Review
Morgan Wallen's 'Stand Alone' takes us back to the early days of his country music journey. Released in 2015, this EP showcases Wallen's initial steps into songwriting and performing. Produced by Paul Trust, with contributions from Wallen himself and Sergio Sanchez, the album gives us a raw peek at the artist's budding talent. While it might not have the polished sound of his later work, tracks like 'Spin You Around' hint at the potential that would later blossom into full-fledged stardom.
The album's journey doesn't end there, though. A decade later, it was re-released with additional tracks from the original sessions, stirring up quite a bit of drama. Wallen wasn't too thrilled about this move, calling these early songs part of a "practice album" that he felt didn't quite hit the mark. It's a reminder of how artists evolve and sometimes outgrow their earlier work. Despite the controversy, 'Stand Alone' offers fans a unique opportunity to hear Wallen's artistic evolution firsthand, warts and all. - Alex
Artist Bio
Morgan Wallen is a country pop singer from Sneedville, Tennessee, who first gained national attention on season 6 of The Voice in 2014 before launching his recording career. He’s become one of country music’s biggest global stars since releasing his debut album If I Know Me in 2018, known for blending traditional country storytelling with modern production and cross-genre appeal. Wallen has achieved massive commercial success with albums like Dangerous: The Double Album (2021) and One Thing at a Time, both spending over 100 weeks in the Billboard 200 top 10, and his latest release I’m the Problem debuted at No. 1 in seven countries. He’s earned 18 No. 1 singles at country radio, 19 Billboard Music Awards, and holds multiple chart records, though his career has also been marked by controversies including a 2021 incident involving racial slurs. His sound sits alongside artists like Florida Georgia Line, Keith Whitley, and Eric Church, while recent collaborations with hip-hop artists like Lil Wayne and Rick Ross show his continued genre-bending approach.