Last week, Jason Aldean reigned over the Hot 100 charts with his single “Try That in a Small Town.” This country tune seized the coveted top spot from Jung Kook and Latto, emerging victorious after a closely-fought race the week prior. Yet, as the dust settles, it becomes evident that the song’s initial surge of success was short-lived, underscoring the fleeting nature of outrage-driven popularity.
In its third week gracing the Hot 100, “Try That in a Small Town” experienced a dramatic descent from its No. 1 peak to a relatively modest No. 21. This plummet is not merely conspicuous—it ranks among the most precipitous drops in the chart’s half-century-long history. Aldean now claims the sixth-largest tumble from the top position.
“Try That in a Small Town” was released in May, but its debut was far from explosive. Initially, the song garnered minimal traction on the Billboard charts, making only a modest appearance on some country-specific lists. The lackluster reception was not unexpected, but a little noteworthy given Aldean’s sustained prominence within the country music industry.
A remarkable turnaround was in store for “Try That in a Small Town,” it turns out. The song’s trajectory took a sharp upward turn with the unveiling of its accompanying music video and the ensuing discourse surrounding it. Various commentators and journalists found fault with the visual elements, deeming them more provocative than the song’s lyrics themselves, which are also eyebrow-raising.
Criticisms coalesced around the video’s imagery, with accusations ranging from subtle right-wing undertones to more serious insinuations of catering to racially biased sentiments. It was deemed offensive by many, and that’s what kickstarted this ascent to the top of the charts.
As discussions surrounding the song’s content gained momentum on social media, Aldean’s fanbase responded fervently. This reaction was further amplified by supporters whose political leanings trended towards the right, but who otherwise might not have bothered with a new song from the country musician.
“Try That in a Small Town” was promptly thrust into the heart of the ongoing culture wars, an unexpected participant in a broader ideological conversation. All this newfound attention propelled the song up the charts with remarkable speed.
The song almost immediately secured its standing as one of the best-selling tracks of 2023, driven by a surge in digital purchases in just a few days’ time. These robust sales figures enabled “Try That in a Small Town” to debut at No. 2 on the Hot 100. Persistent enthusiasm and continued support pushed the song to reach the peak, marking Aldean’s first No. 1 hit.
Yet, as the fervor and energy gradually dissipates and public discourse evolves, the song’s staying power waned. Despite maintaining a firm grip on the top spot on the Digital Song Sales chart, its presence on the Hot 100 has started to dwindle. Radio airplay and streaming numbers declined, and sales, though strong, were no longer sufficient to sustain its lofty chart position. The inevitable result was a sharp descent, a testament to the transitory nature of controversy-driven success.
Currently at No. 21, “Try That in a Small Town” faces an uncertain future on the Hot 100. Its trajectory underscores the limited duration of public engagement and the fickle nature of contemporary chart success, especially when it’s not based around the music itself.
While Aldean’s momentary ascent to the top was undeniably significant, his song’s rapid climb serves as a reminder that outrage alone is fleeting. The country star’s first No. 1 hit was undoubtedly propelled by controversy, yet its longevity proved elusive—a cautionary tale of the impermanence of fleeting fame.
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