Jason Aldean, a prominent figure in the country music scene, recently sat down for an exclusive interview with “FOX & Friends” to discuss his highly anticipated 11th studio album, “Highway Desperado.” Slated for a November 3 release, the album features tracks like “Let Your Boys Be Country,” “Try That In A Small Town” and “Tough Crowd.” Aldean explained that the album title draws inspiration from his extensive travels across the nation during his musical journey and encapsulates the essence of his life on the road.
In the interview, Aldean passionately shared his perspective and emphasized the importance of this album in his musical repertoire. He expressed pride in the collection of songs, calling it one of the most impressive projects he has undertaken. Reflecting on his life of touring and playing music since the age of eighteen, Aldean sees the album as a culmination of experience and growth throughout his musical career.
However, the interview also touched on the controversy surrounding the song “Try That In A Small Town”. Aldean addressed the public outcry and criticism the song faced, particularly in relation to its music video. He clarified that the song was not intended to be racially charged, as some interpretations suggested. Instead, he claimed that his aim was to express current social frustrations without targeting any particular group. In an interview that aired Friday, Aldean noted that the album’s title comes from his life on the road and his travels across the nation during his music career.
“I just feel like I’ve been traveling the nation and the world playing music for most of my adult life, almost since I was eighteen. And that’s the way I feel. It’s like living on the road and always running,” he noted. “I’ll say, that it’s one of the best things we’ve done song-wise, I think it’s one of the best albums we’ve done.”
During his appearance in Massachusetts, Jason Aldean gave a short speech about the state’s resilience after the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings and the meaning of his song “Try That In A Small Town.” (Getty Images/Connie Chornuk))
Aldean told “FOX & Friends” co-host Ainsley Earhardt, “That song kind of said what I wanted it to say and how I felt about the state of things right now,” in response to the controversy over the Try That In A music video Small Town. I don’t understand why nobody in the music industry calls it out.”
The five-time Grammy nominee faced criticism over the summer for his anti-crime song, which featured images of looters and burning buildings from the 2020 riots.
Public outcry forced Country Music Television to remove the video, and some accused it of releasing a song that was “pro-lynching” because of the site of the 1927 lynching of Henry Choate.
The music video’s production company, TackleBox, verified that the scene was shot at the Maury County Courthouse, citing it as a “favorite filming location outside of Nashville.” Many music videos and movies have been filmed there, such as the Lifetime original movie “Steppin’ into the Holiday.” Country music star Jason Aldean can be seen in the official music video for “Try That In A Small Town”. The film was filmed in front of Columbia, Tennessee’s Maury County Courthouse, which has a controversial history. (Aldean Jason)
The lyrics and music video for Jason Aldean’s latest single have caused an uproar on social media. (Rich Polk/Getty Images for YouTube/BBR Music Group/iHeartRadio)
TackleBox added that the website has appeared in three movie trailers: Miley Cyrus’ 2009 film “Hannah Montana: The Movie,” Paramount’s 2022 holiday film “A Nashville Country Christmas,” and Runaway June’s music video for their song “We Were Rich’ from 2019.
I wasn’t quite sure what to say or how to approach it. After a shout-out over the song, Aldean remarked, “And I went on stage that night and said what was on my mind.”
“The only way I can describe the reaction to it is that it was explosive. The place seemed to go crazy and everybody was listening to what we said. That’s why I believe that’s when I knew, ‘Well, they got it like they got that song,” Aldean said. There’s always going to be people trying to make something out of nothing. That’s our culture. I get it. But if you actually listen to the music, you get my point. Because, you see, it has nothing to do with race or any other subject.
I believe that people of all races are sick and tired of putting up with the nonsense that is going on right now. You know what I mean? So, despite their best efforts to suggest otherwise, it wasn’t meant for a specific individual.”
PASADENA, CA – JULY 25: Jason Aldean performs at the Rose Bowl as part of Kenny Chesney’s The Big Revival Tour and Burn It Down 2015 by Jason Aldean on July 25, 2015, in Pasadena, California.
Aldean said he never imagined “Try That In A Small Town” would peak at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
“It’s never happened on that chart before. So you know, and these are the kinds of things that are unplanned in my opinion. We released a song called this. I was completely ignorant. I felt that the song was really great and something my fans would relate to.
He said, “They would enjoy the song and get what I was trying to convey.” I didn’t expect things to blow up like they did in the video, you know. And for it to just somehow take off as it could. That surprised me.
Jason Aldean’s journey with his upcoming album “Highway Desperado” has been a mix of anticipation, pride in his work, and unexpected controversy, highlighted by his interview on “FOX & Friends.” The album’s title, a reflection of his life on the road and his extensive musical career underscores his dedication and passion for his craft.
However, the album’s buzz was not immune to controversy, particularly surrounding the song “Try That In A Small Town”. Aldean found himself embroiled in criticism and public outrage over the song’s music video and its perceived messages, leading to its removal from Country Music Television.
In response to the backlash, Aldean defended the song’s intent, stressing that the controversial scenes were not racially motivated, but rather aimed at addressing societal frustrations. He highlighted the misconceptions surrounding the song’s message, insisting that it was not intended to target any particular group but to express feelings shared by people from different backgrounds.
Amid this controversy, Aldean expressed surprise at the song’s unexpected rise and impact on the Billboard Hot 100, admitting that he was caught off guard by the attention and traction it gained.
In the end, Aldean stood by his song and expressed his belief that listeners who truly understand the music will recognize its larger message, detached from any divisive interpretation.
The saga surrounding “Try That In A Small Town” reflects the complex interplay between artistic expression, social sensibility, and misinterpretation. Despite the unforeseen upheaval, Aldean remains committed to connecting with his audience through music that he sees as transcending divisive narratives.
As his album release approaches, Jason Aldean’s resilience in the face of controversy underscores his dedication to his craft and the resilience that artists sometimes need to navigate the unpredictable landscape of public reception. The road to “Highway Desperado” represents not only the musical evolution of the artist but also the complexities and challenges that come with creative expression in a delicate and sensitive social context.