“Try That In A Small Town” By Jason Aldean Claims #1 Spot On All-Genre Billboard Hot 100 Chart Amid Controversy
Despite the controversy surrounding it and its music video, Jason Aldean‘s “Try That In a Small Town” is the #1 song in the U.S.
In a nutshell, Aldean experienced backlash after releasing the music video for “Try That In a Small Town.” People accused Aldean of promoting violence and some even called him “pro-lynching.”
CMT made the decision to pull the music video out of its rotation because of the controversy. That prompted Aldean to make a statement, in which he said:
“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.”
For a complete explanation of the controversy, look here.
Fans Throw Support Behind Jason & Send “Try That In A Small Town” To #1
While many have criticized Aldean during this time, others have thrown their support behind him. Hours after he released his statement, the song claimed the #1 spot on the all-genre iTunes chart.
Then, on July 24, “Try That In a Small Town” reached #1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. It also occupied the #2 spot on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart.
RELATED: JASON ALDEAN’S “TRY THAT IN A SMALL TOWN” HITS #1 ON COUNTRY CHART & #2 ON ALL-GENRE CHART
Billboard reported that “Try That In a Small Town” debuted “with the biggest sales week for a country song in over 10 years.”
Now, one week later, “Try That In a Small Town” remains at #1 on the Hot Country Songs chart and jumped to the #1 spot on the Hot 100 chart. This is Aldean’s first time taking a song to #1 on the Hot 100.
The Song’s Rise To #1 Helped Make Country Music History
Citing data from Luminate, Billboard reports that “Try That In a Small Town” generated 30.7 million streams (an increase of 165%) from July 21-27. Additionally, during that same time period, the song generated 8.8 million radio airplay audience impressions (an increase of 21%).
Also, Morgan Wallen‘s “Last Night” ranked at the #2 spot on the Hot 100, while Luke Combs‘ “Fast Car” landed at the #3 position. It marks the first time three country songs have been in the Hot 100‘s top three since the chart started in August 1958.
📈 For the first time in the HISTORY of the @Billboard Hot 100, the top three positions on the chart are occupied by Country songs:
1. “Try That In A Small Town” by @Jason_Aldean
2. “Last Night” by @MorganWallen
3. “Fast Car” by @LukeCombs pic.twitter.com/FEP0YJUBkt
— Music News & Rumors (@MusicNewsRumor) July 31, 2023
As of this writing, Aldean’s music video for “Try That In a Small Town” currently has nearly 24 million views on YouTube. Watch it below.