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But Bryan also occupies the curious space of reliable chart and amphitheater draw you rarely encounter on country radio.
The rollout forThe Great American Bar Scene, his fifth album, feels like a referendum on the issue.
On record, Bryans slipperiness offers a distinct tactical advantage.
Country and pop are inarguably present.
He could be a prince in anti-woke circles, but he wont commit to the hate.
Its the poetry of a punch in the arm.
Its here that the limits of Bryans purview show up.
You know where hes going to land when you see him on the horizon.
Even so, some turn of phrase or another is destined to knock you down.
His production, approaches to genre, and line deliveries are no longer surprising yet no less potent.
It could be a bit more refined; it could go a lot worse.
Which way, (mid)Western man?
