Broken Hearts and Blended Genres

The announcement that controversial country megastar Morgan Wallen and pop sensation Tate McRae would release a duet was an unexpected bombshell in the music world. The collaboration, titled "What I Want," arrived with Wallen’s fourth studio album, I'm the Problem, on May 16, 2025. What followed was a complex conversation among fans and industry observers about musical genre lines, career trajectory, and the public's forgiveness of Wallen's past controversies.

For years, Wallen fans had speculated about his first female duet partner. In a 2023 interview, Wallen confessed that he’d been rejected by some artists he had approached, making his eventual collaboration with McRae a highly anticipated moment. When McRae posted a subtle teaser on Instagram, the internet went wild trying to decipher the clue. The final reveal showed an unexpected pairing, bridging Wallen's Nashville-rooted sound with McRae's slick, R&B-influenced pop.

Lyrical depth in a temporary romance

At its core, "What I Want" is a raw, honest pop-country ballad about two people who understand they’re not ready for a serious relationship. The lyrics detail a no-strings-attached arrangement built on a foundation of mutual brokenness and baggage. The narrative unfolds through alternating verses, starting with McRae's declaration: "'You don't want this heart, boy, it's already broke,' / Told me everything she touch just goes up in smoke". Wallen's answering verse provides a mirror image of her cynicism, revealing his own history of trust issues and crazy exes. The chorus serves as the song's thesis: their temporary arrangement is exactly what both scarred individuals want, or at least believe they can handle.

The songwriting, which includes contributions from Wallen and McRae along with Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Ryan Vojtesak, John Byron, and Joe Reeves, paints a picture of modern romance in its most guarded form. The vulnerability in admitting their emotional unavailability is what makes the song so compelling and relatable to many listeners. Instead of portraying a whirlwind romance, it offers a refreshing, bittersweet take on connection in the age of emotional armor.

A fusion of pop and country

Musically, "What I Want" is a departure from Wallen's typical country rock sound, venturing into a shimmery pop-country territory with a subtle hip-hop beat. This stylistic fusion is where McRae's influence is most palpable. Her breathy, smooth vocals complement Wallen's signature twang, creating a seamless blend that, despite some critical reservations, works surprisingly well. Billboard noted that while the duet is "shimmery," they wished the two had harmonized more, but still called their voices a "surprisingly compatible match". This pop crossover move is a strategic one for both artists. For McRae, it exposes her to Wallen's massive and dedicated country fanbase. For Wallen, it reinforces his ability to transcend genre boundaries and appeal to a broader audience.

Controversy and fan reception

Morgan Wallen's release is not without controversy, and "What I Want" was no exception. While Wallen’s fans enthusiastically embraced the track, McRae’s fanbase expressed outrage and disappointment over her decision to collaborate with him. Wallen’s past, which includes his 2021 use of a racial slur and a recent plea of guilty to reckless endangerment for throwing a chair from a rooftop, has led many to criticize any artist who associates with him. Social media was flooded with comments from McRae's followers, who felt she was making a "calculated brand alignment" at the expense of her image. In contrast, Wallen's supporters welcomed the collaboration with open arms, further showcasing the stark divisions within the modern music landscape.

Chart dominance and cultural impact

Despite the divided opinions, the song's commercial success was undeniable. "What I Want" debuted at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, marking Wallen’s fourth number-one hit and McRae’s first. This chart-topping success is a testament to the combined star power of both artists and the enduring loyalty of Wallen’s fanbase. The track’s success on both country and pop charts solidified its place as a genre-bending hit. "What I Want" is more than just a song; it's a cultural marker. It showcases the shifting dynamics of genre crossover, the complexities of celebrity public image, and the enduring power of a compelling ballad, no matter how temporary the love it describes.