New York (AP) – Morgan Warren acknowledges it’s a problem, and soon he will be yours.
Country megastar’s fourth studio album, “I’m The Problem,” is currently available wherever music is found, if not just yet. Taylor Swift. The collection features catchy tunes about whiskey and women, showcasing the essence that has made Warren such a captivating artist.
At 32, Warren’s remarkable popularity stems, at least in part, from the uniqueness of his style. His evolution from country roots to a more rock-infused sound reflects his artistic growth. Influenced by Bone Thugs-n-Harmony vocal techniques, you can hear this throughout dynamic tracks like “I’m The Problem,” “Interlude,” “Kiss of You,” and “What I Want,” featuring Gen-Z icon Tate McRae. This marks the first time he has collaborated with a female vocalist, blending traditional country duet vibes with his warm, robust vocal style.
The album may not be groundbreaking, but it does offer some surprises, like Bon Iver’s “smile.”
Warren also has a traditionalist streak. With tracks like “Falling Aigb,” he veers away from the usual narratives of cigarettes and hunting gear in “Skoal, Chevy, and Browning” ballads. Romantic? Most of his songs delve into themes of heartbreak and self-reflection, characterized by unique lyrics and a genuine approach that seeks familiarity for both dedicated listeners and country radio fans.
In total, “I’m The Problem” boasts 37 tracks spanning nearly two hours. While thorough, it may be taxing for some active listeners. Like his prior two albums, it breaks the 30-track barrier, maintaining a style that doesn’t stray too far from his earlier work, thus reinforcing his credibility by not fixing what isn’t broken. The album unfolds like an expansive road trip soundtrack, offering both ease and enjoyment as background music.
Apart from artistic expression, there are financial motives at play. Longer albums lead to increased streaming, which often reflects higher chart positions compared to downloads or purchases. It’s good business.
Despite controversies surrounding him, identification with his fan base suggests a fascination with the “bad boy” persona coupled with genuine talent. Warren has risen to become one of the top performers in the U.S., somewhat overlooked by mainstream music media that frequently marginalizes country music culture.
His controversies are well-documented. In 2020, he was arrested for public intoxication and disorderly conduct at Kidlock, a bar in downtown Nashville. In 2021, after a video surfaced showing him using a racial slur, he faced disqualification from several award shows and was notably absent from the Grammy nominations for his best-selling “Danger: Double Album.” He is currently on probation after pleading guilty to reckless endangerment related to an incident involving throwing chairs from a rooftop in Nashville, nearly injuring two police officers.
Nonetheless, his last album, “One Thing at a Time,” has achieved 7x platinum status according to the American Recording Industry Association. In 2023, it dominated the Billboard 100 for an impressive 16 weeks, accounting for over 30% of the year. It also returned to the top spot in 2024 for three additional weeks, surpassing Garth Brooks’ record for the longest-running No. 1 country album. In this light, Warren transcends mere superstardom within one genre and shines across multiple styles.
The theme of “I’m the Problem” resonates with greater depth from Warren’s personal struggles. Whether earned or otherwise, when he sings, it’s imbued with the insights of experience. He directly addresses the follies of his father’s past in “Superman,” a song penned for Wallen’s son, Indigo.
“I’m going to see my mug shot one day from a night when I was a little too drunk,” he begins the song. “Listen to the tales about the girls I’ve lost since I wasn’t growing up.”
Whether that growth has truly taken place remains uncertain. (Given the album’s themes of lingering pain and complicated relationships that seem central to his career narrative, growth appears unlikely.) However, if Warren is indeed singing a message for his son’s future, he is also reflecting his own journey, resonating with millions who are ready to join him on this ride.
Source: apnews.com