Digestly

Apr 2, 2025

My Biggest Regret

fantano - My Biggest Regret

Anthony Fantano expresses regret for not reviewing The Wiggles' new country album earlier, which he describes as a significant cultural event. The album, a surprising genre shift for The Wiggles, features authentic country music with a modern twist, including collaborations with artists like Dolly Parton. Fantano highlights the album's innovative tracks, such as a country pop EDM fusion and a reimagined version of Dolly Parton's '9 to 5.' He praises the album's ability to maintain authenticity while introducing fresh sounds, noting its impact on the country music scene and its potential to redefine expectations for the genre. Fantano humorously claims the album is superior to classic records and suggests it provides enough quality country music to last a decade.

Key Points:

  • The Wiggles released a groundbreaking country album, surprising fans with a genre shift.
  • The album features authentic country music with modern elements and collaborations, including Dolly Parton.
  • Fantano highlights innovative tracks like a country pop EDM fusion and a reimagined '9 to 5.'
  • The album is praised for its creativity and potential to redefine country music expectations.
  • Fantano humorously claims the album is superior to classic records and provides enough music for a decade.

Details:

1. 🎸 Personal Reflection on Missing a Major Album Review

  • Anthony Fantano expresses disappointment with himself for not reviewing a major album, acknowledging unrealistic expectations in his role as a music critic.
  • He admits to trying to keep up with all music releases but recognizes the limitation of being just one person.
  • He feels the pressure to cover everything, but concedes that it's inevitable some albums will be overlooked.

2. 📀 The Impact of The Wiggles' Groundbreaking Country Album

  • The album is considered one of the most significant releases of the past 10 years, marking a major 'cultural reset.'
  • The announcement of the album prompted artists like Beyonce and Post Malone to explore country music, leading to them releasing their own country records.
  • The album's production, instrumentation, and feature list received high praise for being detailed, rustic, and authentic to the country genre.
  • Rumors suggest established artists in the country genre are concerned about the album's impact on their careers.
  • The album's influence extends beyond music, impacting pop culture and setting new trends in genre crossover.

3. 🤠 The Wiggles' Genre Transformation and Star Collaborations

3.1. Genre Transformation

3.2. Star Collaborations

4. 🎶 Innovative Tracks and Cultural Reset in The Wiggles' Album

  • Dolly Parton and The Wiggles have a genuine friendship, which adds authenticity to their collaboration. The endorsement from Dolly Parton is a significant accolade, likened to being knighted by the queen.
  • The Wiggles' song 'Where the Cowboys' is praised for its pure country authenticity, making listeners feel the cowboy spirit genuinely.
  • The track 'Hats Boots Ride' showcases The Wiggles' versatility, successfully blending country snap beats, sequence grooves, and trap high hats, a sound often criticized in country music but executed well by The Wiggles.
  • The Wiggles creatively reimagined their classic hits like 'Rock-a-Bye Your Bear' and 'Big Red Car' into country versions, demonstrating their creativity and versatility.
  • The track 'Standing in Line' is noted for its beautiful musicality and relatable messaging about patience in a fast-paced world.

5. 🎵 Cultural Influence and Legacy of The Wiggles' Album

  • The album features OG member Anthony taking lead vocals on 'Cowboys and Cowgirls', showcasing gender inclusion.
  • 'We Pack the Ute and Go Camping' stands out with its camping anthem vibe and unique key change, setting it apart in the country genre.
  • Real-life chicken sounds are used in 'Here Come the Chicken', a practice not common in current country music.
  • 'Someone Left the Gate Open' presents an allegory reminiscent of 'Animal Farm', with a narrative encouraging liberation.
  • The album creatively engages with young audiences, addressing themes relatable to children as young as three.
  • The country version of 'Lukaracha' serves as an educational tool, reminding listeners of farm animal sounds.
  • Dolly Parton's collaboration on 'We Will Always Be Friends' provides a thematic callback to earlier in the album, reinforcing the theme of lasting friendship.
  • The album is extensive with 32 tracks, maintaining thematic consistency throughout, which is a challenge for many albums.

6. 🎤 Conclusion: The Wiggles' Album as a Musical Milestone

  • The album is rated as a '10 out of 10', surpassing legendary albums like 'Mad Villain' and 'Abby Road'.
  • It's considered superior to any country artist's work, including Johnny Cash and Garth Brooks' alter ego Chris Gaines' rock venture.
  • The reviewer humorously claims it provides all the country music needed for the next decade with its 30 songs, suggesting no new country music should be released until 2035.
  • The reviewer's regret for not reviewing the album earlier is expressed with hyperbolic self-deprecation, underscoring the album's perceived significance.
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