Do I even have to say it? I mean, I think it’s gotten a bit predictable by now, but Morgan Wallen just released some more music and, yet again, I’m writing a review about it. For the past few weeks, I have been obsessively checking Wallen’s Instagram, waiting for something more substantial than the 30-second clips he posts because I think I might actually be obsessed at this point. So, when I heard he was dropping two new songs, “Just in Case” and “I’m A Little Crazy,” from his upcoming album, “I’m The Problem,” I couldn’t have been more thrilled to start writing another article.
But then, I realized something: I hadn’t covered the other singles on the album. And how could I deny the Fordham University community a comprehensive review of one of my favorite artists’ discography? So, I decided to fit every released single on this album (thus far) into one article for your convenience. Since I’ve already covered both “Love Somebody” and “Smile” (tracks 22 and 30, respectively), we’ll skip those for now, but I highly recommend listening to them and reading my corresponding reviews if you’re interested!
“I’m The Problem” is the title track on Wallen’s soon-to-be fourth studio album (and third double album because he knows I personally need those 30-something songs to act as my life’s playlist). If that twanging wild-west-themed guitar intro didn’t cue you in already, we’ve got ourselves a bitter cowboy — and rightfully so. While this song may be framed as a heated confrontation between Wallen and an indecisive romantic partner, it is actually something much more: it’s an examination of self. Since the beginning of his career, Wallen has been labeled “the problem,” garnering backlash for various mistakes and, seemingly, never getting the chance to explain or correct them. He uses this song, then, as a chance to do just that: address a part of himself he may not like very much, and take accountability for his actions while also qualifying them. Don’t we all have parts of ourselves we’re not proud of?
Next up, we have track five, “Just In Case.” Though its tempo suggests underlying hope, don’t be fooled. The accompanying lyrics, influenced slightly by Wallen’s ill-advised optimism, are as realistic as they come; in this song, Wallen relays the experience of agonizing heartbreak and the inability to move on from it. While this relationship has long since ended, every lyric is a reminder of the permanence of his attachment and torment. Although he has the ability to engage romantically with others, he has lost his capacity to love again, simply unwilling to do so without her. In this way, the song’s complimentary intro and outro express the never-ending cycle of the predicament he finds himself in.
Track 36 is “Lies, Lies, Lies,” which was actually released way back in July of 2024. If “Just In Case” was an admission of long-lasting love, well, then he’s in full denial of it here. Throughout the first verse of this song, Wallen offers lie after lie, trying to convince us that he’s handling this breakup well. But, once his heart-wrenching vocals reach the chorus, the truth is revealed: Wallen’s “still a fool for you” because those “hard heartbreaks are hard to break.”
Ok, we’ve made it to the final track: “I’m A Little Crazy,” number 37. If you didn’t guess it, Wallen has saved the best for last, and so have I. This is my favorite of all the releases so far and is probably one of my “Top 5” favorite Morgan Wallen songs ever. I think it’s because it’s not a love song. Now, don’t get me wrong … I absolutely adore every song about love this man decides to grace us with. I mean, you don’t write articles like I do, being indifferent to love. However, I will say that there is an intimacy Wallen demonstrates here that has only ever been previously explored in his song, “Livin’ The Dream.” There is a difference to this vulnerability; it’s a rare glimpse into life, the truth behind the facade. With intelligently raw lyrics and bone-chilling vocals throughout, Wallen illustrates the universal human experience — an isolating grief that is somehow still so beautiful, that it makes you want to sing along.
