Morgan Wallen Hits New Country Milestone in Australia

Morgan Wallen, the country music sensation, has achieved a remarkable milestone with his album I’m The Problem, which has retained its position at the top of the ARIA Albums Chart for three consecutive weeks. This impressive run marks a significant moment for Wallen, as it establishes his album as the longest-running No. 1 by a country artist in Australia in nearly a decade. The last artist to achieve a similar feat was Lee Kernaghan with Spirit of the Anzacs, which spent four weeks at the summit back in 2015.

Wallen’s success is nothing short of astonishing when placed in the broader context of country music history in Australia. The all-time record for the most weeks at No. 1 remains held by Shania Twain’s legendary album Come On Over, which dominated the charts for 20 non-consecutive weeks back in 1999. The significance of Wallen’s achievement is underscored by the challenges that country artists face in a predominantly pop-driven market. His ability to resonate with audiences reflects not only his talent but also the growing appreciation for country music in Australia.

In addition to his album success, Morgan Wallen is making strides on the ARIA Singles Chart as well. His song “What I Want,” featuring Canadian pop star Tate McRae, has debuted at No. 14 this week. This further solidifies Wallen’s influence in the music industry, showing that he is not just a one-dimensional artist but rather a versatile creator whose music appeals to a wide range of fans.

Speaking of guest appearances, Tate McRae has also found her place on the charts. She recently debuted at No. 5 with “Just Keep Watching,” a contribution to the soundtrack of the highly anticipated Brad Pitt-led movie about Formula 1 racing. Co-written by Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic, the track marks McRae’s 11th top 20 hit on the ARIA chart. Her ascent has been notable, especially as her highest-charting single to date, “Greedy,” peaked at No. 2 earlier in 2023.

In contrast, the charts are not solely dominated by newer artists. Taylor Swift is experiencing a resurgence as well, with her album Reputation leaping from No. 34 to No. 2 this week. This surge comes on the heels of significant news: Swift has officially secured the master rights to her first six albums. While she has re-recorded and released four of those albums—Fearless (Taylor’s Version), Red (Taylor’s Version), Speak Now (Taylor’s Version), and 1989 (Taylor’s Version)—the original Reputation, which previously spent two weeks at No. 1 in 2017, remains unreleased in its re-recorded form. Swift has also mentioned that she has completed “less than a quarter” of Reputation (Taylor’s Version), stirring excitement among her dedicated fanbase.

Adding to the excitement on the charts, Miley Cyrus has made her mark with the debut of her ninth studio album, Something Beautiful, which has entered at No. 4. This album is noteworthy as it marks her eighth entry into the top 20 in Australia. Cyrus has experienced significant chart success in the past, including three albums reaching No. 1 with Breakout (2008), Bangerz (2013), and Endless Summer Vacation (2023). Her dynamic career as an artist continues to evolve, keeping her fans engaged and anticipating her next move.

On the local front, the Australian indie rock band Cloud Control made a triumphant return to the ARIA Albums Chart. Their 2010 debut album, Bliss Release, has re-entered the charts at No. 19 following a surprise reunion after a seven-year hiatus. Originally, the album peaked at No. 20 and has earned the band critical acclaim as well as a devoted local following. Their highest-charting release, Dream Cave, reached No. 9 in 2013—signifying their impact in the Australian music scene.

Finally, it’s worth mentioning Alex Warren’s single “Ordinary,” which has remarkably held its spot at No. 1 on the ARIA Singles Chart for an impressive 11 weeks. This streak ties it with several chart-toppers in Australian history that have similarly remained at the top, including classics like Wings’ “Mull of Kintyre,” Bryan Adams’ “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You,” and more recent hits such as The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights.”

In conclusion, Morgan Wallen’s accomplishments on the ARIA charts, particularly with I’m The Problem and his rising singles, reflect the growing significance of country music both in Australia and globally. As more artists—like Tate McRae and Taylor Swift—also find their successes in diverse ways, the music landscape continues to diversify, offering a rich tapestry of sounds that resonate with varying audiences. With Wallen leading the charge, the country genre is poised to capture even more hearts in the coming years, bridging gaps between different musical styles and pushing boundaries in the industry.

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