Latest news with #I'mtheProblem
Sydney Morning Herald
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Too boorish to fail: Music's brat king reigns again
Morgan Wallen, I'm the Problem That Morgan Wallen, the biggest star in country music, if not music altogether, is by all evidence a dick – probably racist, arguably sexist, and definitely boorish – should not preclude a reasoned look at his music. And if you are a caring type, you don't need to worry about any such grumbling affecting Wallen's sales, as the commitment from his fans suggests that, as with his spirit animal, DJ Trump, attaching yourself to Wallen after each criticism of him is an act of defiance and solidarity in the face of smart arses who think they're superior because they're not racist rednecks. Which, funnily enough, Wallen tips a hat to as often as he can on this album, opening I Ain't Coming Back, helped by old mucker Post Malone, with 'I'm a redneck 'cause I drink beer and I dip Skoal', and in Come Back as a Redneck wishing for one of those nasty city folk who look down on him that 'when you die I hope you come back as a redneck/I hope it sticks on you like a hell-hot sun tattoo … maybe then you'll understand'. There's plenty more where that came from, and that's without even getting to the Taylor Swift-alike title track, which opens the album. Though if you think that title may presage a confessional of faults, a mea culpa for deeds past and present … hahaha. Basically, it's a song which says to a recalcitrant lover, who may be standing in for all of his critics, hey, you knew what you were getting with me so why complain now? Plus, maybe it's you, not me: 'And it got me thinkin'/if I'm the problem, well, you might be the reason'. Having dabbled with trap beats in the past, Wallen returns to first thoughts here. This is a regulation modern country album, short on beer-stompers but heavy on the ballads and midtempo tracks, like the sunset cruising I Got Better and hymnal Smile. It's arranged with familiarity not adventure front of mind, R&B influences dusting things like the keyboards drenching TN and the light boy band-does-soul sway of Kiss Her in Front of You, but never leaving country/pop's main street where the likes of If You Were Mine (a power ballad hiding inside a white suit) and the duet with Tate McRae, What I Want, comfortably hold the centre of the road.
The Age
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Age
Too boorish to fail: Music's brat king reigns again
Morgan Wallen, I'm the Problem That Morgan Wallen, the biggest star in country music, if not music altogether, is by all evidence a dick – probably racist, arguably sexist, and definitely boorish – should not preclude a reasoned look at his music. And if you are a caring type, you don't need to worry about any such grumbling affecting Wallen's sales, as the commitment from his fans suggests that, as with his spirit animal, DJ Trump, attaching yourself to Wallen after each criticism of him is an act of defiance and solidarity in the face of smart arses who think they're superior because they're not racist rednecks. Which, funnily enough, Wallen tips a hat to as often as he can on this album, opening I Ain't Coming Back, helped by old mucker Post Malone, with 'I'm a redneck 'cause I drink beer and I dip Skoal', and in Come Back as a Redneck wishing for one of those nasty city folk who look down on him that 'when you die I hope you come back as a redneck/I hope it sticks on you like a hell-hot sun tattoo … maybe then you'll understand'. There's plenty more where that came from, and that's without even getting to the Taylor Swift-alike title track, which opens the album. Though if you think that title may presage a confessional of faults, a mea culpa for deeds past and present … hahaha. Basically, it's a song which says to a recalcitrant lover, who may be standing in for all of his critics, hey, you knew what you were getting with me so why complain now? Plus, maybe it's you, not me: 'And it got me thinkin'/if I'm the problem, well, you might be the reason'. Having dabbled with trap beats in the past, Wallen returns to first thoughts here. This is a regulation modern country album, short on beer-stompers but heavy on the ballads and midtempo tracks, like the sunset cruising I Got Better and hymnal Smile. It's arranged with familiarity not adventure front of mind, R&B influences dusting things like the keyboards drenching TN and the light boy band-does-soul sway of Kiss Her in Front of You, but never leaving country/pop's main street where the likes of If You Were Mine (a power ballad hiding inside a white suit) and the duet with Tate McRae, What I Want, comfortably hold the centre of the road.
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Will Morgan Wallen & Tate McRae Be Able to Hold at No. 1 on the Hot 100?
The Contenders is a midweek column that looks at artists aiming for the top of the Billboard charts, and the strategies behind their efforts. This week, for the upcoming Billboard Hot 100 dated June 7, we look at the chances of Morgan Wallen and Tate McRae's star-powered duet to continue its reign on the chart. Morgan Wallen feat. Tate McRae, 'What I Want' (Mercury/Big Loud/Republic): The combined star power of country superpower Morgan Wallen and rising pop phenom Tate McRae helped boost 'What I Want' to being not just the highest-ranking of Wallen's record-breaking 37 tracks on the Hot 100 last week, but the No. 1 song period – Wallen's fourth and McRae's first. The debut came on the back of 31.2 million official streams, according to Luminate, allowing it to bow atop the Streaming Songs chart and making up for its relative lack of radio presence as a new song. More from Billboard The Amity Affliction Cover Turnstile's 'Holiday' for 'Like a Version' Mariah Carey Celebrates 20 Years of 'The Emancipation of Mimi': Stream It Now Miley Cyrus' New Album 'Something Beautiful' This Way Comes: Stream It Now That streaming presence should still be very pronounced in its second week, as the song continues to reign on the Spotify Daily Top Songs USA chart and the Apple Music real-time chart. And the song is already starting to make a radio impact: After debuting at Nos. 32 and 38 on Adult Pop Airplay and Pop Airplay, respectively, on this week's charts (dated May 31), it's pushing toward the top 25 on both. (On Country Airplay, it debuted at No. 55 this week but looks likely to fall off next week – granted it's being promoted so far only to pop and adult formats.) If the song can hold for a second week, it will become the first multi-week Hot 100 No. 1 from I'm the Problem, pulling past the one-week No. 1 'Love Somebody,' which topped the chart last November. (It would still have another 14 weeks to go to tie the longest-reigning single from prior album One Thing at a Time, the 16-week No. 1 'Last Night' in 2023.) Alex Warren, 'Ordinary' (Atlantic): If not for Morgan Wallen's I'm the Problem album debut, we might be talking about Alex Warren celebrating his first Hot 100 No. 1 single this week. After multiple frames of being at stuck at No. 2 behind Kendrick Lamar and SZA's 'Luther,' 'Ordinary' finally moves ahead of that 13-week No. 1 – but still only ranks at No. 4 on this week's chart, after falling behind three tracks from I'm the Problem. Nevertheless, 'Ordinary' should remain a strong contender for the top spot. It still ranks towards the top of the major streaming charts, and after reaching the Radio Songs top 10 this week, the song is now aiming for the top five; it's up 16% in audience May 23-26 over the previous building week. It's also challenging for No. 1 next week on Adult Pop Airplay, and could come for the crown on Pop Airplay not long after. Meanwhile, Warren has a new song out in the Jelly Roll collab 'Bloodline,' which should also be headed for a strong Hot 100 debut. But as shown with the success of recent artists like Teddy Swims and Benson Boone, having simultaneous follow-up hits can be more helpful than harmful to the original hits these days, so 'Bloodline' doing well might boost 'Ordinary' in its pursuit of the top spot. Morgan Wallen, 'Just in Case' and 'I'm the Problem' (Mercury/Big Loud/Republic): Morgan Wallen will still be seeing an awful lot of himself in the rearview mirror, as his solo songs that rank at No. 2 and 3 on the Hot 100 this week — 'Just in Case' and 'I'm the Problem,' respectively – should remain big factors on the chart next week as well. Though the two songs rank behind 'What I Want' on DSPs, they still have the head start on radio: 'Just in Case' continues climbing Country Airplay, though it could be still outside the top 10 next week, after rising to a new No. 13 high this week. Meanwhile, 'I'm the Problem' has ruled Country Airplay for six weeks already, and could be on pace for a seventh week at No. 1. If one of these other I'm the Problem tracks is able to pass 'What I Want' on next week's Hot 100, Wallen would replace himself on top for the first time in his career – becoming the first artist to do so since… Kendrick Lamar just a couple months ago, after a Super Bowl-rebounded 'Not Like Us' gave way to 'Luther' and its months-long reign. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Four Decades of 'Madonna': A Look Back at the Queen of Pop's Debut Album on the Charts Chart Rewind: In 1990, Madonna Was in 'Vogue' Atop the Hot 100
Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
Morgan Wallen Manages A Very Rare Feat For Country Musicians Outside Of America
Morgan Wallen earns his first U.K. No. 1 album with I'm the Problem, topping multiple tallies and ... More sending two songs to the Official Singles chart. KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - SEPTEMBER 22: Morgan Wallen performs onstage for night two of his One Night At A Time tour at Neyland Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo byfor for Morgan Wallen's One Night At A Time 2024) Morgan Wallen may be one of the biggest musical stars in America right now, but since he's such a central figure in country music, his work doesn't usually reach a global audience like some rappers or pop stars might. With his latest full-length I'm the Problem, the Grammy nominee has finally scored a major win in the United Kingdom, where he's been steadily building an audience for years. His newest release debuts at No. 1, earning the superstar his first leader on several tallies. I'm the Problem opens at No. 1 on the Official Albums chart, which ranks the most consumed full-lengths and EPs in the U.K. That's the most important list of albums in the country — but it's not the only one where I'm the Problem runs the show. Wallen also starts his latest project atop the Official Albums Sales, Official Physical Albums, and Official Country Artists Albums rankings. Wallen dominates three of those four lists for the very first time. He has previously hit the top spot on the Official Country Artists Albums chart – several times, in fact. The singer-songwriter has only placed a trio of titles on the list, and all of them have spent at least one turn at No. 1. Dangerous led for half a dozen frames, while One Thing at a Time only managed a single stint in charge. Coincidentally, I'm the Problem also reaches the same starting point — No. 4 — on three other tallies. It kicks off its boots and makes a home in that spot on the Official Albums Streaming, Official Album Downloads, and Official Vinyl Albums charts simlutaneously. In almost every instance, Wallen collects his first top 10 win with I'm the Problem. He has previously entered the coveted top 10 on the Official Album Downloads chart and, of course, on the Official Country Artists Albums list, where he has accrued three leaders. Country music is not nearly as popular in the U.K. as it is in America, and it's rare for acts working in that style to top any ranking — let alone U.S.-based superstars. Wallen's reach now clearly extends beyond album rankings, as he scores two new hits on the Official Singles Chart. 'What I Want,' a collaboration with Tate McRae, launches highest, as it starts at No. 32. 'Just in Case,' another previous single from the set, finally debuts at No. 75, weeks after it was first released. Wallen has now accrued 10 placements on the most competitive songs ranking in that nation with these two wins.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Here's What Happened at the Royal Swedish Ceremony That Honored Queen's Brian May & Roger Taylor and Herbie Hancock
Legendary rockers Brian May and Roger Taylor of Queen, master jazz artist Herbie Hancock and conductor/soprano and contemporary classical musician Barbara Hannigan received their Polar Music Prize awards from the hands of King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden in the Vinterträdgården room of Stockholm's elegant Grand Hôtel on Tuesday (May 27). The 500-plus-person audience, made up of Swedish royalty, music industry players (artists, songwriters, publishers, execs and more) and friends and family of the laureates, rose to its feet many times during the six-hour event, as each of the laureates delivered heartfelt speeches. Hannigan thanked her mentors with a special mention for her (five minutes older) twin brother Brian; Hancock spoke of his father's support for his musical career even though he wanted his son to be an engineer; and May also talked about his late father Harold, who helped him build his original Red Special electric guitar (also known as the 'Old Lady'), which May owns to this day. More from Billboard Looking Back on 30 Years of Sweden's Polar Music Prize Morgan Wallen's 'I'm the Problem' & 'What I Want' With Tate McRae Launch Atop Billboard's Country Charts Post Malone Brings Out NBA Legend Allen Iverson for 'White Iverson' Performance in Philadelphia The event began with a royal ceremony, in the presence of not just the King but several members of Sweden's Royal Family, followed by a multi-course banquet. The laureates were serenaded during both halves of the Polar Music Prive evening by a number of Swedish and international musicians playing music written by or performed by the three musical icons during their careers. Jazz vocalist/bassist Esperanza Spalding and pianist/producer Robert Glasper got an ovation for their rendition of the Hancock composition 'Trust Me,' and returned to the stage to perform Hancock's seminal 'Watermelon Man.' Spalding then teamed with Argentinian pianist Leo Genovese for a stunning performance of Joni Mitchell's 'Both Sides Now,' in honor of Hancock's 2007 album River: The Joni Letters. That tribute album to Mitchell won the Grammy for album of the year in 2008. The audience did not wait for that performance to end to give it a standing ovation. Similar ovations showed the attendees' love for Adam Lambert's versions of Queen's 'Who Wants to Live Forever' at the ceremony and 'Another One Bites the Dust' at the banquet, as May and Taylor looked on approvingly. The biggest ovation of the night went to Sweden's Ghost, who recently topped the Billboard 200 with their album Skeletá. Frontman Tobias Forge donned a golden mask and was accompanied by Swedish heavy metal guitarist Fredrik Åkesson and the Eric Ericson Chamber Choir, singing a cappella from a balcony high above the banquet tables, for a tour-de-force on 'Bohemian Rhapsody.' As the evening was coming to a close, Marie Ledin, managing director of the Polar Music Prize and daughter of the award's founder, ABBA manager Stig 'Stikkan' Anderson, received an overwhelming response from the banquet guests as she thanked her father as well as her mother Gudrun, the Royal Family, the laureates and the entire assembled audience. Ledin spoke about each of the laureates in turn: 'Let me begin with Queen – this much-loved band are truly rock royalty! As a big fan myself, I've been lucky enough to have seen them in concert several times here in Stockholm. They taught me that music can be bold, dramatic, fascinating and fun. 'Herbie Hancock is a true musical pioneer and one of the most influential musicians of our time. He has taught us that music can challenge us intellectually even as it enriches our soul. Herbie has deservedly earned the admiration of musicians across all genres. 'Barbara Hannigan is a visionary soprano and conductor, and a passionate advocate for contemporary music. With her avant-garde experimentation, she proves that classical music does not have to live in the past, but is a living, breathing art form in itself.' The 2025 laureates were also honored by the presence of three previous laureates, Max Martin (2016), Anne-Sophie Mutter (2019) and Nile Rodgers (2024). One more special guest was Anita Dobson, who was in attendance with her husband Brian May. Dobson is having an especially great week, as she has guest starred on every episode of the current season of the BBC's Doctor Who and will play a large part in the season finale on Saturday (May 31), though she wouldn't reveal any details about the conclusion of her story arc to Billboard (as she shouldn't). The Polar Music Prize was first awarded in 1992, to Paul McCartney and the Baltic States, newly independent from the former Soviet Union. Since then, the prestige of the prize has only grown, with awards going to artists from all over the world. A partial list includes Elton John, Ravi Shankar, Metallica, Ennio Morricone, Led Zeppelin, Renée Fleming, Grandmaster Flash, Pink Floyd, Peter Gabriel, Isaac Stern, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Sonny Rollins, Diane Warren, Gilberto Gil, B.B. King, Emmylou Harris, Yo-Yo Ma, Miriam Makeba, Björk, Wayne Shorter, Patti Smith, Dizzy Gillespie, Chris Blackwell, Iggy Pop, Angélique Kidjo, the Kronos Quartet, Youssou N'Dour and Chuck Berry. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
