a lot of musical elements we haven’t heard before”.
Another voices a different take:
“This song would’ve worked better as a straight KOL number… feels very much the other way around.” .
Commercially, “Bowery” made its mark, peaking at number 5 on New Zealand’s Hot Singles Chart.
“Bowery” is a compelling fusion of two worlds. Zach Bryan’s lyrical intimacy meets Kings of Leon’s rock swagger in a track that’s both heart-worn and electrifying. It showcases Bryan’s continued evolution as a songwriter while paying homage to the rock legacy that shaped him.
