As the entire world already knows, thanks to fake Country fans on snapchat, Morgan Wallen’s latest album was released. Before I get into my review and general thoughts, I do think I should preface this blog by stating my thoughts on Morgan Wallen in general and his music as a whole.
In my opinion, Morgan Wallen does make quality music. He doesn’t veer too far from the general sound of Country, cater towards anyone trying to pressure him, or try to be something he is not. As we’ve learned, he is just a pretty regular country boy. I have never thought his music was anything spectacular, but I do enjoy it and think its solid (but nothing more). His music is very average. It’s fun to casually listen to, but it’s definitely hard to praise it for being anything more than just “regular”. There are not any hard-hitting themes/messages that are quality enough to be distinct, and he never really leaves his small vocal range in any of his songs. Because of this, after a while, his songs do start to all blend together and are not as appealing to listen to. With all of this being said, I do, however, understand why his music is popular. He is a modern Country singer that is a relatable regular guy who sings in a manner and about topics that are very relatable to 16-35 year olds. This age range consumes the most music, so it is obvious that if an artist can capture that crowd, they will be successful. Morgan Wallen is Country enough to grasp ahold of the Country market while producing music that is modern/pop enough that it doesn’t deter people who aren’t Country fans.
Now, let’s continue on to his 36-song album. I hate when artists release double albums and any album with more than 15 songs on it. If someone can name an artist who has successfully released either of the previous two types of albums stated with all songs being of high-quality, please let me know. It is unnecessary and never ends in a complete high-quality body of work. Also, I think it takes away from the songs on those projects that are superior songs because they get lost in all the nonsense. On Wallen’s album, the rhythm and instrumentation (or lack thereof) begin to run together, and it makes it difficult to not zone out. Furthermore, I thought this album was going to showcase Wallen’s progression as an artist, but since it showed none, I hesitate to even call him an “artist” at all. I am starting to wonder how much he personally contributes to the themes, song selection, melodies, rhythms, songwriting, and just general choices that go into creating an album. I honestly wonder if he just says “yes” to the songs he likes and then goes and sings them. I say this because the album lacks depth. With the exception of a few songs, he sings only about very surface level and vague topics. There is a fine line here though. Those songs are what has gotten him to where he is, and they sell; however, I do not think this is how Country artists should produce music throughout their careers. To refer back to my previous blog on why country music exists, Country music connects with people and tells meaningful stories. It contains specific instrumentation such as steel guitar, and its lyrics are written in a poet way that bring up relatable topics in a new/refreshing way. Morgan Wallen’s music struggles to do this, but that is probably why it is popular with people who are not traditional Country fans.
Even though I just stated my dislike for most of the album, I would never say it is bad. It contains generally good songs that fit his voice and style. They inevitably will all be popular to one degree or another, but I can’t sit here and rave over them. I do admire him for sticking true to who he is and that he’s just a regular guy doing what he likes. His songs (including a lot from this album) will be fun to sing in concert, and I am looking forward to his tour with HARDY. I think the entire show will be a blast and hope Country music gains fans because of it.
The following are my general conclusions:
• He sings about the same general themes (stated below) too much and needs to expand as an artist
o Vague relationships about “a guy & a girl”
o General references to alcohol that only water down his music (great wordplay there Becca)
o How he wasn’t such a great guy but now he has changed
• He needs to change up his rhythm and venture outside his typical small vocal range
• His songs lack depth and are very surface level in meaning and in instrumentation
• He has not grown as an artist at all
Favorite Songs:
• “Last Night”
o Changes up the melody from his usual and is fun to sing to
o Also is not as vague as other songs
• “’98 Braves”
o One of the most well written songs I’ve ever listened to
o Phenomenal storytelling was showcased in this song by showing the parallels between the team and a relationship
o A new and fun topic to listen to
• “Ain’t That Some”
o Who doesn’t love a down-home Country song with a new vibe
o Fun to sing along to
• “I Wrote the Book”
o Great connection made between two “books”
o A new and fun topic to listen to
• “In the Bible”
o Basically is a different twist on that same topic sung about in “I Wrote the Book”
o Another down-home Country song with a good vibe
o Big fan of HARDY
• “Dying Man”
o This song contains just enough details and sense of who Morgan Wallen is to make it a great Country song
o Captures a lot of what is at the heart and soul of Country
o We need more music from him like this
To conclude, I think he could have put out a fantastic 13 song album. It would have been Country, creative, incorporated different topics, and was appealing to all people, but the 36 songs just run together and don’t get me as excited. He is still a great performer that I am glad exists and is in the Country genre, but I was just left wanting more.
I like Born With a Beer in my Hand, but I do agree 36 songs is A LOT