What is Walker Hayes Trying to Say?
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- čas přidán 19. 06. 2024
- Country music's most polarizing current character is Walker Hayes, the man behind "Fancy Like," yeah, that song about Applebees that people either love or love-to-hate. Longtime viewers know I've talked about Walker so many times over the years, but I wanted to challenge myself to dive a little deeper, and honestly, the exploration took me for a ride. I really like this video, and getting to see the layers of a man I'd never fully SEEN, and observing the talent of someone whose music I don't even especially like. A weird feeling! But a good one.
00:00 The Polarizing Nature of Walker Hayes
03:01 - Walker's debut album & 'Pants'
04:23 - Scraping by and a Duggar engagement
05:21 - 'You Broke Up With Me' & failed follow-ups
06:56 - 'Fancy Like' and the 'Country Stuff' era
08:50 - The Moment it Clicked for Me
10:51 - Surprising Insecurity of Stand-Ups & Artists
13:26 - A treasure trove of good lyrics
15:43 - A critical word
16:36 - Walker Hayes' relentless drive
17:57 - Where does he go from here?
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This video was a true labor of love. I spent two weeks diving into the brain of Walker Hayes, and honestly, there's a lot about him I didn't expect, and I'm glad I challenged myself to dig deeper. I hope you enjoy this one!
Grady look up Honor “Never A Bad Day To Fish”! People really love it.
What are you thoughts on his song "Halloween" ft. Nicolle Galyon?
Another great video article! Thank you, Grady!! 😁
Did you survive solely on a diet of Applebee’s?
I just started LISTENING TO Walker Hayes 3 months ago & I couldn't Stop until I listened to every song I could find after I heard Briefcase❣️ Which is my FAVORITE ❣️💯♥️ My Daddy LOVED REAL COUNTRY & Gospel Music. Merle Haggard Cash Marty Robbins Lefty Frizell Ray Price George Jones Gene Watson Porter Wagoner Charley Rich & Charley Pride Tom T Hall Vern Godsin & a few more. My Daddy worked so hard with a day job Welding steel bridges & commercial buildings & anytime he could he opened his 1957 Gibson J200 Guitar Case & played & sang Country Music. His favorite singer became his friend Marty Robbins over their Love of Fast Cars & Nascar & he invited him to Huntsville Motor Speedway that our Family leased and& worked at every Thursday night in the 70s & Fri. nights in 80s. At 13 I worked a concession stand window my brother walked up & down grandstand steps selling popcorn cokes candy corn dogs. We left home right after School & didn't get home until 1am & races were over track bathrooms stands & concessions stand was clean for next week. We made 20.00 bucks a night plus a few tips. Daddy drove the pace car & booked special guests like Marty Robbins Bobby & Donnie Allison Darnell Waldrip Red Farmer Neil Bonnet & other famous Nascar drivers. Buford Pusser from Movie Walking Tall Evil Kinevel & other entertainment including himself playing & singing. His dream & passion was playing Guitar banjo piano Singing Country & Gospel Songs & writing songs. He had that same drive & burning desire that Walker Hayes has❣️ He Loved fast cars & Nascar.& his Family & friends. He had 7 sisters 3 brothers & we all worked at HSV. Motor Speedway❣️ Marty Robbins come to the track often. I have many pics of Daddy & Marty in the pace car & his #777 purple & gold race car. Marty invited Daddy as his Guest on The Grand Ole Opry & he got to sing a few times on the Opry which was his dream. He played at Honky Tonks & private Gigs all over & he decided he wanted to do a Country Music Show on at Local Cable Company on a local channel.after we got out the Racetrack. He knew everyone in Huntsville, Alabama & many others from Nascar to Country Music that he got to Sponsor his local Country Music Show kind of like He Haw❣️🥰He Loved that show & The Porter Wagoner Show. He was friends with Porter & went on his show & bus with him. His Show was Called Moody Knight & The Knight Hawks. He had a live Audience a call in request line & a guest singer every show. He quit his Job & did his Show for 5 years & still played at Clubs & Square Dance's. He bought a new Winnebago RV motor Home that we went to Daytona500 & Firecracker 400 every year & on many summer vacations on. If he got low on cash he would open up that Guitar Case on Daytona Beach & sing for tips then at night he'd sing for tips at the Speedway Campgrounds. We would stay a week in Daytona in July then go to Disneyland & stop in Panama City Beach for another week on the way home. The RV slept 13 easy it was always full of family & Friends. Several other families would follow us in their RV. It was always so much FUN❣️He would sing & hundreds of people would gather round a fire & listen & some would play & sing with him. His Guitar case was Always full of money when he quit playing ,& singing. He made the Decision to not keep chasing the Nashville Dream & Record Deals. He Loved his Family & home to much to be away from us & Mother didn't want him to move us to Nashville. He bought a neighborhood grocery & beer store in 1980s in Huntsville, Al called Moody's Grocery & Beverage & we still own the Building & house behind It. We lost Daddy to a massive Heart attack 25 years ago & our Loving Mother in 2018. Walker Hayes reminds me of my Daddy so much. He joined the Air Force at 18 & was stationed in Japan & he played & sang then. He Won The Talent Show on Ed Sullivan Show when he was 20 in the Air Force I still have his Trophy🏆 & a Metal that he Won. He had a Beautiful Voice & could sing just like Marty Robbins & change his voice to sing like Haggard Cash Jones & any Country & Gospel Singer. He was a Great Dad & Entertainer & a Legend to many friends & people. ❣️♥️🥰❤️
In a time where it’s so easy to hate other people and lose sight of humanity, this deep dive was like passing an olive branch to those we may not always see eye to eye with. Great work Grady!
A good reminder that no person is just one thing and everyone deserves someone who cares enough to do a deep dive. We all hope that there is someone out there that takes the time to truly see the whole person.
Great video. I think Walker Hayes is the rare artist who played the game, lost, and continued to play it until he started winning. When you've got a wife and kids, all you care about is being able to provide. And now he's able to do that.
"deep dive" ..... uhgggg
I love Walker and believe he fits into today’s country. His love for family and down to earth is attracting.
I love walker Hayes and his openness when speaking about his love for his wife/family to sobriety.
This exactly, as some one who struggles with soberity "I wish I could drink" hits things on the fucking head
Then he should go somewhere else
@@sharonricci8009 lmao!
@@sharonricci8009 with all the "different music" that is now country, you can't possibly say this just about Walker Hayes. 90% of what is on "country radio" isn't country. Walker's songs are silly, rappy, good beat, feel good, dance music. With what is going on in the world, hey, why not? At least he isn't dropping F bombs, etc. Would that be better for you?
@@sheilawatson3886 I don't like rap no matter who sings it. Just my opinion
I'm a huge Walker Hayes fan! Every interview I've seen him in he comes across so laid back and real. And his songs are so relatable! He did an interview about his latest album and said that he didn't necessarily want this album to have a theme. He likes the fact that each song is different and gives people a glimpse into the various things he thinks about, deals with, etc.
He just puts it all out there… I love that he brings his family into his work. I LOVED the vibe of You Broke Up with Me. He comes off like a dad enjoying his family. He has fun and not afraid to be silly. That makes him extremely likable… ok lovable. Easy on the eyes is a plus!
Walker Hayes is authentic. He is sincerely trying to be a good dad and father. He is open about his struggles and his faith. He knows how to have fun with his family and meet them where they are. He is an inspiration and encouragement to me!
Great video. My family and I have been huge fans of Walker’s for years. He’s a good dude. We went to our first Walker Hayes concert last week. We’ve been to tons of country concerts of all types and his show was easily in the top 3. He writes much of his own songs and we consider him to be a lyrical genius. I wish more people would listen to all of his deep cuts, as you have here and put the full picture together. When I decided to watch this video, I was initially defensive, but you did him well. People say to me, “oh, he’s the Fancy Like guy” or “oh, the Applebees guy?!” I suppose, but he’s got so much more really great music. There’s so much more to Walker Hayes.
Your best work yet - "curious not critical" needs to be on a t-shirt.
Funny how promoting a personality trait makes good merchandise. It'll be interesting to encounter ppl wearing that stuff. Shirts like that can become a great cover for very hostile ppl to thinly veil their criticism. Yet,for those that are generally curious it actually brings them out,too.
Even though AA doesn’t sound country, the song is so damn catchy
Walker has become big because his songs are about being human and are relatable by a large audience. He takes life with a sense of humor and writes that into his songs. He has his daughter to choreograph the dances which also appeals to the TicToc crowd. His family commitment and their inclusion in his fame adds to his popularity with mothers... Smart marketing. He has thrown things against the wall for years to see what would stick, and he finally figured it out. Kudos to him. He has earned his place in the music industry.
Maybe he's just trying to find his way like the rest of us. Thanks for walking us through it. I really enjoy him. Certainly we're living in a time where a feel-good song brings temporary relief and a smile and that's a lot.
Walker's lyrics are real, raw and amazing. His music is wonderful, and kudos to him for never giving up. Love seeing his videos with his family. He's a real family man that got lost along the way, but has found his way back and is launching into stardom.
He portrays a real man, happy with life even if it's not always easy. He fought for his dreams, trying so many different approaches that people have issues with because it wasn't their choice for him.
I am one of those people who have followed Walker since the "Pants" days. I think you got the nail on the head with most all of your points Grady. I don't love all his music...but I love his story, his family, and the fact he's never given up.
Loved the deep dive and any reference to ratatouille or legally blonde is gold tier. It’s funny how country is so divided on true country, country pop etc because a lot of people who don’t listen to any of it would lump it altogether. I love a lot of different genres and people who make cheesy pop work hard to, respect should be given. Walker in particular ain’t my cup of tea but I wouldn’t turn up my nose at his work or disrespect his efforts. It’s takes courage to put your work out there.
I first discovered Walker Hayes with “Don’t Let Her.” I thought it was so unique and deep. After this video, I’m thinking I’ll have to check out more of his lesser known stuff.
craig is also a different side of him.
Yes You should definitely Check out All of Walker's Music. I didn't stop once I found him through Levi Hummon❣️♥️🥰 I Love his older music. He writes most All his Songs & most have deep meaning to them❣️♥️🥰
@@jenniwilliams3295 I LOVE Craig Lela's Stars a/b his Daughter Briefcase & all the songs he wrote a/b his children & wife❣️♥️🥰
Yes you should his music is Great ❣️♥️🥰
@@jenniwilliams3295 his best song!!!
I see Walker as a very interesting character in country music because, like you said he hasn’t really settled on a “meta-narrative “. However, his lyrics mostly seem relatable especially early on in his career. He’s a guy who understands what struggle and failure is. He understands what broke is. Look back at songs like Dollar Store which is almost like a part one to Fancy Like. I think that while his songs come off as poppy and fake, overall his lyrics reflect his story and the story of a lot of people who are just trying to get by.
People are complicated. Good for him for making a way to provide for his family and enjoying what he does. Some people clearly enjoy what he does and just because I don't doesn't make them wrong. Great deep dive Grady
Grady, this is one of my favorite videos of yours ever. I am guilty of just thinking he was just a douchey pop-country guy trying to be relevant. And maybe he is just trying to be relevant, but he's doing it for his family and because he loves making music. You did a great job going through and looking at his lyrics to find his motivation. Awesome work.
Grady’s the Ken Burns of Walker Hayes
🤣😂🤣
Underrated comment.
I've listened to Walker for a few years and always thought he's a great songwriter. I'm glad people are going back and listening to some of his older stuff which has a little more to 'say'
Glad you made this. Been a fan of walker hayes as a person without liking his music for a long time. Important to remember some of these artists have fought through a lot to have what they have, whether we appreciate their art or not.
Also Don’t Let Her is an incredible song, no one will ever tell me otherwise.
yes, i love that song too. sometimes, cry when i hear it. the love in that song is just pure and precious.
I like the way you said that he's a "try-er." It makes a lot of sense. I mean, Chris Stapleton tried a lot of other types before he settled on the sweet sweet smooth sound he had now. I don't think Walker Hayes can get to Chris Stapleton levels of good, but I like knowing he has other stuff. AA is definitely a guilty pleasure for me.
This is one of my favorite videos you've done! I certainly wouldn't call myself a fan of Walker, but this video is a true display of your creative talent. Thanks for the thoughtful approach, Grady.
Agreed. Coin that Tee!
I love WALKER
I think this might be my favorite format of video I've seen from you, Grady. A labor of love that did not fail to impress. Don't be afraid to do this again, even if it lacks the views
I’ve loved walker Hayes for years ( Craig and you broke up with me : his break up song about losing his record label) and I’m Glad to see someone pulling it all together to see his humanity. As we all deserve to see the humanity in each of us.
I feel about Walker Hayes much in the same way I feel about most of the flash in a pan trend chasers: get that money. I'm a purist, personally. I write and sing and enjoy songs that are introspective and have clever lyrics and have something to say or a point to make, but that's not everyone's cup of tea. Walker's got a bunch of kids and a wife and he's getting that bag. More power to him. I personally don't like his music, and I don't think he'll be more than a footnote in country music history, but if he's having fun, making money, and entertaining people, that's his life. I wouldn't want to play his songs, but I don't have to. And I doubt he would enjoy playing the majority of mine. That's the beauty of music.
Thanks for getting to the bottom of this Grady because I didn’t know he had other music, especially the self write.
Watching this video, it definitely struck a chord with me. As an author, there's this idea to "write to market" where you write to an audience to get your books read and make money. The more you do that, the more you make enough money and cushion to write what you love, even if it's not making as *much* money. Feels like Walker is writing those popular, fun songs to give himself the cushion to write those more introspective songs (and still take care of everyone).
I have grown up listening to country, Loretta, Charlie Pride, Ernest Tubb and the George's but I don't believe everyone needs to be the same kind of singers. I love Walker, his family and his music. Why does it all have to be the same? Country has this hangup on what is country you don't see in other genres. Just relax and let us like it! You know who gets to define what country? We do, the listeners. Period
Right. I don’t know why people have this obsession with genre. A good song is a good song, period.
i actually really like “don’t let her”. not exactly the most country sound but a really interesting concept and has some meaning
I had known of him since the beginning of his career. He had even been my second ever concert, a free one back in 2010. I also saw him in 2012 as part of a afternoon festival, also ironically free, before a bigger stadium show. Back then, I remember his music being enjoyable enough, very quirky, with strange lyrical choices. I wouldn't have expected him to blow up in any way, making his later emergence onto the scene all the more surprising. His singles of today have no relation to his earlier stuff. While I could never say his music was quite my cup of tea, he can still have some very catchy songs, both his old and new ones.
After having lost my husband back in June, Walker Hayes has helped me see more clearly that it is ok to laugh and be happy again… Thank you Walker!!!
As someone born and raised loving country, I so appreciate separating the lyrics from the sound of the music. Because one of the issues I have with pop country isn’t mainly the sound, but the lack of substance in the lyrics, even though I definitely love some songs that are just catchy. My favorite Walker Hayes song is Craig, because I sat and listened over and over until I knew every word (which was hard with his whisper talk thing going on) because of what he was saying about a guy who isn’t Jesus, but just might know him. I think yeah, the sound of Walker Hayes is rough and weird at best, but I’d take good lyrics with annoying production over great production with no message any day (though I’ll gladly pass on no production and no message songs like 90s Country)
I never listened to Country music until Walker hayes. Now I'm buying music from many different Country singers and loving it. Regardless of what you think of him and his music, people love him and are now turning to Country music
In a time where everything is superficial (especially music reviews) this was a refreshing in-depth look at an artist. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Sometimes it takes getting to know people to allow us to say things like 'hey, still might disagree, but I can see how you got here'. We could use things like this in a lot of places outside of music. Thank you for taking the time to do this.
I love Walker Hayes! I am from Alabama so that’s part of it. But I mostly like him because he’s a family man, he’s fun and a inspiration. He’s a inspiration because he shows with hard work and perseverance anything is possible.
We were blessed to go see Walker Hayes in concert a few weeks ago. He is just a down to earth as he can be. Not only did he bring his entire family out on stage not once, but twice. But, the best part of the entire concert was when he sat down and gave his testimony. The entire venue was silent. That right there, stole my heart for sure. God bless Walker Hayes. He's a true American treasure.
wouldn't mind a deep dive like this for other artists who've had varying levels of quality and consistency
Finally!! I’m definitely a lyric listener and I’ve been waiting for this video for a while. There’s a place for everyone in country music!!
I love how deep you dive finding things you can relate to, I think that is precious, very special, and frankly uncommon today. That's why so many of us love you Grady. I for one can appreciate certain songs by Walker Hayes quite a bit and dislike others and you nailed why..
Enjoyed this! I’ve been through an extremely stressful,difficult journey especially in the last 2 years and his music, his attitude, and his love for his family has brightened my life. It has helped me want to get out of bed and start living again! 🙏🏼❣️🌻
We met Walker Hayes at a meet and greet in February of 2020 and he was just a normal, down to earth guy. I started following him on IG after that and got to watch him interact with his wife and kids as the pandemic shut everything down. It was so interesting because you got to see a dad, doing his thing and loving his wife. I've enjoyed watching him over the last two years and have become a big fan. I even pre-ordered Country Stuff to have it as soon as it was released. Thanks for a great video!
I think another thing about Walker Hayes is it's so obvious he lives that working class-ish life, a dad trying to make it work for his family. It's real and people relate to that. Even if his sound isn't 'super country' it relates to simple family people.
I discovered Walker with Fancy Like. As soon as I heard it I loved it and knew I had to hear his other works...I really like his work, lyrics even music. Black Sheep is a favorite because of the lyrics and music. I think he really has some interesting things to say in unique ways. Si Happy for his success and if you listen to some of his longer interviews he is grateful but humble and even a little scared of it (coming do fast and how fame can hurt a person). I just started following you right after Fancy like and was bummed you didn't "get him." Glad it sounds like you might be starting to. " I hope you miss me" not too country but love the lyrics of that song about his daughter Lollie (she sings it with him on IG and it's absolutely priceless). 💖
I really enjoyed this! I too have wondered about Walker Hayes. A strange dichotomy between the silly musicality and and some really thoughtful undercurrents in his words. I think "Briefcase" is a triumph of a song. And I think you're right... He is trying, and that is important. I have a hard time putting myself out there, and respect others that do. Even if a lot of it isn't my taste, I can appreciate a lot about Walker Hayes.
This is the video that I was hoping someone would make! I love Walker Hayes, I had the same path that you did but it started when he released Black Sheep for me. This dive into the rest of his music. I don't think he is country, I never want to say that either, but the lyrics he can put out are country in nature meaning that they tell a story. You are right, the tone of the song doesn't match the lyrics at all, and I agree that is a detriment to the lyrics as well, but that being said the lyrics hit hard. Dad's Sailboat is one of my favorite songs because my dad is the same way, the day he sells his boat I know something is really wrong. I always talk about Walker as someone who has amazing lyrics if you can get past the tone of his songs. (Not all songs) On the other spectrum, sometimes I just need a bop to listen to to brighten the day and that is why Walker is so fascinating to me, the opposing sides of Walker fit my life perfect! If you ever want to take a dive into the mind of a Walker fan (like a true one, not a Fancy Like one) please let me know, I would be happy to defend such an amazing artist! I have wanted someone to take this stance on Walker ever since I had this "Ah ha" moment like you did so I am glad that your fans can maybe make that connection too! Love your content, thank you for introducing me to so many amazing songs, albums, and artists! Seriously reach out any time you need content for a Walker video, I got you haha
Question...Is Kenny Chesney country? The very first song/video I knew of him, he was touting that "she thinks my tractor's sexy". Who was singing about "Beer Goggles"? Isn't Luke Bryan out there singing about margaritas and shots? And finally I do remember Trace Adkins singing about "Badonkadonks". Is any of that REALLY COUNTRY? No. It's kitchy, but it gets people to LISTEN. If that's what it takes for Walker or anyone for that matter to get people to listen to their harder edged music then what's the problem? We can all go round and round about what's Rap, Heaven Metal, Funk, R&B, Soft Rock, Hip Hop, Country, etc. But why can't we all just agree to LISTEN first and judge later. Give everyone 5 songs and if after that you still haven't heard something you can get behind then just wish them well and walk away. That's what I do.
I attached this to yours because you have a great review.
thank you for sharing! this kind of research is amazing and really makes me feel so much better in tune with the country music scene! I loved learning from this video and that you give us the chance to form our opinions from here❤️
He is so humble and down to earth. I’m so happy I got to see him play at our Houston Rodeo this year from the 1st Row that was amazing!
Amen.... As a songwriter this is my philosophy. Music is a product of our soul and life experiences. The songwriter puts their life and soul into the writing. The artist puts their life and soul into the sonic interpretation. The listener applies the song to their life as they experience it. Doesn't matter the genre label, sound, production.... A song is a song for whomever it reaches and illicits an emotional response. If it doesn't illicit a response in you, then it wasn't written for you, but by golly there's someone else out there that needed to hear it cause they needed uplifting, needed closure, needed to cry, or just drive fast down the freeway.
Man this is a good video, and it puts into words something I felt but brushed aside when, after immediately hating "Fancy Like" from the sound of it, I looked up the lyrics and found some of them charming and interesting. Thanks for putting in the work on this one Grady!
I watch for Walker Hayes FaceTime I sign onto IG. Absolutely love his music, family, dancing all of hit 🔥 I signed in on him by accident and the song he was singing was you broke up with me, I was hooked from that day forward. He’s not a one time hit. This guy has so much talent 🥰🔥
Great work Grady. When I first came to this channel, I was rather new to country music and looking for guidance in finding new stuff. It was kind of a catalyst as I moved from some songs I liked off Spotify's Hot Country list - for I didn't know where else to start from - to building my own bigger picture of country music, past and present. Now I look back and it's astonishing how your videos have evolved with me, or how I have evolved with your videos I should say. No matter how far I think I've come to know about Country music, there comes Grady with ever deeper insights and challenging perspectives and that's just pure joy.
His songs always get into my head. Lyrics always speak to life.
Thank you for taking the time to do a deep dive on Walker! I’ve been a fan since I saw him in 2016 and I always say you just have to see him live to “get it”. I wish his 8 tracks got more hype too. Briefcase is my favorite song by him right now.
I am happy to comment regarding my feelings, Thank you for the research and honest views. I was born in 47, country music lover since around 11 years old. I truly enjoy these last two monster hits by Walker Hayes and hope he creates many more. You have to appreciate a family man, following his love and trying to figure out how to monetize his gifts and consistently create happy feelings inside people.
I followed Willie as a writer and performer in his early years.
It took him a long time to find out who Willie was as an entertainer, and how to make the best of his talents.
Thanks for being you, Walker Hayes. Wish you a great, long, prosperous career.
my man has done the impossible, he listened to walker hayes for more than 8 minutes
I lasted about 2 😛
That’s about 8 more minutes I can handle
...I feel like you're missing the point of the video
same, couldn't be me
Older Walker Hayes is better ever since fancy like he has sucked
I found this video by accident and... wow, I love it. The way you speak reminds me a lot of Tiffany, but I like that you explored this topic on your own and clearly did a lot of thorough work to do so. I think you did it fairly respectfully (in that you weren't trying to showcase that Walker Hayes is flawed and that's bad, but rather highlight that he is open about his own flaws and that we might be missing it through the ultra-pop sound). It's also a good reminder that we could all take a step back from how we judge people and how they present themselves and realize that we all have so much more depth. Very much looking forward to more videos!
I admit to watching his fancy like video on repeat...he's so cute and seems like his family would be fun to know and hang out with and the song is sweet and relatable
Absolutely love the deep honesty of Walker Hayes. His fears. His faults. His overcoming. Great video!
Such a great video Grady, can tell how hard you worked on this one. Thank you!
Man, this was so refreshing to see. I struggle with understanding country music right now. At the end of the day, these guys are human and just trying to do their own thing. Thanks for the video👍
Damn. I don't really like his music, but now I have mad respect for walker.
You hit the nail on the nose with this video! Walker is a genuine guy who just wants to change peoples lives thru his singing and songwriting! Great video Grady! Keep up the good work !
Walker Hayes will wind up being one of those most underrated SUPERSTARS who people will look back on and say I love his music ! I can’t dance or sing, but his music makes me want to learn. It’s too late for me but I hope other people feel this way about him. 😘❤
I stumbled across Walker Hayes on accident… I am obsessed with is music and lyrics! My Alexa is like, “again”??? And your deep dive into walker Hayes was cool too. If you listen to his words, you can’t help but just get it. Love it! ❤❤❤
Walker Hayes's writing is what caught me. He's genuine, you can feel it when you listen. He Is Genuine. We don't get to see a Whole lot of that these days. He deserved Fancy Like, so everyone would get to see something real.
Walker Hayes is absolutely the BEST! Fun music. Great guy. Atheist turned Christian. I absolutely love him. And I JUST found "Country Stuff" and I can't stop listening.
I’ve been waiting on this video for forever! Walker Hayes puts out trash music sometimes but I’m tired of everyone writing him off like he’s just another pop country bro, his lyrics get really personal and introspective at times. Thanks for making this Grady
But he absolutely is just another pop/hip hop country bro.
"Got that Bourbon Street steak with the Oreo shake
Get some whipped cream on the top too" invoked such raw emotion in me that I started crying. Such a lyrical masterpiece.
@@kennywilmes5345 Man I was totally about to say something along those lines lol.
I agree! Not sure why you're getting such negative comments on this when the video literally proved your point. People judge him by "You Broke Up With Me" and "Fancy Like" because they were popular and it's all they heard. Meanwhile, he has really well written songs like "Craig" and "Lela's Stars" that are really personal.
It's just a turn off with the thumping bass in what could have been a great country song, walker could definitely do a genuine traditional song with that voice...
I really enjoyed this. As a country fan, I haven't thought of him as country, although I do like a few tunes. But the songs you presented, show a much deeper side of him and it makes me sad that those aren't getting the airplay
I love Walker Hayes. Can't explain it. I have a very eclectic taste in music, so I'm not bothered by "that ain't country" kind of vibe he throws down. I have all his songs that "country snobs" seem to hate on my play list. He even got me addicted to Tik Toc. I thought it was adorable that his 14 year old daughter took to him super stardom with a silly little dance. Maybe he just speaks to the soccer mom in me.
I have liked walker hayes stuff since You Broke up With Me first dropped and I really appreciate you taking a more nuanced look at him. My take has always been that he doesn't take himself too seriously but that doesn't mean he doesn't know how to be serious. And lyrically he can do both. Dollar Store is one of my favorites when im looking for just a fun jam, but then a song like Halloween is perfect when I'm feeling a certain way and need an outlet song.
Wow, your aha moment actually gave me chills & I was so not expecting that! Awesome
I loved this video!!! I thought you did a great job of including your smart analysis of music and lyrics, and also adding some beautiful empathy and compassion. Well done!!
This is the most well-written and thoughtful video. I learned a ton, belly-laughed at the inception/Chris Nolan bass reference, and turned some of my less-than-generous thoughts around on Walker Hayes. Thanks for the work that went into this, Grady!
One of my favourite videos of yours Grady. It's refreshing to see critics taking a deeper look on things, kinda like Kevin John Coyne's (not a) single review of Fancy Like on his Country Universe blog.
This was such a fascinating watch! Thank you, Grady 😊
The inception base had me in stitches. Great video! I loved this
This was such a great video! Knowing the artists personally helps me relate to their music more. Ever since Craig I’ve really wanted to like Walker Hayes.
This probably took a lot of time and effort, but I would love to see more artist “deep dive” videos!
Seems like a fun, nice, family guy who is just doing his thing. I don't have to like his music to respect him for that
Love that Walker Hayes is seeing new success, but I still attribute my beloved Chiefs' second half demise in the AFC Championship as a result to his halftime performance.
I appreciate your work on something not everyone will love. I am still not a fan of the music of Walker Hayes but I will always applaud a dedicated, hard-working person finally making it.
I would love to see Walker watch and react to this video :)
I was lucky enough to see him at an acoustic storytellers concert when You Broke Up With Me was just getting big. So the other material he wanted to play was from his 8 tracks. And hearing the stories and the labor and love he puts into writing and playing gave me your new view of him early. While I would much rather listen to Leila’s Stars or Your Girlfriend Does, his newer stuff is enjoyable to a degree. Which as you stated is his goal: to entertain. Love this video and would love to see more deep dives of all different walks of country artists from you.
I appreciate this video! I LOVE Walker Hayes in so many ways, his music, the person, his stage presence, his family, his honesty, the words. I think he’s a word genius! I’ve seen him in concert many times and he just continues to grow as an entertainer, a musician, a person. I will see him so many more times and meeting him last month was amazing!!
Really good video! I like his song Halloween and that's another one with lyrics that are a bit surprising
I love Walker Hayes. Love his music. Makes me happy.
Great video! Most of his music makes me roll my eyes and laugh while I bop along, but 'Beer in the Fridge' stopped me in my tracks. As a child of an alcoholic, it really struck home with me. It will probably always bring my favorite Walker Hayes song.
First video I've seen of yours. I've LOVED a bunch of Walkers songs but have since the very first, just not considered it country at all! Haha I included him in the tidal wave of new music that's changing the genre. BUT he sounded like a lot of fun and the more I hear of him, I feel he has a good heart.. plus, being a mom of seven myself, I connected a lot more with him there. I know that as my family grew, I watched my husband grow up right before my eyes to provide for us, in so many ways. . And I connected with him in that, and appreciated how hard he's working. Anyway, enjoyed the video! It takes maturity to be willing to take a step back from our bias and see someone in another light. You did a great job. Thanks!
I love his music! He tells a story in his songs and I love that! I think he is a brilliant writer!
Wow Grady, I'm not a big fan of country music in general, but this guy interested me with his lyrics to "AA", so I looked him up and came across your video. Your breakdown into who this cat is, what he's about, and the brilliance of so many of his songs I never would've heard otherwise (likely in a million years, anyway), had made me a huge fan of both him and you. Well done brother, well done!
Edit: at least he resonates with me anyway, like few do, and that means a lot to me.
Thanks for making this...ya kinda read my mind, to be to honest. It a good thing when you look deeper into someone, and don't regret it, finding that the produced part of them is less than the human side of them; many people, the more you find out about them the less you like them, and their act is the better part of the two. God Bless You All.
Thank you for this! I'm from Mobile myself and so have been following him since Boom was released, and I honestly really liked a lot of those songs and still listen to them! But all of his new VERY popular singles aren't really for me. I hope that he's able to release some of his more introspective songs to great success because he has been trying for so long as you said! He's a great, talented guy just trying to make a career for himself in music which isn't easy!
I'm so glad that you did this video. While I'm not the biggest fan of Walker Hayes' bigger, poppier stuff, I have always been a sucker for his mixtapes. Because production aside, he really does write beautiful lyrics sometimes, and he's so much more honest and open than on his bigger singles. I'm so glad to see a realistic, unbiased dive into such a widely hated-on artist. Personal faves are Don't Let Her and The Comedian.
This is a really good video. Didn't even expect that, props.
This video is so satisfying and just pleasing I enjoyed it made my day better looking for the beauty in people
thanks for taking the dive in his albums. made me intrigue to listen to his songs. all the time you were discribing/sharing some of hos lyrics it reminded me of Taylor Swift's song writing.
I 💙♥️💜 Walker Hayes. His lyrics, his life, his heart. I watched the ACM Awards thinking "I'm not here for the country music; I'm here for Walker Hayes." (Although I did end up watching more than I thought I would and enjoyed it.) His lyrics are genius, and I love watching him and his family take on this journey together.