In January 2021, “Dangerous: The Double Album” was released into the mainstream modern country landscape. This album set a new standard for modern-day country music, as it broke numerous streaming records and helped solidify Wallen’s status as one of the genre’s biggest stars. Through a behemoth 30 song effort, Dangerous: The Double Album blends genres like country, pop, and hip-hop elements into the production as Wallen shows off his raspy vocal. However, with all of the continued success, is it still relevant in the country landscape. If you want to see how nostalgia has impacted our outlook on music, click here.
Aspect #1: Strengths in Songwriting
In our opinion, the strongest element within the album is its songwriting. With songwriters – such as Wallen, Ashley Gorley, ERNEST, Charlie Handsome, and HARDY – carefully crafts country anthems that showcases relatability and connection in its storytelling. With songs such as “Sand In My Boots,” “Somebody’s Problem,” and “More Surprised Than Me” highlight their songwriting capabilities, proving that Wallen has the ability to sing more personal songs, rather than just songs like “Up Down” or “Whiskey Glasses.” However, the prime example of this is the song “7 Summers.” Due to its laid-back, simple production and nostalgic lyrics, it can remind the listener of a place from years ago.
Aspect #2: Production of the Album
The one aspect of this album that can be inconsistent at times is the production, due to the melting pot that is the contemporary country production. Producer Joey Moi, who is known as being Nickelback’s producer, helps give the album a polished sound. Through this, it showcases the blending of electric guitars, hip-hop beats, and steel guitar that helps create a comparison between a more traditional country listener and a new listeners that likes the progressive country sound. For example, songs like “Neon Eyes” and “Warning” showcase the hip-hop influence, other songs like “Outlaw” and “Only Thing That’s Gone” showcase the traditional country sound. However, this has also caused a lack of identity with the album, as it does not feel consistent at points. Finally, it feels as if some of the tracks towards the back-end of the album could have been left off, as they do not do much for the album as a whole.
Highs and Lows of the Tracks
Due to the 30 song track list on the original album, there are bound to be some standout tracks within the album. “Sand In My Boots,” written by HARDY, Josh Osborne, and Ashley Gorley, this song discusses the fleeing of a summer love that got away, showing a missed chance with a girl on the beach. Next, is “More Surprised Than Me,” where Wallen performs about a woman who is out of his league, where it is recognized everywhere they go together. However, Wallen realizes there is no one more surprised than him that this happened. The third song I want to highlight is “7 Summers.” Through its nostalgia-driven lyrics, this is a song that will remind you of your past for three straight minutes.
Although, there are some terrible songs on here as well. “Beer Don’t” is just a party song that really serves no other purpose rather than to just have a good time. Other songs like “Somethin’ Country” and “Whatcha Think of Country Now” are two songs that are just standard filler that poorly blend the hip-hop influences. If the album had trimmed down about ten songs, it would have packed a stronger punch to its listeners.
Legacy and Impact
“Dangerous: The Double Album” was an album that has defined the 2020s in country music. It was an innovate way to successfully blend the traditional country sound with modern pop and hip-hop influences. It has continued to showcase Wallen’s ability to connect with a broad audience, from casual listeners of other genres to die-hard country listeners. While “Dangerous: The Double Album” has its flaws, the project has been a defining album of modern country music, and one that will be celebrated for years to come.
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