“One of the Best Written Songs of All Time”: Zach Bryan to Appear on New Version of Jack Van Cleaf's ‘Rattlesnake’

Zach Bryan has teamed up with folk prodigy Jack Van Cleaf for a revamped version of the latter's break-out hit, ‘Rattlesnake’, which was originally released back in early 2022. The reimagined duet is set to be made available on Wednesday, January 29th.

Taking to Instagram, Bryan has confirmed he's joined forces with the fast-emerging singer-songwriter, gushing that ‘Rattlesnake’ is “one of the best written songs of all time”.

Alongside an artistic, grainy montage of the recording process, the ‘Something in the Orange’ hitmaker has endearingly toasted his bond with Van Cleaf, “to become the best of friends with people through music in the city. think that may be the point of all this”.

Zach Bryan went on to reveal, “Jack & me re-recorded one of the best written songs of all time (jack is a genius) and it’s out on the 29th of January hope u guys listen to it”.

‘Rattlesnake’ is a beautifully ornate and evocative offering, which finds Jack Van Cleaf reeling off a visceral flurry of metaphors as he nimbly delves into themes such as love, morality, friendship and more (“Stumbling over all the states / Mumbling like a basket case / So love is like a rattlesnake / Before it bites, it tries to warn you”).

Excitingly, ‘Rattlesnake’ might not be the only taste of new music we get from Zach Bryan this month, with the ‘Revival’ crooner announcing he'll drop his previously teased track, ‘Blue Jean Baby’, on Sunday evening if his beloved Philadelphia Eagles triumph over the Washington Commanders and book their spot in the Super Bowl LIX.

Although officially a ‘country’ artist, the Oklahoma megastar has always had a penchant for folk-leaning textures, having previously collaborated with The Lumineers, Noah Kahan, Bon Iver and more. This co-sign will no doubt give Jack Van Cleaf, who has amassed a burgeoning following, another boost as he continues his ascent.

Zach Bryan is currently believed to be working on his keenly anticipated The Great American Bar Scene follow-up album, which is expected to arrive later in 2025. Bryan has a little more time on his hands this year, as he is not embarking on a full-blown tour, instead booking a smattering of double and triple-headers, including his blockbuster two shows at BST Hyde Park 2025 towards the end of June.

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