Country music had quite a few controversial headlines in 2023. Every music genre has its own drama, but this year had a particular buzz to it within the country sphere.
Many of the biggest controversial stories we saw were layered with different stances, views, and positions. Those aspects are up for individuals to decide how they interpret them, as everyone sees things differently in their own eyes.
As the curtains close on 2023, let’s take a look back at some of the most controversial moments in country music this past year.
Jason Aldean’s Try That In A Small Town
Back in May, Jason Aldean released Try That In A Small Town to country radio, eventually becoming his 28th number one hit. The song’s lyrics portray a message that offended many people across the country, leading to a serious debate about links between country music, race, and gun violence.
The song received some mixed reviews upon release, but the music video really sparked the controversy, featuring scenes of protests, violence, and a filming location where a lynching took place over 100 years ago. The video was quickly pulled from CMT’s video rotation after the outrage ensued.
After all of the backlash he received, Aldean responded to the public claiming while yes, the song was absolutely meant to be a statement about the current state of the country, it was not geared toward any specific races, political parties, or other groups.
“I feel like the narrative really got switched over and became more of a racial type thing that’s like if that’s what you got out of the song and the video, I almost kind of feel like that’s on you because that wasn’t our intention.”
Country Artists vs. Bud Light
Bud Light made headlines when they partnered with a transgender influencer, leading to waves of backlash from various groups. Many country music fans and artists took distaste with the partnership from the beer company, with some taking very public action against the brand.
Most notably, artists like Kid Rock and Travis Tritt were very forward in their opinions, addressing the controversy on social media and boycotting Anheuser-Busch. Riley Green went viral when he took Bud Light out of the lyrics of his beloved I Wish Grandpas Never Died at his concerts, causing further buzz around the topic:
The whole situation caused a further conversation of transphobia and conservative-heavy political issues within country music.
Amidst the “Bud Light War”, there were also many country artists who took the brands side, such as Garth Brooks, Zach Bryan, and Jason Isbell. While not all of them addressed the controversy that directly, they all took the side of promoting inclusion and making country music a safe space for all kinds of people. As we all know how social media works these days, this just stirred the pot even more.
Since the issue, some of the boycotting artists have altered their claims. Kid Rock claimed he thinks Bud Light “got the message” and he has recently shown support for the brand, saying he “doesn’t want to be in the party of cancel culture.”
Bud Light obviously suffered substantial losses due to the controversy, but the conversation of “country music vs. Bud Light” has since calmed.
Oliver Anthony’s Rich Men Of North Richmond
Similarly to Try That In A Small Town, there was another significant moment in which an artist drew nationwide attention due to the message of their song- Oliver Anthony’s Rich Men Of North Richmond.
While many took the viral clip of the then-unknown artist as a debut of phenomenal talent, soul, and authenticity from a new voice, others looked more deeply into the backstory behind Oliver Anthony and the message he was attempting to portray.
Anthony’s viral tune about wealth, greedy politics, and unfair wages (amongst other themes) hit the internet by storm. While he has been stern with the fact that he didn’t aim the song at any political party in specific, many listeners disagreed, labeling the tune as a “right-wing anthem”.
The controversy really began when at during a Republican Presidential Debate, Fox News opened the program by playing the song. The candidates were then asked about their thoughts on it, which is a really wild occurrence. This really stoked the fire with some people seeing it as confirmation to their suspicion of right-wing views in the tune.
Anthony took to the internet prior to the event, saying he was “aggravated” that people were using this as fuel to their political fire of opinions and classifying him as left or right.
The polarizing new artist responded to both sides of the spectrum, assuring the left that it wasn’t meant as hatred toward that side and pointing out that he felt the right had “weaponized” his tune, misinterpreting its true meaning.
It’s very clear why the song was so controversial upon it’s release, but fortunately many fans have been able to look past any political interpretations and focus on the arrival of a new, talented artist in country music.
Maren Morris vs. Country Music
Maren Morris, the singer of hits like 80’s Mercedes and The Bones recently announced she is leaving country music to continue her career in other genres.
A few months after making the announcement, she basically doubled back on her claim, essentially saying this might not be fully true? She’s clearly got a lot going on, especially with her sudden divorce from fellow artist Ryan Hurd in the midst of the drama.
She’s been a controversial figure in country music for a while now with multiple incidents and statements that displeased many people- notably accusing Jason Aldean’s wife of alleged “transphobia” last year.
A few months ago she released a 30-track EP of “goodbye to country music songs”. A music video on the project included a “don’t tread on me” flag and a sign that read “welcome to our perfect small town”. Sound familiar? She was obviously referencing her disagreements with Aldean.
Morris labeled the country music scene as a “toxic family tree that’s burning itself to the ground.” She was obviously met with lots of hatred from fans of the genre who disagree with her very forward claims. This led to many people taking to social, telling the artist to go ahead and leave the scene.
While her My Church days may be over, there are sure to be some country fans who, despite her negative comments and statements, will continue to follow her as fans of her talent. That being said, she will most likely have to deal with some harsh, hardcore country fans for the foreseeable future.