By: Lindsey D. Brown
I remember watching the Country Music Awards in 2010 and 2011. Chris Young, my favorite artist, was nominated for New Artist of the Year both years. As I waited for his category to come up, I watched him perform. But he was on the side stage. I was angry for him. He did an incredible job with the performance. He sang his song, “Voices” and he looked like he belonged up on stage. More well known artists got to perform on the main stage, and that was infuriating. Then, the moment of the award came. And it went to Zac Brown Band in 2010, and The Band Perry in 2011. I thought that was wrong. He is so talented, and does not get the recognition he deserves. The Band Perry is not on the radio anymore, and Zac Brown Band has not put a single out in a little while. However, Young is still releasing albums, and his singles are making it to number one on the music charts. So why is he still not winning awards? Young has only won a few awards. He has been nominated multiple times throughout his career, even for a Grammy, but he does not win. His music does really well on the radio, and most o his songs have reached number one. So why is it that he does not win awards?
I have been following Chris Young’s career from the very beginning, when won the music competition reality show Nashville Star back in 2006. His first single, “Drinkin’ Me Lonely” a song he co wrote with David Lee Murphy only made it to 43 on the country music charts. It was not until he released his sophomore album that he really got noticed on the main country music scene. His second single, “Gettin’ You Home (The Black Dress Song)” went number one, and from then on each of his singles reached number one. The only exception to his number one streak is a single from his third album, “Neon.” This song has a very traditional sound to it, partly because of the steel guitar in it.
The Artistry
I remember getting his first album, and really liking it. However, it did not get much airplay. Many artists do well with their first album, so why was he an exception? The album was more traditional country, and it was a time when country music was pulling away from the traditional sound. Young has never lost that traditional sound, but it is obvious his talent could not go ignored by country radio.
Young writes or co writes his own music, so he has a hand in all of his songs. This makes me have so much more respect for an artist, when they write their own music. I love when I find out an artist wrote my favorite song they have. It makes me connect with the artist on a deeper level. When it comes to Chris Young, I feel that with every one of his songs because he is always present in the lyrics. I find myself dissecting the lyrics to see which ones came from him specifically. The fans can feel that their music is more authentic because the artist had a hand in creating the lyrics.
Young’s voice is classically trained, like a Broadway star would be trained. So his vocal talent is very extensive. Young’s vocal quality is off the charts. He can go really high in his range, but he also has a really deep voice. This is a big part of the classically trained aspect of his voice. He uses all of that to his advantage in his music, and he will go up and down with the notes in a song, and it is absolutely perfect.
Young’s music has evolved over the years. His first three albums were more centered towards traditional country music. His more recent albums have gotten more recognition, by going platinum because of the evolution of his sound. The changes in country music have really caused a shift in what does well, and what does not do well. While his music has taken on a little more of a modern sound, it is still very country. He has never lost his country sound. I do not think he ever will. He once said in an interview for Taste of Country, “When I open my mouth, it’s pretty damn country,”
I have seen Chris Young in concert three times. And each time was better than the last. He has such a presence on stage, and he performs with such ease and obvious passion for his profession. His live version of his music is just as good as the studio version. He hits each note with such ease, and his love for music is palpable. Each concert he sings a song or two of one of heroes. Some artists will sing more of other artists songs at their concerts, than their own music. Young sings a few other songs than his own, but he makes sure to sing most of his singles in concert.
He is also a great guitarist and songwriter. As a person who has seen him in concert three times, I can attest that he is an even better entertainer. If he is not touring, he is in the studio. This musician pours everything he has into his music, and sharing it with people. Yet many people do not know who he is, and it drives me crazy.
When Image gets in the way of Talent
So then, if he’s so good musically, I started to wonder why he doesn’t win the awards. I think it has to do with his image. He is a very humble, family oriented guy. He loves football, and being a musician. He has party songs, but that is not all he is about. I think his image is the reason he does not get the recognition he deserves. Chris Stapleton has this southern rock vibe, and his super long beard adds to his vibe. Luke Bryan is adored by many women for wearing tight pants, and having a 100 watt smile. Jason Aldean has this bad boy vibe, and many women lust after him as well. Chris Young is more attractive than all of them put together if you ask me.
So why is this bad boy image more of a draw? Why is it not enough that he is an incredible singer? Why does the image have to come into play? The bad boy image is more relatable to the jaded world we live in. People do not relate to the good artist that does not have his name in the press all of the time.
He also has a really good image as a whole. His love life is never in the media. There was speculation that he broke up Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert’s marriage, which he and both of them denied. Damn fake news. Other than this situation, he does not let his love life get in the media. He takes his mom to the awards shows sometimes, and there is not a new girl on his arm every year. I believe when he does settle down with someone, that will be when people will know a little about his love life. Until then, I can keep hoping, just kidding, mostly.
Picture of Chris Young and I
I met Chris Young back in 2016, and it was on of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had. He called me darling and I almost died. We were only supposed to bring one thing for him to sign. But I brought two of his CD books, and I asked him to sign both, like the greedy fan that I am He said, “Of course”. And I died again. I remember noticing that even though he was humble, he had this air about him that made him seem like a truly good person.
The fact that Chris Young misses out on awards and being more of a household name because he is more reserved is very frustrating. He is so talented, and he should be treated as such.
Once a Fan girl, Always a Fan girl
Being Chris Young’s number one fan, I will watch every award show with bated breath, hoping one day he will get the recognition he deserves. Until then, my anger will not subside until he is recognized for the amazing talent that he is. My hopes for his recognition are still hopeful, and have not not faded as of yet. Chris Young has a long career ahead of him, and I intend to be there every step of the way.