For Christmas, I asked my mom for any vinyl from Morgan Wallen. I have slowly been discovering his music and adding it to a playlist I put on while I’m cooking or cleaning.
I’ve enjoyed country music for years, but I’ve been hesitant to jump into Wallen’s archive, knowing his problematic past and, well, problematic present, too.
Regardless, my mom got me Wallen’s second studio album, “Dangerous: The Double Album,” from 2001. This album includes the singles “More Than My Hometown” and “7 Summers.”
A few weeks ago, I finished listening to the entire album, and I absolutely love it.
And then Wallen threw a chair off the roof of a bar on Broadway.
What are we supposed to do when the musicians (or actors, journalists, hosts, etc.) we love turn out to be not-so-great in other areas of life?
Dealing with problematic talent
This is a question I’ve grappled with many times as a John Mayer fan. It’s also something I’ve thought about with other musicians I like, including Kanye West, Michael Jackson, and Chris Brown. The list goes on.
Over the last several years, I’ve examined who and what I support through my time, money, listens, and social media likes.
To some, this may seem silly, but I don’t want my currency being spent on someone who isn’t putting good into the world.
Years ago, when the Chic-fil-A boycott was going strong, a coworker returned to the office carrying a bag of the stuff.
“You still eat there?” Someone asked her.
She said yes because if we only supported brands that aligned with our values, we would have nowhere to eat.
Um, no.
Sure, I think you may have to dig a little more to truly uncover the nuances, especially with big brands. But typically, when you shop small (as you should) or support an individual, you know what you’re getting into.
Unless, of course, they present themselves one way and then fly off the handle in an interview.
When it comes to problematic celebrities, I’ve noticed myself figuring out where I stand on the wrongdoing. Is it something I can get over?
For example, when John Mayer infamously described one of his girlfriends as “sexual napalm.” It was cringy, and he’s got issues, but I can get over it (after he apologized publicly and took a break from the media for years).
Trust me, I’m watching.
Other, more serious accusations and crimes are more likely to affect how I feel about someone in the long term.
I asked a similar question on a message board a few years ago, and most of the responses from folks said they didn’t think of celebrities this way. “It’s not that serious” was the general vibe.
I guess I’m just more serious! 🙂
Considering presentation and science
Truthfully, I think all people — no matter how famous — are complex and, generally speaking, are all dealing with various challenges behind the scenes.
After all, no one is perfect.
Years ago, I shared an office space with four other people and we would get into all sorts of debates. One of them was a theory about balance.
If you were REALLY great in one area of your life, it was this person’s belief that you had to lack severely in another area.
For example, a record-breaking star basketball player couldn’t possibly also be a perfect husband.
I’m currently reading Elon Musk’s biography, and in this case, the theory checks out. Being a mind-blowing innovator, sure, but a loving partner? Ehhh…
Knowing Wallen’s past (you can look at this giant list of problematic celebs and their charges, all linked) doesn’t make me want to shout from the rooftops that I like his songs, but can I get over his troublesome actions? Maybe.
Another factor I consider is how an artist presents themselves versus what they’re “really” like. It’s a little different if you are a goody-two-shoes on stage, but off-stage, it’s the opposite (I’m talking to you, Nick Carter).
When I heard about Wallen’s chair debacle, my first thought was: please see his lyrics to “Country A$$ Shit.”
‘Cause I just wanna do country-ass shit
With my country-ass friends
With my country-ass band
I mean, what are we expecting from him anyway? I’m kidding. Kind of.
In a lot of Wallen’s songs, he sings about romance and southern living. Your opinions on those likely hinge on what you think of the South. Is it manners and sweet tea or Trumpers and roadkill?
Ehh…
Morgan Wallen’s ‘Dangerous’ Album
But back to the music! I don’t want to dig in too deep here, but I really do love his double album. I’ve caught myself turning back to a few specific songs and have memorized where to put the needle so I can hear “7 Summers” on repeat.
I mean, do you ever hear songs that PERFECTLY encapsulate a moment of your life? That’s what this one does for me, and wow, it’s a sweet memory.
Other songs I really like are “Somebody’s Problem,” “865,” and “This Bar.” The album, in its entirety, is impressive.
As for my verdict on problematic artists, I think it depends on each situation and, of course, the understanding that two things can be true: great music and a problematic person.
So, are you secretly listening?
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