Country singer Jason Aldean’s hit “Try That in a Small Town” sparked controversy, resonating with conservatives and irking leftists. The song’s popularity soared after a music video featuring riot footage went viral, drawing attention to Aldean’s criticism of urban crime and the call for sensible policing in contrast to small-town values.

Conservative support surged, with YouTube views skyrocketing from 350,000 to 17 million, sales reaching 228,000, and streams jumping from 1 million to 11.7 million in a week. Leftist opposition manifested when a communist group, “The Revcoms,” disrupted an Aldean concert, burning American flags. The group’s social media post denounced Aldean’s song as “fascist.”

Podcast host Joe Rogan defended the song, highlighting the misplaced outrage and contrasting it with more explicit songs embraced by the left. Despite the polarization, the song’s message endures, resonating with those seeking a return to traditional values and sensible governance.