Full Breakdown
Producer Charlie Handsome Aims to Push Morgan Wallen Toward Solo Pop Chart Dominance
7/2/2026, 4:20:10 AM
Background and Chart Success
Morgan Wallen debuted in 2018 with *If I Know Me*, already mixing bro-country, pop, and trap beats. Subsequent releases deepened the pop-rap influence, culminating in the 2025 37-track album *I’m The Problem*, which featured collaborations with Eric Church, Ernest, and a remix of “Miami” that added Lil Wayne and Rick Ross. Until 2024 Wallen worked mainly with producer Joey Moi; since then Grammy-nominated producer Charlie Handsome—known for work with Kanye West, Drake, and Post Malone—has overseen his recordings. Wallen is the highest-selling country artist of all time (third overall across genres), has earned four all-genre #1s on the Billboard Hot 100, and scored a #1 pop radio hit with Post Malone on “I Had Some Help.” Solo pop-airplay peaks include “Last Night” (#5), “Wasted On You” (#16) and “Love Somebody” (#18).
Official Statements & Responses
In a video for the Country Music Hall of Fame’s “American Currents: State of the Music” exhibit, Charlie Handsome said his goal is to produce Wallen songs that can top pop radio without featured artists, building on the earlier #1 with Post Malone. He also said he plans to merge more pop elements while preserving Wallen’s country vocal style. Wallen has acknowledged external pressure to pursue pop, noting that he has been urged to sing pop music.
Criticism & Opposition
Traditionalist country fans argue that Wallen’s growing pop and hip-hop production threatens the genre’s core sound. The upcoming single “Been By Now” is described as a “pop-heavy summer anthem,” prompting concerns that Wallen is moving away from conventional country instrumentation and may alienate long-time listeners despite his commercial success.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'll say this. One of my goals moving forward is for Morgan to be able to have No. 1 pop songs with no features. So even though his voice is definitely country, I feel like it could be the No. 1 song on Pop Radio. And obviously we did do that, but we did that with Post, who had done it before in that space” — Charlie Handsome, Grammy-nominated producer
- “merge more of the things that people consider pop.” — Charlie Handsome
- “I wanted to sing country music, and they wanted me to sing pop music,” — Morgan Wallen
- “What I try to do is not do the same thing twice, and that’s where the challenge comes in.” — Charlie Handsome
What’s Next
Wallen’s team has previewed a pop-driven single titled “Been By Now,” set for release before his next studio album. The track follows the conclusion of the 2026 “Still the Problem” tour, which includes stadium dates with Brooks & Dunn and Thomas Rhett. Handsome’s remarks suggest the forthcoming album will further blend pop structures, aiming for solo #1s on pop radio.
