The Curse of Self-Awareness In Music

[@GradySmith]

I wanted to call this "The Double-Edged Sword of Self-Awareness" or something -- cuz I think this neuroticism in artists is ALSO an asset and make their writing awesome -- but I felt like it was a mouthful. But come with me on this random philosophical exploration of Hardy, Taylor Swift, Mumford & Sons, and a bunch of others. Trying to just do different video formats/ideas this year rather than simple little Yeehaw/Yee-Nah type stuff. Hope you like!

[@josephtill5613]

Hey Grady, big fan of the channel. Gonna start out with this is completely un-related but I want this name to get out there. There is a guy named Ellis Bullard from Austin, TX. He is about as under the radar as it gets rn. He just released his second album today, “Honky Tonk Ain’t Noise Pollution”. It’s absolutely magnificent country music. It’s tried and true Texas Honky Tonk. It’s a very beautiful sound alongside a ridiculous voice that has to be seen live to believe. Not only that but he’s got that great western swing dancing rhythm as well. I highly recommend you take a listen to him. He did get to play at ACL in Austin this past year. He also was scheduled to play with Mark Chesnutt at Floore’s Country Store. Before Mark’s health led to a cancellation. Like I said previously, this is completely unrelated to a terrific video of yours (per usual). I just would love to see Ellis get some more love even if it’s just from someone reading this random comment. Good music is good music and this channel is the place to spread that, and you’re as good as it gets sir. Thank you Grady🤘🏻

[@philipreid2542]

Great video Grady, thanks. Btw, 2:04, admiring artists who do something annoying? Didn't realise you liked Git Up now

[@RollinBones]

When an artist's response to negative reception starts to sound like a teenager yelling at their dad, it crosses into cringe land.

[@brandongomez1626]

So someone speaking their mind and telling their story just sounds like bitching to you? A pretty surface level way to take the song tbh

[@brandongomez1626]

Sounds like something a high schooler would say tbh

[@BishopWalters12]

@@brandongomez1626 Depends but the op is correct with some songs.

[@DylanWeader]

@@brandongomez1626No it’s a pretty honest take on Hardy’s Music. It’s over produced, terribly thrown together, and poorly written. Music shouldn’t be about you trying to force together different genres to prove that you can. You should just do it, and do it in a way that actually delivers a message lyrically. Kinda like what the band sleep token is doing.

[@artistrankings6794]

ronnie radke💀

[@friedawells6860]

The Mumford and Sons thing is the saddest to me. Everybody loved the first two albums and the whole banjo, suspenders and rustic barn house thing they were doing, but then they had to go and ruin it by trying to prove that they were cooler than the sound that made them famous. Ironically, it was very hipster of them to feel the need to prove that they were cooler than the banjo... and of course it was a losing attempt because no one can be cooler than the banjo

[@bobkmac]

Same for me. Their "barn house" music was great. And then they tried transition to Coldplay... and failed.

[@matthewsawczyn6592]

Many have tried, but the banjo always wins. The banjo outlasts all 😤🔥🔥🔥

[@JakeWillisMusic]

"I admire when an artist does something a little bit annoying; it's more interesting than being boring" is that quote. I'm gonna get someone on Etsy to embroider that on a pillow for me

[@OralAnatomyTutor]

At 8 I watched my Dad die from brain cancer within two months of returning home from a deployment in Iraq. I remember sitting in a church pew on a Sunday morning asking my dad why he had a ball cap on during the service. He said he didn’t want to make people uncomfortable because his head was scarred from radiation therapy. As an adult I think back to that moment and picture what that must have felt like. Sitting in silence on a hard church pew surrounded by your young family confronted by your own mortality and realizing the last year of your life was spent over seas. People operate differently when they experience the angel of death. They become acutely aware of what is infinite and what is finite. I’m sure Hardy had a similar realization with his bus accident. Don’t wait for something like that to start living. You’re going to die, bet on yourself create what you want and surround yourself with people who make you happy. 🤙🏻

[@mhurley782]

Epic comment. God bless.

[@joshs3916]

May he R.I.P.

[@BC-ff3mn]

Brutal he wasted some of his last years in church of all places. So shitty people still believe in 2000 year old fairy tales.

[@jakelong3466]

What a pull for Lindsey Lohan Rumors my friend.

[@GradySmith]

Hahaha it was a moment of random inspo

[@michaelnealis1926]

Lindsay ate with that

[@TorchMeetsWorld]

Songs a banger; to be honest

[@kate.2769]

Came to say the same thing 👏

[@thewalrusaurus]

Those first two Mumford and Sons albums were so good though... 😭

[@keldonherriman]

Honestly, so were the second two. I’m in the minority for sure, but I like the new Mumford and Sons as much as the old.

[@davegrohlloveryeah]

I’m a big HARDY fan. I wasn’t a fan of QUIT!! at first, but it grew on me and I really like it now. I’m excited to see that The Mockingbird & THE CROW wasn’t a phase and that he’s going to continue to break out into the rock genre. Also, I thought it was worth mentioning that HARDY was one of the songwriters who wrote Living The Dream 9:45 😂

[@RangaGangsta]

Didn’t he also wrote Gods Country by blake shelton

[@buffy32684]

Hair cuts looking good Grady. Love your thoughts on this subject.

[@dougyreidmusic9152]

I thought the sand thing that is badass cut

[@autumnhobbit]

I often think about this when listening to great songs or songwriters-you know the music has to come from them somehow; their interests, their experiences. But to tell a story completely disconnected from yourself in songwriting…I love and admire it so much and don’t know how they do it. We probably don’t appreciate it as much as we should.

[@ElCabron2115]

Completely agree Grady. No matter whether the artist is talking about haters, a personal loss, an addiction, etc.... One reference/song dedication too many and it becomes cringe. I feel like there's so many artists today that directly talk about the same things over and over again in their songs. I think a little bit of lyrical ambiguity goes a long way. It sometimes hits better, takes a little more thinking, and allows the artist to sing about the issue multiple times without their listeners growing tired/bored of it.

[@simply2341]

The story of Quit is a cool story for what it was like when he told it on stage, but turning it into a song felt so cringe to me that song is so terrible

[@jakelong3466]

It’s also kinda funny if you can take it a little lighter lol

[@RikLeedsMusic.77]

He was showing his insecurity there... but don't be too hard on him...we all got ego's.

[@austincosman2907]

Hardy be doing Hardy that’s for sure

[@Brayden51888]

Pause

[@brady594]

@@Brayden51888lmao

[@erickent4248]

Hardy has some ability, but his version of breaking barriers is going from formulaic country song to formulaic post grunge nu-metal song, it would be great if he can get out of his head and make really non-formulaic songs.

[@RikLeedsMusic.77]

This is an industry wide phenomenon...the formula pays, people like structure and repetition more than most realize...that's why it gets continued use...even guys like Zach Bryan are all "formulaic"...I mean, not sure what you're getting at here, but Hardy isn't going to all of a sudden become the Grateful Dead of country lol.

[@elmopumpkinfire326]

I love what you said about tayler swift. I never knew how to explain it

[@Wobdakid89]

Dylan Marlowe’s new song (and tweet) that came out yesterday is another perfect example of this.

[@GradySmith]

Yes

[@theneoenigma2094]

Dylan Marlowe’s inherent need to prove how “country” he is on his social media greatly overshadows his music, which is decent imo

[@98Brave]

I love Dispatch to 16th Ave

[@Jacob_Whitehurst]

I had always listened to NF and country so I fell in love with QUIT

[@EliahNebb]

I like that you point out your history with print media. There are some parts of a person's past that stick around, even if other people can't relate to the experience.

[@hunterking4858]

Sturgill Simpson was another big one that kinda pushed back against the expectations people had of him. They were calling him the savior of country music and all of a sudden he puts out Sound & Fury. Like he was trying to rebel against what people thought of him. Actually kinda surprised you didn’t mention this one.

[@danielemarini7471]

PERFECT EXAMPLE

[@annmarie3573]

Sturgill just did the thing though. It was 2 aggressive middle fingers. He didn't write a song about it.

[@OutdoorLiving93]

And it sucked

[@gavinshickle1814]

The comment you made about ego is something I've said countless times. There is an element of ego in any creative endeavor that you put out for the world to consume. To say "I have something worth hearing/seeing" takes some guts.

[@jking54544]

I like Hardy. My wife loves Hardy. We saw him in concert in December and it was a FANTASTIC show. The video montage behind "Radio Song" was literally brilliant. Absolutely hysterical and on the RIGHT SIDE of this whole self-awareness thing. Quit? I listened to it the other day with my wife in the car and even she, a MAJOR Hardy fan, was like, Meh. I like his music. I think he's one of the better songwriters around today. But at this point, the bloom is off this rose. He should just continue making music (and shit tons of money no doubt) and just enjoy the ride. You can only give your haters the middle finger so long before you just look like a played out old crank.

[@codykissinger5903]

Cody Johnson did this with “doubt me now”. Although it did sound like traditional Cody Johnson music, and it was a very catchy tune.

[@jking54544]

SUCH a great song and perfectly done.

[@bubbaholmberg7057]

I appreciate an artist that expands their boundaries and pushes expectations. Its awesome. That being said, Quit just isnt good (to my preferences anyway)

[@nicholasjamerson]

I think main stream music is an asset to sell , rather than a tool to heal. Obviously you can goto far down the rabbit hole or self awareness (guilty) but if an artist is expected to just give some sort of surface level piece meant to purely entertain, you get into the area of “selling your soul” and that isn’t good for anyone. I believe there is real power in music and it doesn’t all have to be so introspective and personal, But there needs to be room for that because quite frankly I think we could all use a little more self awareness. Often times we are the thunder storms blowing our rain on others and then wondering why everything is wet. If more artists would take that leap I believe society would have to follow, and be better off for it. Stepping out of the senses for a second and looking within. That’s the power and potential of art. Thanks for the video. It made me think. 👊🏼

[@thedarkwolf25]

I like it, while the song does repeat the theme of him being defiant and wanting to do what he wants, I can understand the desire to put all of your effort into proving someone wrong. Will I be playing it on repeat like I did with (almost all of) his songs from his last album? No, but I can still appreciate it for what it is and I look forward to what else he has to put out.

[@stardustbuilt]

I don’t mind artists going the self-awareness route, so long as there’s growth. Like if they have some self-awareness tracks on one album, and then more on the next, they need to sound different, like perspective has been gained and we’re looking at things with a different lens now, we’re not just recycling the same tired argument and beating a dead horse.

[@emoney9449]

I love the philosophical detailed breakdowns! More of that please!

[@philipreid2542]

That Mumford & Sons segment was very sad but also brought back some great memories. It's a shame they didn't just ignore the haters and realise just how good their first two albums actually were. Such a breath of fresh air

[@Josiesue]

Big fan of hardy and his work but honestly hearing about QUIT I thought I was going to hate it. Finally listened to it and I hate that I somehow love it 😂😭

[@jeffersondiuguid9844]

Actively didn't like it on first listen, but I do really like the music on it

[@jakemackenzieblack]

As a Hardy fan from the start, I loved “Quit” because it speaks to my own journey as well… kind of like “if he can overcome the negative energy, so can I”. I think at the end of the day, he will make more music and any fallout will disappear with time.

[@andreyhamp9552]

This song has become one of my favorite gym songs

[@Melody-bourbonite4life]

I'm not sure I like the way HARDY did" quit " but I do love the message of what he is saying in it

[@supfoo3638]

Would LOVE if hardy made more songs like sold out and 30.06 and not in the country no more rock stuff. Love it

[@Jinzle]

I can confidently say, I wasn’t a fan after the first listen, after a few go-rounds, I really like it AND the message, but this video was VERY eye opening to how much the message has really been sent already

[@nataliebenne6862]

Great job! We always hear about artists wanting to make a statement to others about what people, the industry, etc. are telling them to do. Taking a closer look at it was interesting to me.

[@kurts.5140]

It might be because I'm not always tracking the news around Hardy but I thought the song was super fun to listen to. I've actually had it on my Spotify 'On Repeat' cause for me it's a jam. I didn't feel this was really Rap but I understand I'm not experienced with music. I do agree the lyric of "Look at me" as you mention of self awareness might be getting repetitive but I thought the song was still a Jam haha.

[@dancebrittany23]

I would love to see you talk about songs that mention other artists in a reverant way. And as time progresses, we see who will be the timeless artists who will be remembered. For example, 90s country songs reference Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash. 2000s country songs reference Hank Williams Jr, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jenninngs. The reason I bring this up is because on Morgan Wallen's '865', he sings, "phone face down, Church up loud", and Thomas Rhett on 'Country Again' sings "We cranked Eric Church to 10" and I genuinly find it fascinating that Eric Church is now an artist referenced in country music. Anyway, thanks for even reading this Grady!!

[@nicksand5258]

Not a t swift fan but I’ll put on shake it off in the truck and belt the lyrics 😂😂

[@danielvalko]

Another great video of mentioning the band perry

[@Lester-lv4wf]

I loved quit a lot but I understand this

[@mattchristopher4192]

Two iconic Nash bash classics of country history - “Streets of Bakersfield” by Buck Owens and “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” by Waylon

[@LibraAllWoman]

Another great video, Grady. 👍

[@elissafaustina6243]

Never listened to Hardy! You vids are always enlightening👍

[@skylarschutz6151]

I love the Irony of our phones going black after you mention Cold Damn Vampires. It took me a second but you’re a genius.

[@GradySmith]

Hahahahah IT WAS UNINTENTIONAL 😂 the Cold Damn Vampires clip I used starts with a long black screen, and I accidentally deleted the portion of music I had clipped instead of the black screen, but hopefully that glitch disappears after KZbin finishes processing.

[@ryanfigueroa9862]

Being self-aware is better than being completely ignorant. If Taylor Swift didn't hear what critics were saying, we'd have more breakup albums than "reputation" albums, and everyone was slamming her for always talking about breakups when she first started making music. While variety in lyricism is best, most artists are still known for that "one thing" that they sing about so much better/more frequently than everyone else.

[@jamiemckimm3819]

My favorite start to my gym day!!!

[@ChapLagoon417]

I feel like over time Hardy will walk a fine line between Eric Church and Kid Rock. Hopefully he'll lean towards Church.

[@burningdownthehouse365]

Lotta boot left to fill Hardy has 😂

[@maxpalmer3212]

I like Hardy’s new songs I’m excited for his new album

[@georgebeucher5557]

Your videos are very intelligent and well done. Easy to understand and follow. Makes for good entertainment.

[@msg3tr1ght]

I’m a self aware person but what I’ve realized recently is it makes you analyze your feelings too much instead of simply feeling them. I’m not familiar with Hardy but judging by this video it sounds like he needs to go feel his feelings, preferably somewhere away from the public. Like you said, you can only push back so much before it gets old and people start to push back against that. I think overall we need a cultural shift away from sharing and self awareness and towards self preservation.

[@gabbyzzz10]

Not knowing Hardy, Quit! was a slap in the face for me. I don't understand every line of the song, but the musical progression is just 🤯. Now he is definitely on my radar !

[@samuelstrachan2726]

Maybe this is what it is: Rednecker and Mockingbird and the Crown were songs for all of us, about universal ideas and experiences. The more Hardy goes down this rabbit hole the more it becomes just about him.

[@musicandmania]

There are several current artists that are about the same age and same experience levels, miserable millennials and elder emos stuck and bored and stiffled for one reason or many, and I like to attribute this to this generation at a whole being in our Feral Era. It follows suit, it's not surprising.

[@cheesecakelasagna]

I'm currently sleep deprived to name a few songs in regards to the topic but I'll try to get back once my head's cleared up. 😅 Anyways, love the video!

[@TIffytifftiff85]

With some indie record much cooler than mine was bc Jake said that to her. He said his music was better than hers. Mean was put about one article or one review it was about many reviews by one man who kept attacking her and wouldn’t stop or let up on her. There’s no explanation there’s just reputation

[@kato6196]

very different genres, but this was my reaction to Will Wood's "In Case I Make It." I believe he quit music after releasing it, and I'm honestly happy for him -- he seemed very uncomfortable with his audience's expectations for him and his own perceptions of those expectations.

[@musicandmania]

Also, *not* me being in the rabbit hole that is TSwift and the entirety. This video I really enjoyed, thank you

[@joshuaoddo3489]

I feel like these types of songs can be hit or miss but when they do hit they end up relating to the masses more than most might think

[@tcellison1998]

I heard hardys new song. For me personally if the song just doesnt sound pleasing to my ear then i dont really care to start trying to listen to the message or really dive into the lyrics. And that was this hardy song for me.

[@CraigRichenback]

Cross Canadian Ragweed did it years ago with Anywhere But Here. Except the verse was about the Great Divide’s experience in Nashville, not their own.

[@mary.dont.careee]

basically the artists who feel the need to constantly remind their own audience: “whatever you think i am, i’m not”

[@somebodysdog9235]

Video idea!: where is Eric church and when is the next album? Where does he go? Influence with F&S, Morgan wallen? Etc…

[@TimoG101]

Also Harder to Breath by Marron 5

[@nate9388]

"Hardy has discovered NF" lol felt true.

[@caitlinwells90]

It's different, but what's wrong with that it's definitely a jam, he has such strong lyrics that tell a story with minimal words but are covered in emotion. Also the honesty he shows is admirable, most people wont admit a chip on their shoulder

[@TheKtwStudios]

Another example is "Tabloid Junkie" by Michael Jackson, obviously referencing his media perception. He had a song like this on nearly every one of his solo albums save for the Thriller album (Privacy, Why You Wanna Trip on Me, Tabloid Junkie, and Leave me Alone).

[@mark_wong]

just listened to rockstar. came back to rewatch 2:50

[@jamiecollins32]

"Whoa, funky immediately"

[@dpf1119]

The pinnacle of self aware tunes: Hook by Blues Traveler

[@gabeworth9514]

Hey Grady, in honor of Toby Keith passing. Maybe you could do a video ranking your favorite songs of his, or maybe ranking his albums?

[@rexchiquine6049]

A chip on your shoulder is a good thing any motivation that motivates you even if it's bad,,,

[@joshwarren691]

You need to do a tribute video to Toby Keith

[@alexfluit2308]

I guess I like the second half of the song, it fits my taste. The "rap" part and the lyrics imo are eh. It's just the build up to the good part I guess. I also hadn't heard the story before so I can see where people might find it repetitive.

[@summerraine3622]

A song that I love that tackles this issue is "Skin of My Teeth" by Demi Lovato. The opening line being "Demi leaves rehab again" - a direct quote from numerous news outlets and tabloids in 2021/2022. Its an empowerment anthem about addiction in the public eye and its self aware without being cringe (imo). I also like the examples you listed, specifically Livin' The Dream. There's ways to be self aware and also make a great song. But Quit is not it.

[@garrettscroggs]

Agree completely about “Skin of My Teeth.” That song kicks ass.

[@EJWAGS]

Yes, Wilder Mind from Mumford and Sons was completely different, but it’s still my favorite album from them overall

[@Mordecai1399]

I was like is that Marcus Mumford in the thumbnail? Sigh No More and Babel were some of my favorite albums ever. I didn’t care about their niche I just loved their music. Kinda a shame they went away from that because while it was polarizing, that light indie sound was pretty damn good if you were into that.

[@Unbreaded452]

Can’t name one hardy song.

[@threelittlebirds2288]

Truck Bed!

[@burningdownthehouse365]

Good for you your ears are thanking you

[@cadeandrews247]

I thought that what hardy was saying was the highlight of the song

[@richardkimpel6142]

So basically, Hardy wishes he has the same respect and influence as Sturgill Simpson...

[@GradySmith]

That's not how I hear it really! Doesn't feel jealous to me at all. Feels much more at battle with himself/expectations of him.

[@richardkimpel6142]

​@@GradySmithFuck, I responded back and it's gone!

[@richardkimpel6142]

OK the gist. Stu and even Upchurch (Whom I'm not a fan) have freedom and independence to do what they want without a label on their neck. Stu had Atlantic by the short hairs. See Sound & Fury anime... GRRRRR

[@RaulArechiga]

Lowkey, you should review Randall King’s new album he just released not that long ago called “Into The Neon”

[@RonJOlsonJr]

To me this is just the next chapter of Hardy. What I think is more interesting is going on tour with Kip Moore. Does this mean that Kip is also going to enter a next chapter?

[@greenroomgal]

I believe it's over kill for music. As far as what Hardy is going through I hope he sees his point is proven and can eventually get past the "ha ha look at me now" and get back to what his fans love.

[@kodyeldridge5847]

I will die a happy man when comparisons aren't almost invariably drawn to Taylor Swift no matter the subject.

[@BoyNamedSue4]

I think self aware is fine for the occasional one offs but that well goes dry quickly.

[@JonnyInfinite]

You cannot let critique affect your art

[@devynbrinsfield]

Artists like Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers, John Prine the Beatles and John Fogerty are a lot less common than you’d think.

[@emilyblossom2769]

Love the video. For us that deal with seizure disorders, could you give us a warning for strobe lights? Thanks!

[@megangilmore]

4:16 “indie record much cooler than mine” had nothing to do with her own music and recordings. It was a cheeky line directed toward the subject line - the ex in the song….

[@megangilmore]

She referenced vinyl shelves in the song “Maroon” on Midnights as well.

[@ThomasLiljeruhm]

Good video! I agree with you.

[@ANLaBarbera]

Kacey Musgraves “Good Ol’ Boys Club”

[@cavalheirosa]

this is a great video

[@MeTube1988]

Im more just tired of the trend of songwriting where they try to be “clever” making words mean multiple things. Hardy wears that out more than anyone.

[@Ewaddoups1227]

Please review Randall kings new album

[@hadenm.7436]

Really interesting video, love it

[@gabbydavis6349]

people weren't tired of Taylor calling out the haters, they were tired of her breakup songs

[@channtastic]

Nah we are just tired of her in general.

[@random_person3569]

Are we gonna get a Cody Jinks album review next month?

[@GSDC1965]

You are very self aware .... Hardy should be president of America 🇺🇸

[@karlstrauss2330]

Kid Rock is the only artist to mix up rap, rock and country and the fans don’t seem to care a d even love him for it.