In 2023, Jason Aldean released “Try That in a Small Town,” a country anthem meant to celebrate small-town unity. Within days, it became one of the most debated songs in the country.
The song’s message was simple: loyalty, protection, and the spirit of community. But when the music video premiered—featuring Jason singing in front of a courthouse where historic protests once occurred—it sparked accusations of racial undertones and glorifying violence.
Jason stood firm. “There’s nothing racist about the song,” he said during a Nashville show. “It’s about the sense of community I grew up with.” Supporters praised his honesty; critics accused him of insensitivity. The controversy only grew when CMT pulled the video from rotation.
What many forgot was the context: the courthouse in Columbia, Tennessee, is also where Jason had performed multiple charity shows. The choice wasn’t political—it was personal. He wanted to film where real stories happened, not Hollywood sets.
The backlash turned into a cultural moment. Fans flooded streaming platforms, pushing the song to No. 1 on iTunes and Billboard’s Hot Country Songs.
In retrospect, Jason admitted the experience hardened him—but also clarified his mission. “I’ll always sing about real life,” he told Billboard. “That’s the country I know.”