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Morgan Wallenhas recently etched his name in country music history. His album “One Thing at a Time” defied expectations, spending a staggering152 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart.
This reign is undeniably impressive, but one artist still holds the crown for the most No. 1 weeks: the legendary Garth Brooks, with a whopping 173 weeks at the top.
Despite Wallen’s remarkable achievements, the gap between them highlights Brooks’s enduring power and the ever-evolving landscape of country music.
Let’s explore this difference in more detail!
Morgan Wallen’s Meteoric Rise
Morgan Wallen’s ascent to country music stardom has been nothing short of meteoric.
While his name may not have been widely recognized just a few years ago, Wallen has quickly become a force to be reckoned with.
His journey began with a taste of reality TV on “The Voice” in 2014. Though eliminated during the playoffs, his raw talent caught the industry’s attention.
In 2014, a 20-year old Morgan Wallen made his debut on The Voice. He was eventually eliminated in the playoffs.
Signed to Big Loud Records, Wallen released his debut album “If I Know Me” in 2018.
The album showcased his soulful vocals and knack for catchy songwriting, with hits like “Whiskey Glasses” and “Chasin’ You” resonating with audiences.
However, Wallen’s recent success can be attributed to several key factors. He’s skillfully blurred the lines between traditional country and contemporary pop, creating a sound that appeals to a wider audience.
His songwriting delves into relatable themes like heartbreak,resilience, and everyday struggles, connecting deeply with listeners.
This strategy culminated in the release of “Dangerous: The Double Album” in 2021.
According to FINAL predictions, despite being 3 years old,@MorganWallen’s “Dangerous: The Double Album” is expected to be the second highest charting country album on Billboard 200 (at #7), only behind his own “One Thing At A Time” and surpassing “Cowboy Carter” by Beyonce.pic.twitter.com/x9CZrzJSgE
The project defied expectations, shattering records by spending a phenomenal 97 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.
It solidified Wallen’s place as a major player in the industry and set the stage for his next chart-topping feat with “One Thing at a Time.”
“One Thing at a Time”: A Chart-Topping Juggernaut
Morgan Wallen’s “One Thing at a Time” wasn’t just another album release; it was a strategic phenomenon that redefined chart success.
The album defied the traditional approach, opting to unleash all36 tracksat once in March 2023.
This bold move proved to be a masterstroke, maximizing streaming numbers and guaranteeing an immediate and overwhelming chart presence.
The strategy wasn’t just about quantity; quality also played a crucial role. Singles like “Last Night” became runaway hits, topping theBillboard Hot 100 for 16 weeksand setting the tone for the album’s success.
Each track offered something unique, catering to a diverse range of listeners and keeping the album fresh and engaging throughout its record-breaking 152-week run at No. 1.
Further cementing its dominance, “One Thing at a Time” achieved an unprecedented feat: simultaneously,all 36 tracks charted on the Billboard Hot 100.
This broke records and solidified the album’s status as a cultural phenomenon transcending country music’s boundaries.
But has he really surpassed every artist on the country chart? Not really.
Long before Morgan Wallen dominated the charts,Garth Brooksestablished himself as a country music titan.
His influence on the genre is undeniable, and his legacy inspires generations of artists. Brooks’ journey began in the 1980s, but he burst onto the scene in the 1990s.
Brooks captivated audiences with his infectious energy and a sound that blendedtraditional countrywith pop sensibilities.
He wasn’t just a singer but a performer, bringing an electrifying energy to his live shows that filled arenas across the nation.
This groundbreaking approach to live performances redefined the image of country music superstars.
However, Brooks’ success wasn’t solely based on showmanship. He consistently delivered high-quality music, churning out hit after hit that resonated deeply with fans.
From the soulful ballad “The Dance” to the anthemic “Friends in Low Places,” his music connected with audiences personally, forging a strong bond that continues today.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Brooks’ career is his adaptability. He has consistently evolved his sound and image without sacrificing the core values of country music.
Garth Brooks remains a towering figure in the genre, and his influence on Morgan Wallen and countless others is undeniable.
Comparing Achievements of the Two Dominant Names
Morgan Wallen’s chart-topping reign with “One Thing at a Time” is undeniably impressive, but comparing it with Garth Brooks’ long-standing dominance is important.
Their achievements reflect the evolving landscape ofcountry musicand the impact of changing media consumption habits.
While Wallen’s success is condensed into a recent surge, Brooks’ reign spans decades.
Legends likeJohnny Cash, Buck Owens, andGeorge Straitall dominated the charts for extended periods in their respective eras.
However, the landscape has shifted significantly with the rise of streaming services.
Wallen’s strategic use of streaming platforms, maximizing play through a massive 36-track release, likely played a significant role in his extended chart presence.
Despite these differences, Brooks’ total weeks at No. 1 remain unmatched. This speaks to the enduring power of his music and live performances.
Rank
Artist
Total Weeks at No. 1
First Week at No. 1
Most Recent Week at No. 1
Longest-running No. 1 Album
Weeks at No. 1
1
Garth Brooks
173
Oct. 13, 1990
Dec. 23, 2017
No Fences
41
2
Morgan Wallen
152
Aug. 15, 2020
June 29, 2024
Dangerous: The Double Album
97
3
Alabama
125
May 23, 1981
Nov. 11, 2006
Feels So Right & Mountain Music
28
4
Willie Nelson
107
Oct. 4, 1975
May 20, 2017
Always on My Mind
22
5
Taylor Swift
101
Aug. 4, 2007
July 29, 2023
Fearless
35
6
Kenny Rogers
99
May 21, 1977
April 4, 2020
Kenny
25
7
Shania Twain
97
July 22, 1995
Oct. 21, 2017
Come on Over
50
8
Luke Combs
89
June 24, 2017
July 9, 2022
This One’s for You
50
9
Charley Pride
85
May 18, 1968
May 17, 1980
Charley Pride Sings Heart Songs & The Best of Charley Pride, Volume 2
16
10
Randy Travis
80
Aug. 9, 1986
Nov. 24, 1990
Always & Forever
43
Top 10 artists, their total weeks at No. 1, first and most recent week at No. 1
Wallen, however, is still young in his career. His talent, adaptability, and ability to leverage new technologies give him the potential to challengeBrooks’ recordin the future.
Ultimately, both artists represent different eras of country music excellence, leaving their unique marks on the genre’s history.
Check out “Last Night” from Wallen’s hit album!
Last Night by Morgan Wallen
Conclusion
Wallen’s album “One Thing at a Time” spent 152 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, marking a significant achievement in country music.
Garth Brooks remains the record holder with 173 weeks at No. 1, showcasing his long-lasting impact and dominance in the genre.
Wallen’s success highlights the role of streaming platforms in modern music consumption, allowing artists to achieve unprecedented chart success through strategic releases.
The evolution of media and music distribution has shifted how artists reach audiences, with streaming playing a crucial role in contemporary chart achievements.
Both Wallen and Brooks have connected deeply with fans through relatable themes and high-quality music, demonstrating the timeless appeal of country music.
Wallen’s ongoing career and ability to adapt to new technologies suggest that he may continue to break records and challenge Brooks’ long-standing achievements.
Wallen and Brooks represent distinct eras in country music, each leaving an indelible mark on the genre and inspiring future generations of artists.
Last Updated: June 25, 2024
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