Zach Bryan is showing his appreciation to The Boss.
On Thursday (July 4), the 28-year-old country music star profusely thanked his musical hero Bruce Springsteen on social media following their collaboration on Bryan’s new album, The Great American Bar Scene.
On the 19-track project, which dropped July 4 through Warner Records, Bryan is joined by his one of his most obvious influences, Springsteen, on “Sandpaper.”
“thank you for the day @springsteen. thank you for your kind words. thank you for letting me take this picture,” Bryan captioned a photo of Springsteen on X (formerly Twitter). “thank you for making my whole life a dream of a younger me. a reason to believe.”
Fans of Springsteen’s “I’m on Fire” will instantly recognize the chugging beat on “Sandpaper,” which is identical to the feel of his 1984 hit.
Trending on Billboard
The Great American Bar Scene includes 18 songs and a poem, highlighted by the preview releases of “Pink Skies” and “Purple Gas.” A double vinyl version of album is slated for release on Oct. 10.
Following the album’s release on Thursday, John Mayer — who is featured on the gentle song “Better Days” — praised the country star on social media.
“I always knew this song Zach wrote was special,” Mayer began his post on X. “I had no idea how beautiful, powerful and deep an album it would be a part of. I’m stunned.”
The “Your Body Is A Wonderland” singer added, “I’m blessed to have been able to fulfill my dreams of making music. What I never saw coming: to be asked to play with an artist as deeply tapped in as @zachlanebryan is. Thank you for inviting me into your dream-coming-true.”
In addition to prepping new music, Bryan has been headlining his Quittin Time Tour, which welcomes a slate of openers including Sheryl Crow, Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, Turnpike Troubadours and The War & Treaty.
See Bryan’s post about Springsteen on X here.