Country music star Jason Aldean has made waves on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart with his song “Try That In A Small Town,” clinching the No. 1 spot. The song, released in May, initially debuted at No. 2 but quickly ascended to the top spot on the chart dated Aug. 5. This, coupled with Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night” at No. 2 and Luke Combs’ “Fast Car” at No. 3, heralds a historic moment for country music with the top three spots on the chart occupied by country songs for the first time ever.
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Aldean’s career-first achievement was celebrated in grand style with friends and family at a local restaurant. The joyous occasion was documented in a series of photos and videos shared by Aldean’s wife, Brittany, on her Instagram page, which included a heartwarming snapshot of the singer hugging his children, Memphis and Navy.
“We witnessed history being made as country artists secured the top three spots on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart for the first time,” said an industry observer.
Aldean’s celebratory mood was also palpable on his Instagram story where he posted a screenshot of the Billboard’s top 10 chart with “Try That In A Small Town” reigning supreme at the top. He shared the glory with songwriters Kelley Lovelace and Neil Thrasher, bassist Tully Kennedy, and producer Michael Knox.
According to Billboard, “Try That In A Small Town” generated 30.7 million streams and 8.8 million radio airplay audience impressions in the week of July 21-27. It also sold 175,000 units during this period, contributing to its surge to the top of the charts.
Despite its success, the song’s music video, released on July 14, has sparked controversy, with some accusing it of promoting racial undertones and a “pro-lynching” message. The criticism mainly stems from the fact that the video was filmed at a Tennessee courthouse known for its link to racial violence in history.
The video production company, TackleBox, responded by stating that the courthouse is a popular filming location outside Nashville and has been featured in numerous music videos and movies. The company dismissed any suggestions that the location decision was controversial and emphasized that the choice was not made by Aldean.
“Location choice for a video should never become a narrative of controversy,” TackleBox commented.
The controversy seemed to have an opposite effect on the song’s popularity. Post-backlash, the song shot to the top of iTunes’ chart. It was also Aldean’s first song to hit No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 spot.
Facing the backlash head-on, Aldean defended his song saying that there were no lyrics in it that referenced race. He explained that his lyrics were sung to the backdrop of news coverage from 2020 riots and accused his detractors of pushing a dangerous and meritless narrative.
Continuing to stand his ground amid the ongoing controversy, Aldean continues to perform the song on his 31-date Desperado Highway Tour, which started on July 14 in Bethel Woods, New York. He has also taken the opportunity to address the backlash during some of his concerts.
“Music and its interpretation can be subjective, but it is essential to refrain from pushing narratives that could be potentially damaging,” Aldean told his fans.
As he continues to bask in the glory of his first No.1 on the Hot 100, Aldean’s song “Try That In A Small Town” is shaping up to be a significant chapter in his career, not just for its commercial success but also for the discourse it has sparked.