Back in May, Jason Aldean dropped a song called “Try That In A Small Town.”
The song was a message to robbing, looting, and violent protests that we saw nearly on the daily back in 2020, as well as the general lawlessness that is currently plaguing our cities. Aldean unapologetically warns that actions like that wouldn’t fly in a small town.
The chorus speaks for itself:
“Well, try that in a small townSee how far ya make it down the roadAround here, we take care of our ownYou cross that line, it won’t take longFor you to find out, I recommend you don’tTry that in a small town”
The song kind of went under the radar for a couple of months, but once the music video dropped back in July, it felt like it divided the whole nation, with half of the country saying there were racial undertones in the song, and the other half applauding Aldean for singing what so many Americans have been thinking.
He responded to the backlash with a statement that read:
“In the past 24 hours I have been accused of releasing a pro-lynching song (a song that has been out since May) and was subject to the comparison that I (direct quote) was not too pleased with the nationwide BLM protests. These references are not only meritless, but dangerous. There is not a single lyric in the song that references race or points to it- and there isn’t a single video clip that isn’t real news footage -and while I can try and respect others to have their own interpretation of a song with music- this one goes too far.
As so many pointed out, I was present at Route 91-where so many lost their lives- and our community recently suffered another heartbreaking tragedy. NO ONE, including me, wants to continue to see senseless headlines or families ripped apart.
Try That In A Small Town, for me, refers to the feeling of a community that I had growing up, where we took care of our neighbors, regardless of differences of background or belief. Because they were our neighbors, and that was above any differences. My political views have never been something I’ve hidden from, and I know that a lot of us in this Country don’t agree on how we get back to a sense of normalcy where we go at least a day without a headline that keeps us up at night. But the desire for it to- that’s what this song is about.”
Regardless of the opinion of the public, the song soared to number one on the iTunes All-Genre Chart, and even debuted at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart.
Aldean Won’t Back Down
With that being said, Aldean recently spoke with Country Countdown USA host Lon Helton, and discussed how the public’s opinion of the song has affected him personally. When asked if the backlash changed him in any way, Jason confirmed that he won’t be intimidated at this point in his career.
He said:
“I think as a new artist, you’re told not to stir the pot. I’m older now, and I’m not going to be quiet. I think that may have rubbed people the wrong way.
On the flip side, I feel like I’ve gotten new fans. So I’m at a point in my career where I’m not going to be intimidated. I don’t feel what I’m saying is wrong, so I’m not going to feel guilty about it.”
Aldean has been a mainstay in mainstream country music for the past 20 years, and has had the kind of success that most can only dream about. So, you can imagine the opinions of others doesn’t phase the Georgia native too much.
11th Studio Album, ‘Highway Desperado’
In the meantime, Aldean is gearing up to release his 11th studio album, Highway Desperado, slated to drop November 3rd.
Aldean discussed the new project:
“I think when I look back on it, I built my career early on my live show, and have been on the road touring since I was 18 years old. For us, touring is our favorite part.
Getting on the bus and going town to town and playing our shows and doing our thing and seeing the fans… the title for the tour and album was really inspired from that.”
The album will feature 14 songs, including “Try That In A Small Town,” along with the single “Tough Crowd.” On top of that, Aldean dropped a new singlerecently titled “Let Your Boys Be Country,” a song all about raising your sons in that good ol’ fashioned small town lifestyle.
Give it a listen:
You can check out the full track list below:
Highway Desperado:
1. Tough Crowd – Kurt Allison, Marv Green, Tully Kennedy, Kelley Lovelace, Neil Thrasher
2. Let Your Boys Be Country – Jaron Boyer, Allison Veltz Cruz, Micah Wilshire
3. Knew You’d Come Around – Kurt Allison, Ben Hayslip, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan
4. Hungover In A Hotel – Jason Aldean, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, David Lee Murphy, Neil Thrasher
5. Try That In A Small Town – Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Kelley Lovelace, Neil Thrasher
6. Whiskey Drink – Kurt Allison, Jonathan Edwards, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan
7. Whose Rearview – Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughn
8. I’m Over You – Josh Phillips, Michael Tyler, Micah Wilshire
9. Rather Watch You – Jessi Alexander, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Kelley Lovelace, Neil Thrasher
10. Breakup Breakdown – Jason Aldean, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughan
11. Get Away From You – Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughn
12. Changing Bars – Kurt Allison, Jonathan Edwards, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan
13. From This Beer On – Kurt Allison, Jonathan Edwards, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan
14. Highway Desperado – Jason Aldean, Kurt Allison, Jonathan Edwards, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan
Produced by Michael Knox
