Chart Rewind: In 2011, Jason Aldean Added Another No. 1 ‘Anthem’
Categoria: Musica
The singer’s sixth Hot Country Songs summit visit reaffirmed his risk-taking swagger.
Por Billboard | 30/07/2026
When Broken Bow released Jason Aldean ’s “Dirt Road Anthem” to country radio in 2011, the label took some flack from naysayers who thought that the recitation in the verses wouldn’t work. Related Jason Aldean Reflects on His Journey to Billboard Chart-Topping Success | Billboard Chart History Jason Aldean’s ‘Songs About Us’: Every Track Ranked More to ‘Tell’: Jason Aldean Notches His Newest Multiweek Country Airplay No. 1 When it rose to No. 1 on Billboard ’s Hot Country Songs chart dated July 30, 2011, it supported Aldean’s predilection for pushing boundaries, becoming the sixth of his 10 singles to that point to reach the top. To date, Aldean has notched 10 leaders on the list and 27 No. 1s on Country Airplay, through “Don’t Tell on Me” earlier in July . Aldean wasn’t taking as big a chance as some critics might have believed. He saw fans singing every word of the song when Colt Ford performed it during a tour in 2009. Ford had included it on his debut album, 2008’s Ride Through the Country , after writing “Dirt Road” with Brantley Gilbert at Gilbert’s Georgia home. Brantley fashioned most of the rock-leaning chorus, while Ford led the work on the rap-influenced verses, celebrating edgy backwoods lifestyles while cautioning the listener to “watch out for the boys in blue.” Produced by Michael Knox (Trace Adkins, Montgomery Gentry), “Dirt Road” further expanded Aldean’s stylistic imprint. He’d explored centrist country in “Amarillo Sky,” used metal sonics in “She’s Country” and enlisted Kelly Clarkson on the pop-flavored ballad “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” establishing an enviable flexibility for his sound. Aldean’s version of “Dirt Road” was certified quadruple-Platinum by the RIAA, while Ford’s collaboration with Brantley went Gold. It has appeared on Ford’s Country , Aldean’s My Kinda Party and Gilbert’s Halfway to Heaven . It’s also on Aldean’s 30 Number One Hits , released last October.