Jason Aldean's "Small Town" Legacy as a Southern Country Anthem

The Story Behind Jason Aldean's "Try That In A Small Town"

Jason Aldean's smash hit "Try That In A Small Town" off his 2010 album My Kinda Party has become an anthem for small town pride and values. With its driving beat and clever lyrics, Aldean captures the spirit and charm of living in a rural community.

The Song's Origins

"Try That In A Small Town" was written by songwriters Brice Long and John Rich, the latter of which is one-half of the popular country duo Big & Rich. According to interviews, the writers were inspired by the tight-knit nature of small towns and wanted to create an uptempo song that celebrated those roots.

In an interview, John Rich explained the concept behind the lyrics: "It's like, 'OK, go ahead and try that in a small town and see how far it gets.' You know, see what happens if you try to get away with something in a small town, where everybody already knows everybody anyway."

The song speaks to the values of trust, accountability, and reputation that are still prevalent in many rural communities today. It's a challenge to those with dubious intentions - don't try any funny business around here!

Why Jason Aldean Was the Perfect Fit

When Brice Long first played the demo for Jason Aldean, the Macon, Georgia native related immediately. Born and raised in the small town of Macon, Aldean has pride for his small town upbringing. His authenticity and Southern roots made him the ideal artist to record the song.

Aldean shared in an interview: "I heard the demo and I loved it because I could relate. I could see people really identifying with that one based on the hometowns and the cities that I go through on the road."

The song's themes resonated with Aldean as he thought about his own tight-knit community. From dirt roads to Friday night football games, "Try This In A Small Town" mirrored Aldean's own experiences growing up in the South.

Why the Song Connected with Fans

"Try This In A Small Town" became Aldean's ninth number one single, spending three weeks at the top of the charts. A big part of the song's success is how it celebrates the small town way of life.

The lyrics highlight the charms of rural living - fresh sweet tea, front porch sitting, and farmers tanned from working the land. It taps into the simple pleasures like leaving keys in unlocked cars and knowing everyone's name at the diner.

Aldean has a primarily Southern fanbase who could relate to the unique culture of small towns across the region. People felt pride hearing Aldean sing about the towns they knew and loved.

Beyond just Southern small towns, the song resonated with listeners from all rural communities. It praised the tight-knit bonds and traditional values that still exist in villages, farming towns, and rural hamlets across America.

The Song's Legacy

Over a decade after its release, "Try This In A Small Town" is still one of Jason Aldean's most beloved and well-known tunes. It remains a staple at his live shows, with fans singing along to every word.

The song has become something of an anthem for country music fans, especially those who live in rural areas. It's a source of pride and solidarity, bringing people together in celebration of the small town way of life.

Though Aldean has gone on to record many more hit songs, "Try This In A Small Town" has secured its spot among his classics. It continues to represent the authenticity and Southern roots that have defined his career.

Above all, the song's enduring popularity is a testament to the unique charm of small towns. Over a decade later, listeners still gravitate towards its central message - the belief that small communities have a certain values that outsiders shouldn't underestimate.

Key Elements of Jason Aldean's "Small Town" Sound

Jason Aldean's signature sound in songs like "Try This In A Small Town" has helped define his success as a contemporary country artist. Here are some of the key elements that make up his distinctive small town style:

Southern Rock Guitar Riffs

One hallmark of Aldean's music is the hard-rocking guitar riffs inspired by Southern rock bands. The intro guitar lick in "Small Town" instantly sets the tone, from the first note.

These driving guitar parts give Aldean's songs an edgy, arena rock feel while staying rooted in country lyricism. They allow him to straddle the line between pop-country and something a bit more rugged.

Rough-Edged Vocals

Aldean's vocal style is raw and raspy, evoking the grit of Southern rock singers. He doesn't have the sweet, smooth delivery of other male country stars.

Instead, the roughness of his voice pairs nicely with the overdriven guitars and bold lyrics. It gives his performance a down-to-earth authenticity that fans connect with.

Storytelling Lyrics

Even with a hard-charging rock sound, Aldean keeps his songs firmly grounded in country storytelling. Songs like "Small Town" spin descriptive tales of Southern living, touching on specific images and traditions.

Details like "back roads," "front porch sitting," and "farmer's tans" create a rich sense of place. His songwriting incorporates just enough specifics to make the stories believable.

Strong Hooks

Finally, Aldean and his collaborators pepper their songs with catchy hooks designed for radio and live shows. The chorus of "Small Town" is simple but immediately memorable:

"You can take 'em out of the country
But you can't take the country out of them"

Stacked harmonies and a shameless reference to Alabama make the chorus totally irresistible for country fans.

The Appeal of Jason Aldean's Brand of Country Music

Jason Aldean has enjoyed one of the most successful careers in modern country music, with over 20 number one hits. What is it about his style that resonates so strongly with listeners? Here are a few reasons why fans can't get enough of Aldean's country sound:

His Authenticity

Aldean comes across as completely genuine and comfortable in his own skin. He stays true to his Southern country roots rather than chasing crossover pop trends.

His songs feel like authentic reflections of his life and upbringing. He's able to win over both hardcore country fans and more casual listeners.

His Rebel Edge

With his rough vocals and hard-rocking guitars, Aldean injects a bit of rebel attitude into his music. He's willing to push boundaries and blend genres like country with Southern rock.

Fans respond to this edgier side of Aldean, which comes through in his lyrics and overall style. He infuses traditional country themes with a dose of rockstar swagger.

His Relatability

Listeners are able to see themselves in Aldean's music, which focuses on real-life topics. Songs like "Dirt Road Anthem" and "Fly Over States" touch on coming-of-age, family, and small town living.

By tapping into experiences and places people recognize, Aldean creates an emotional connection with his fans. His songs feel like they're speaking directly to the listener's own life.

His High-Energy Shows

Aldean is known for putting on an epic live show, bringing his big sound to packed arenas. He plays his hits with an amplified energy that gets crowds on their feet.

Fans come away feeling like they've been part of a massive experience, bonding over Aldean's music. His popularity as a live performer enhances his overall brand.

Jason Aldean has made his mark on country music by staying true to who he is as an artist. His unique mix of Southern country attitude and rock star style continues to thrill old and new fans alike.

Jason Aldean's Influence on the Country Music Scene

Over his nearly two-decade career, Jason Aldean has become one of country music's most influential artists. Here's a look at how he has impacted the genre's landscape:

Pushing the Boundaries of Country

Aldean is credited with broadening the sound of modern country by seamlessly blending hard-rock influences. His smash hit 2009 album "Wide Open" featured electric guitar solos and showcased a rougher, amplified sound.

This evolved country-rock approach helped open the door for acts like Brantley Gilbert and Florida Georgia Line who also fuse country themes with rock delivery.

Carrying on the Outlaw Spirit

While not overtly rebelling like the original Outlaw Country stars, Aldean carries on their attitude of bucking trends and forging his own path. He helped spur a return to authenticity in country music.

His style keeps the genre firmly rooted in its history rather than chasing pop fads. Aldean showed the power of sticking to what makes country music great when done well.

Representing the New South

Like Brad Paisley before him, Aldean expanded country music's perspective by singing about a more modern South. His songs move beyond old stereotypes to show a region that's diverse and evolving.

Tracks like "Amarillo Sky" and "Fly Over States" highlight the hard-working heartland. Aldean reflects the experiences of rural America today, not just a romanticized past.

Taking Country to the Masses

With stadium headlining shows and multiple chart-topping hits, Aldean has done his part to bring country music to huge mainstream audiences. He has one of music's most loyal fan bases.

Aldean's brand of country rocks hard enough to attract rock and pop fans in addition to country listeners. This widens the genre's popularity beyond its traditional Southern base.

Though his sound is decidedly country, Jason Aldean has left an indelible mark on today's musical landscape. By staying true to his roots while evolving the genre, he has changed country music for the better.

Behind the Lyrics of "Small Town"

Let's take a closer look at some of the key lyrics that make Jason Aldean's "Small Town" such an impactful song.

"The Blacktop, The Backroads"

Right from the start, the lyrics tap into quintessential rural images. Mentioning "the blacktop" and "backroads" immediately conjures up sensations of driving through the country.

"Sweet Tea, Front Porch Sittin'"

These Southern traditions paint a vivid picture of kicking back and relaxing in a rural community. It's the kind of laidback lifestyle that big cities lack.

"Farmer's Tans, Faded Shirts"

Here we get echoes of hard-working, salt-of-the-earth people who make up the backbone of small towns. It's real people going about their lives.

"My Truck, My Girl, My Radio"

In this line we get a sense of innocence and simplicity - enjoying the basic pleasures that come with living in a rural place.

"You Can Take 'Em Out of the Country"

This hook touches on the unshakeable identity that comes from being raised in the country. At heart, small town and rural folk will always have those roots.

By incorporating these highly specific details into the lyrics, the songwriters effectively capture the feeling of living in Middle America. Aldean brings these words to life with his gritty, authentic delivery. Overall, "Small Town" just has a way of resonating with country folk.

The Enduring Appeal of Small Town Anthems

"Small Town" is just one of countless country songs that celebrate rural living and close-knit communities. What makes these small town anthems so appealing and timeless?

Nostalgia for Simpler Times

For some listeners, small town songs hearken back to a more innocent era before technology took over. Life seemed a little slower, friendlier, and more wholesome in those days.

Longing for Community

In an increasingly isolated digital world, the idea of people knowing and looking out for each other holds major appeal. Small town songs evoke a sense of belonging.

Pride in Roots

Rural listeners feel validated hearing singers proudly represent their way of life. Small town pride still runs deep for millions of Americans.

Country Lifestyle Appeal

Urbanites romanticize the perceived charms of rural living - open spaces, fresh air, no traffic jams. Small town songs let listeners envision an idyllic alternative.

In chaotic times, the small town ethos portrayed in country music feels comforting. Simple treasures like faith, family, and community never lose relevance. As long as those truths hold meaning, nostalgic odes to small town living will continue touching listeners' hearts.

The Remix Within

Though the original studio version of "Small Town" remains a signature Jason Aldean tune, he has found creative ways to reinvent the song in live performances. By adding new musical and lyrical elements, Aldean is able to give even his most seasoned fans an unexpected twist on a familiar track.

On his 2019 Ride All Night Tour, Aldean performed a reloaded take on "Small Town" blending in parts of Journey's 1981 rock anthem "Don't Stop Believin'." The mashup worked surprisingly well, with Journey's chord progression aligning seamlessly with the verses of Aldean's country hit.

Aldean's band added driving electric guitar fills between the lyrics, amping up the energy even beyond the original recording. The singer also ad-libbed a reference to Journey's "streetlight people," personalizing the rendition further.

Blending in bits of a classic rock staple opens "Small Town" up to new audiences less familiar with country music. It also shows Aldean's willingness to take risks and test the boundaries of a song fans know by heart.

These unexpected live remixes inject new life into existing material. When done well, they offer fans a creative reimagining of a favorite hit. Aldean combines his country roots with an arena rocker spirit in reinventing "Small Town" on stage.

It stays true to the vibe of the original while revealing new angles on a tried-and-true anthem. That keeps the song sounding fresh even after more than a decade on the setlist.

The Song's Relevance Today

Though released back in 2010, "Small Town" remains deeply relevant in today's world. If anything, its themes resonate now more than ever.

After years of increasing urbanization, the COVID-19 pandemic spurred new interest in rural living. With remote work options, many Americans sought out small towns for more space and lower costs of living.

On a societal level, the divisions between urban and rural populations have continued growing. "Small Town" provides a unifying anthem celebrating shared values.

Lines like "you can take the boy out of the country but you can't take the country out of the boy" ring true for the millions who grew up in rural communities. That identity and pride remain ingrained.

With its upbeat sound blending rock influences, "Small Town" also still feels sonically current. Aldean's production is oriented more toward arenas than honky-tonks.

With lyrics praising timeless small town virtues and an energizing musical approach, Jason Aldean's "Small Town" holds up wonderfully. It promises to remain a staple at country concerts for years to come.

FAQs

Who wrote "Small Town"?

"Small Town" was written by songwriters Brice Long and John Rich of the country duo Big & Rich.

What album is "Small Town" on?

"Small Town" appears on Jason Aldean's 2010 album My Kinda Party, his fifth studio album.

What inspired the lyrics of "Small Town"?

According to John Rich, the songwriters wanted to celebrate the tight-knit nature of small towns. The lyrics highlight the charms and values of living in a rural community.

How did "Small Town" perform on the charts?

"Small Town" reached #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, where it stayed for three weeks. It was certified 2x Platinum by the RIAA.

Why does "Small Town" still resonate today?

The song's themes of small town pride and rural values remain relevant today. Its mix of country lyrics and rock sound also still feel fresh and modern.