Public Reaction To Tate McRae And Morgan Wallen's "What I Want" Collaboration

Natalie Brooks

4 min read

Post on May 29, 2025

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Initial Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz

The release of "What I Want" was met with immediate shock and surprise. The pairing of Tate McRae, known for her emotionally resonant pop anthems, and Morgan Wallen, a leading figure in the country music scene, was undeniably unconventional. This "What I Want" reaction played out dramatically across social media, highlighting the diverse responses within their respective fan communities.

• Initial Shock and Surprise: The unexpected nature of the collaboration generated immediate buzz, trending quickly on platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Many expressed disbelief and excitement, highlighting the unexpected nature of the genre blend.

• Diverse Fan Reactions: While many celebrated the collaboration, others expressed reservations. McRae's pop fanbase initially seemed hesitant, questioning whether the collaboration would stray too far from her established style. Conversely, some of Wallen's country fanbase expressed concerns about potential genre dilution. This "Tate McRae Morgan Wallen collaboration response" was a complex tapestry of varying opinions.

• Viral Trends and Memes: TikTok became a hotbed for "What I Want" reaction videos, with users creating humorous skits and memes exploring the unexpected pairing. This amplified the song's reach beyond the artists' established fan bases.

• Positive and Negative Comments: While many praised the song's unique sound and the vocal chemistry between the two artists, some criticized the perceived mismatch in musical styles. The social media landscape showcased both enthusiastic support and critical backlash, creating a lively and engaging online conversation.

• Genre-bending Appeal: The collaboration's success lies partly in its genre-bending nature. "What I Want" successfully fuses elements of pop and country, appealing to a broader audience than either artist might reach independently.

Critical Reception and Professional Reviews

The critical reception to "What I Want" was mixed, reflecting the diverse reactions observed on social media. Major music publications offered a range of perspectives. While some praised the song's production, vocal performance, and its innovative blending of genres, others criticized it for lacking originality or authenticity within either the pop or country spheres.

• Reviews from Major Publications: Reviews appeared in publications like Rolling Stone, Billboard, and Pitchfork, offering varying perspectives on the artistic merit of the collaboration.

• Praise and Criticisms: Critical praise often centered on the vocal synergy between McRae and Wallen, with many highlighting the emotional depth of the lyrics. Criticisms frequently revolved around questions about the song's genre identity and its overall contribution to the artists' respective discographies.

• Comparison to Previous Works: Critics compared "What I Want" to both artists' previous work. Some argued that the collaboration marked a departure for both, while others felt it maintained their established styles within a new collaborative framework.

• Impact on Careers: The long-term impact of this collaboration remains to be seen. However, the considerable initial buzz and varied critical responses suggest a potential for both positive and negative consequences for the artists' careers.

Impact on Streaming Charts and Commercial Success

"What I Want" has demonstrated considerable commercial success, achieving impressive chart positions across various streaming platforms. Its performance reflects the considerable buzz and anticipation generated by the unexpected pairing.

• Chart Positions: The song quickly climbed the charts on Spotify, Apple Music, and Billboard, reaching notable positions within weeks of its release.

• Streaming Numbers and Sales: Impressive streaming numbers and digital sales demonstrate significant public engagement, confirming the song's wide appeal.

• Comparison to Previous Hits: Compared to their previous hits, "What I Want" shows a slightly different trajectory, highlighting its unique collaborative nature and its potential to tap into a broader audience.

• Longevity and Potential: The song's staying power remains to be seen. However, the initial success suggests the potential for long-term chart presence and continued streaming numbers.

Long-Term Implications for Both Artists' Careers

The "What I Want" collaboration holds significant implications for both Tate McRae and Morgan Wallen's future careers.

• Future Collaborations: The successful pairing opens the door to potential future collaborations between the two artists, or between either artist and others outside their usual genre spheres.

• Musical Direction: The song might influence their future musical directions, potentially encouraging experimentation and genre blending.

• Brand Image and Fan Appeal: The collaboration significantly impacts their brand image, expanding their fan bases and possibly attracting new demographics. This expansion hinges on successfully navigating the diverse opinions and reactions to the unexpected pairing.

Conclusion

This article explored the multifaceted public reaction to Tate McRae and Morgan Wallen's "What I Want" collaboration. From the initial social media frenzy to critical reviews and chart performance, the duet has generated significant buzz and sparked interesting conversations about genre-bending collaborations and the evolving tastes of music listeners.

Call to Action: What are your thoughts on the "Tate McRae and Morgan Wallen What I Want" collaboration? Share your opinion in the comments below! Let's continue the discussion about this surprising and impactful duet. Use #WhatIWant and #TateMcRaeMorganWallen to join the conversation!