What's Your Country Song Explained

What's Your Country Song
Cover:What's Your Country Song.jpg
Alt:Photo of a dirt road surrounded by fields and the words "Thomas Rhett" and "What's Your Country Song" written in all caps.
Type:single
Artist:Thomas Rhett
Written:2019
Genre:
Label:Valory
Producer:
Prev Title:Be a Light
Prev Year:2020
What's Your Country Song
Next Title:God Who Listens
Next Year:2021

"What's Your Country Song" is a song recorded by American country pop singer Thomas Rhett for his fifth studio album, (2021). The song was written by Rhett, Ashley Gorley, Jesse Frasure, Parker Welling, and Rhett Akins, while produced by Frasure and Dann Huff. The song was inspired by Rhett's road travels across the United States. It was released by Valory on November 11, 2020, as the lead single from the album. The lyrics include a series of questions and directly reference the titles of 16 other country songs, including Akins' "That Ain't My Truck". The song received generally positive reviews from music critics, particularly for its nostalgic quality and referential lyrics.

The song reached number one on the US Billboard Country Airplay, Billboard Hot Country Songs, and Canada Billboard Country charts, becoming Rhett's 16th number one single on the first chart. It also peaked in the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the Canadian Hot 100. The music video for "What's Your Country Song", which was directed by TK McKamy, intersperses clips of Rhett singing and playing guitar, people living in the countryside, and a high school homecoming football game. Rhett performed the song on television for the first time at the 56th Academy of Country Music Awards in April 2021, and on The Ellen DeGeneres Show the following month.

Background and production

Rhett wrote "What's Your Country Song" in mid-2019 with his father Rhett Akins, along with Ashley Gorley, Jesse Frasure, and Parker Welling. The song was written in a hotel room during a stop of Rhett's Very Hot Summer Tour in Dallas, Texas, for promotion of his fourth studio album Center Point Road (2019).[1] It was the first of several songs written on the trip. In an interview with Kelleigh Bannen, Rhett described the tracks from Country Again: Side A as venturing towards making the type of music that he wanted to, as part of a shift that had "been happening since the beginning of 2019".[2] In a statement, he explained that the inspiration of the song came from his experiences of "traveling on the road and getting to meet people from the country, from California to New York".[1]

According to Rhett, the song was difficult to write because the chorus was written before the verses, a deviation from his typical songwriting process. It originated as a piano vocal, and production was later added to Rhett's satisfaction.[3] Like the other tracks from Country Again: Side A, the song was produced by Frasure and Dann Huff.[4] It was programmed by Frasure, David Huff, and Justin Niebank.

Music and lyrics

Musically, "What's Your Country Song" is a country and country rock track,[5] [6] and has a length of two minutes and 51 seconds.[7] It features an electric guitar solo by Huff and additional instrumentals, including acoustic, steel, and bass guitars, Dobro, ganjo, piano, and drums. The lyrics include a series of questions about one's life and memories, culminating in the title question about one's favorite country song.[8] [9] Explaining the intent, Rhett stated that the song "really is just about, what is your country song?", and it was written to evoke a feeling of nostalgia in the listener.[1] Rhett references the titles of many other country songs, including both classic hits and newer songs.[10] The writers experimented with various combinations of song titles and produced multiple versions of "What's Your Country Song" before finalizing the list.[11] The 16 country songs referenced in the released version are:[10]

The song's lyrical style has been compared to "90's Country", a song by Walker Hayes with lyrics that reference the titles of 22 country songs from the 1990s.[10] [12] According to Rhett, each of the songs referenced in "What's Your Country Song" was influential to his artistic development.[10]

Release and promotion

Rhett posted a slow-tempo acoustic clip of "What's Your Country Song" on his Instagram account in April 2020, shortly after he began quarantining at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[8] The video received favorable comments from fellow country singers, including Jake Owen and Jimmie Allen, and was viewed over one million times.[1] [13] Rhett teased the song's cover art via his Twitter account on November 6, 2020.[14] The song was released as the lead single from Country Again: Side A on November 11, 2020, the same day as the 54th Annual Country Music Association Awards, where Rhett received two nominations.[1]

In April 2021, Rhett performed "Country Again" and "What's Your Country Song" at the 56th Academy of Country Music Awards, where he won Male Artist of the Year. After a seated acoustic performance of one verse and the chorus of "Country Again", he rose from his chair and transitioned into "What's Your Country Song", accompanied by a backing band. This marked the first performance of either song and was praised by Andrew Unterberger of Billboard, who called it a "rocking performance".[15] [16] He performed the song as a musical guest for The Ellen DeGeneres Show on May 5, 2021.[17]

Critical reception

James Daykin of Lyric Magazine named "What's Your Country Song" as the best song on Country Again: Side A, calling it a "glorious, slick, smooth nod to the great country songs of the past" and favorably making a comparison to Old Dominion's "Song for Another Time", which similarly references the titles of classic songs.[18] Madeline Christy, writing for Off the Record, praised the song's "nostalgic lyrics",[19] and Madeline Crone of American Songwriter described it as a celebration of the country music community following a divisive year.[20] Providing a mixed review for MusicRow, Robert K. Oermann characterized the song as an "anthem with an uplifting mood", but criticized the production and audio quality.[21] In a less favorable review, a reviewer for the Shenzhen Daily called the song "nothing brand-new or earth shattering" compared to Rhett's previous work, but conceded that it is "simple, relatable, and enjoyable".[22]

The song reached number one on the US Billboard Country Airplay and Hot Country Songs charts dated March 27, 2021, becoming Rhett's 16th number one single on the Country Airplay chart.[23] The song was his second number one on the Hot Country Songs chart, following "Die a Happy Man" in 2015. It also peaked at number 29 on the US Billboard Hot 100, Rhett's highest position on the chart since "Die a Happy Man" reached number 21 in 2016. In April 2021, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified the song gold for track-equivalent sales of 500,000 units in the United States. In Canada, "What's Your Country Song" reached number one on the Billboard Country chart dated March 6, 2021, and peaked at number 37 on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100. It was certified gold in the country by Music Canada (MC). In Australia, the song charted at number three on the Australian Country Hot 50, published by The Music Network.

Music video

Rhett posted a brief clip of the music video for "What's Your Country Song" via social media on November 11, 2020, the day of the song's release. The full music video was released on Rhett's YouTube channel two days later.[24] It was directed by TK McKamy, who directed many of Rhett's previous music videos, including "Crash and Burn",[25] "Die a Happy Man",[26] and "Marry Me".[27] Rhett said that he wanted the music video to remind viewers of a familiar moment in their life and capture the feeling of listening to a nostalgic song.

The music video is composed of interspersed clips of a family living in the countryside, performing various activities including chasing chickens on a farm, attending a bonfire, and singing with friends.[28] [29] Part of the video was filmed during the homecoming football game at Blackman High School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, featuring the school's football team and cheerleaders.[30] The clips are intercut with shots of Rhett walking through a cornfield and playing guitar.[28] [31] The music video was produced with film grain quality video and an autumn color palette.[29] [32] The visual was nominated for Male Video of the Year at the 2021 CMT Music Awards.[33]

Credits and personnel

Credits are adapted from the liner notes of Country Again: Side A.[34]

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2020–2021)! scope="col"
Peak
position
Australia Country Hot 50 (TMN)[35] 3
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[36] 37
Canada Country (Billboard)[37] 1
US Billboard Hot 100[38] 29
US Country Airplay (Billboard)[39] 1
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[40] 1

Year-end charts

Year-end chart performance for "What's Your Country Song"! Chart (2021)! Position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[41] 92
US Billboard Hot 100[42] 80
US Country Airplay (Billboard)[43] 3
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[44] 13

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Sexton . Paul . Thomas Rhett Previews Fifth Album With 'What's Your Country Song' . May 29, 2021 . uDiscoverMusic . November 11, 2020 . November 12, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201112024312/https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/thomas-rhett-new-release-whats-your-country-song/ . live.
  2. News: Nicholson . Jessica . Thomas Rhett Earns 17th No. 1 Hit With 'What's Your Country Song' . May 30, 2021 . . March 23, 2021 . April 28, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210428110341/http://www.cmt.com/news/1831836/thomas-rhett-earns-no-1-whats-your-country-song/ . dead.
  3. News: Cingrana . Joe . World Premiere: Thomas Rhett asks 'What's Your Country Song' . May 30, 2021 . . November 10, 2020 . May 31, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210531184454/https://www.audacy.com/music/country/world-premiere-thomas-rhett-asks-whats-your-country-song . live.
  4. Freeman . Jon . Thomas Rhett Sings About Finding His Way Home in New Song 'Country Again' . May 30, 2021 . . April 13, 2021 . April 14, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210414054130/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/thomas-rhett-country-again-song-1154983/ . live.
  5. Web site: Barnes . Hannah . Thomas Rhett Earns 17th No. 1 With 'What's Your Country Song' . May 30, 2021 . Popculture . March 23, 2021 . March 24, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210324172952/https://popculture.com/country-music/news/thomas-rhett-earns-17th-no-1-with-whats-your-country-song/ . live.
  6. Web site: Parton . Chris . Thomas Rhett Sings for the Common Good in 'What's Your Country Song' . May 30, 2021 . Sounds Like Nashville . November 12, 2020 . November 14, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201114003211/https://www.soundslikenashville.com/music/thomas-rhett-new-single-whats-your-country-song/ . live.
  7. Web site: What's Your Country Song by Thomas Rhett . . May 30, 2021 . May 31, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210531184446/https://music.apple.com/ca/album/whats-your-country-song/1555624166?i=1555624257 . live.
  8. Web site: Stefano . Angela . Story Behind the Song: Thomas Rhett, 'What's Your Country Song' . May 29, 2021 . . November 17, 2020 . January 26, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210126052341/https://theboot.com/thomas-rhett-whats-your-country-song-lyrics/ . live.
  9. News: Barnes . Hannah . Listen to Thomas Rhett's New Single 'What's Your Country Song' . June 18, 2021 . Popculture . November 11, 2020 . March 2, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210302134737/https://popculture.com/country-music/news/listen-to-thomas-rhett-new-single-whats-your-country-song/ . live.
  10. Web site: Liptak . Carena . These Are the 16 Songs Thomas Rhett Name-Checks in 'What's Your Country Song' . May 29, 2021 . . November 19, 2020 . March 3, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210303082921/https://tasteofcountry.com/thomas-rhett-whats-your-country-song-references/ . live.
  11. News: Willman . Chris . Thomas Rhett on What It Means for a Nashville Artist to Be 'Country Again' on His New Album, 'Side A' . March 31, 2021 . . April 30, 2021 . May 1, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210501000209/https://variety.com/2021/music/news/thomas-rhett-interview-side-a-country-again-1234964160/ . live.
  12. Web site: Bonaguro . Alison . The 22 Songs Walker Hayes Wove Into '90's Country' . May 29, 2021 . CMT News . August 30, 2018 . February 27, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210227043835/http://www.cmt.com/news/1798423/the-22-songs-walker-hayes-wove-into-90s-country/ . dead.
  13. Web site: Despres . Tricia . Thomas Rhett's New 'What's Your Country Song' Shouts Out Classic Country . May 29, 2021 . Taste of Country . April 22, 2020 . April 29, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210429065843/https://tasteofcountry.com/thomas-rhett-whats-your-country-song/ . live.
  14. News: Liptak . Carena . 'What's Your Country Song?' Thomas Rhett teases a new single, due next week . May 30, 2021 . . November 6, 2020 . May 31, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210531184436/https://froggyweb.com/2020/11/06/whats-your-country-song-thomas-rhett-teases-a-new-single-due-next-week/ . live.
  15. News: Nordyke . Kimberly . ACM Awards Preview: What to Know About Sunday's Show . May 31, 2021 . . April 16, 2021 . May 31, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210531184453/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/acm-awards-preview-what-to-know-about-sundays-show-4166335/ . live.
  16. Unterberger . Andrew . Thomas Rhett Brings a Pair of 'Country' Songs to the 2021 ACM Awards . May 30, 2021 . . April 18, 2021 . May 16, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210516022845/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/awards/9558455/thomas-rhett-whats-your-country-song-acm-awards-2021 . live.
  17. News: O'Gorman . Chris . Thomas Rhett Shines With 'What's Your Country Song' on Ellen . May 30, 2021 . . May 7, 2021 . May 31, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210531184456/https://thebulltucson.iheart.com/featured/chris-wmiy/content/2021-05-07-thomas-rhett-shines-with-whats-your-country-song-on-ellen/ . live.
  18. News: Daykin . James . Review & Interview: 'Country Again (Side A)' From Thomas Rhett Finds Him Thankful & Focusing on the Meaningful Things in Life . May 30, 2021 . Lyric Magazine . April 30, 2021 . May 5, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210505051515/https://www.lyricmagazine.co.uk/review-interview-country-again-side-a-from-thomas-rhett-finds-thankful-him-focusing-on-the-meaningful-things-in-life/ . live.
  19. News: Christy . Madeline . Single Review: Thomas Rhett – What's Your Country Song . May 31, 2021 . Off the Record . November 15, 2020 . November 21, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201121140824/https://www.offtherecorduk.com/whats-your-country-song-thomas-rhett-single-review/ . live.
  20. News: Crone . Madeline . Thomas Rhett Returns to His Roots with Upcoming 'Country Again: Side A' . June 16, 2021 . . March 5, 2021 . March 10, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210310124054/https://americansongwriter.com/thomas-rhett-returns-to-his-roots-with-upcoming-country-again-side-a/ . live.
  21. News: Oermann . Robert K . DISClaimer Single Reviews: Billy Ray Cyrus, Thomas Rhett, Shy Carter, Kameron Marlowe, Brittney Spencer . June 16, 2021 . . November 12, 2020 . November 25, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201125223248/https://musicrow.com/2020/11/disclaimer-single-reviews-billy-ray-cyrus-thomas-rhett-shy-carter-kameron-marlowe-brittney-spencer/ . live.
  22. News: Song of the Week . May 30, 2021 . . April 7, 2021 . April 8, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210408150334/http://www.szdaily.com/content/2021-04/07/content_24108785.htm . live.
  23. Asker . Jim . Thomas Rhett Has No. 1 'Country Song,' Tenille Arts and Mickey Guyton Hit New Highs . June 19, 2021 . Billboard . March 23, 2021 . May 24, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210524195746/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9544774/whats-your-country-song-tops-charts-thomas-rhett . live.
  24. News: Blount . Quentin . Thomas Rhett Explains New Single 'What's Your Country Song' in Pandora Video . May 30, 2021 . Outsider . November 13, 2020 . May 31, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210531184456/https://outsider.com/news/country-music/thomas-rhett-explains-new-single-whats-your-country-song-pandora-video/ . live.
  25. Hudak . Joseph . Watch Thomas Rhett Evoke 'Say Anything' in 'Crash and Burn' Video . May 31, 2021 . Rolling Stone . June 8, 2015 . October 24, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201024150340/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/watch-thomas-rhett-evoke-say-anything-in-crash-and-burn-video-184021/ . live.
  26. News: Anderson . Danielle . Thomas Rhett Shows His Romantic Side in Brand New Video for 'Die a Happy Man' . May 31, 2021 . . September 17, 2015 . February 28, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210228025732/https://people.com/country/thomas-rhetts-new-die-a-happy-man-video/ . live.
  27. Gage . Jeff . See Thomas Rhett's Poignant 'Marry Me' Video . May 31, 2021 . Rolling Stone . December 18, 2017 . March 1, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210301063929/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/see-thomas-rhetts-poignant-marry-me-video-128189/ . live.
  28. News: Craighill . Charles . Thomas Rhett Releases New Music Video 'What's Your Country Song' . May 30, 2021 . Outsider . November 14, 2020 . February 25, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210225050822/https://outsider.com/news/country-music/thomas-rhett-releases-new-music-video-whats-your-country-song/ . live.
  29. News: Thomas Rhett shares video for 'What's Your Country Song' . May 30, 2021 . . November 19, 2020 . December 5, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201205082740/https://lab.fm/genres/country/thomas-rhett-shares-video-for-whats-your-country-song/ . live.
  30. News: Goins . Brenlee . Cheer goes country . May 31, 2021 . The Blackman Voice . March 15, 2021 . April 8, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210408144712/https://blackmanvoice.net/2021/03/15/cheer-goes-country/ . live.
  31. News: Wilson . Matthew . Thomas Rhett Debuts 'What's Your Country Song' Single, Fans Go Wild . June 18, 2021 . Outsider . November 11, 2020 . June 3, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210603082223/https://outsider.com/news/country-music/thomas-rhett-debuts-whats-your-country-song-single-fans-go-wild/ . live.
  32. News: Shelburne . Craig . In a New Video, Thomas Rhett Asks, 'What's Your Country Song'? . May 31, 2021 . CMT News . November 16, 2020 . January 26, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210126121652/http://www.cmt.com/news/1827357/in-a-new-video-thomas-rhett-asks-whats-your-country-song/ . dead.
  33. Freeman . Jon . 2021 CMT Music Awards: The Complete Winners List . June 18, 2021 . Rolling Stone . June 9, 2021 . June 10, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210610134229/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/2021-cmt-music-awards-winners-1181101/ . live.
  34. Country Again: Side A. Thomas Rhett. 2021. CD booklet. VMCTR5001A. The Valory Music Co..
  35. Web site: Country Hot 50: Issue 1334. The Music Network. May 30, 2021. May 4, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210504183301/https://themusicnetwork.com/charts/issues/1334/chart/?list=Country-HOT-50. live.
  36. Thomas Rhett Chart History (Canadian Hot 100). Billboard. June 18, 2021. May 13, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210513121934/https://www.billboard.com/music/Thomas-Rhett/chart-history/CAN. live.
  37. Thomas Rhett Chart History (Canada Country). Billboard. June 18, 2021. May 16, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210516023227/https://www.billboard.com/music/Thomas-Rhett/chart-history/CCW. live.
  38. Thomas Rhett Chart History (Hot 100). Billboard. June 18, 2021. May 16, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210516032657/https://www.billboard.com/music/Thomas-Rhett/chart-history/HSI. live.
  39. Thomas Rhett Chart History (Country Airplay). Billboard. June 18, 2021. May 20, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210520125044/https://www.billboard.com/music/Thomas-Rhett/chart-history/CSA. live.
  40. Thomas Rhett Chart History (Hot Country Songs). Billboard. June 18, 2021. May 16, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210516023201/https://www.billboard.com/music/Thomas-Rhett/chart-history/CSI. live.
  41. Canadian Hot 100 – Year-End 2021. Billboard. December 3, 2021.
  42. Hot 100 Songs – Year-End 2021. Billboard. December 2, 2021.
  43. Country Airplay – Year-End 2021. Billboard. December 2, 2021.
  44. Hot Country Songs – Year-End 2021. Billboard. December 2, 2021.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "What's Your Country Song".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.