Ever since the October 2014 release of Little Big Town’s stellar Pain Killer album, all of the attention has been on one track. No, I’m not talking about the buoyantly silly first single “Day Drinking,” but it’s darker, moodier follow up “Girl Crush.”
While LBT has always had a flair for drama (“Tornado” and “Your Side of the Bed” come to mind), they’ve never been as embroiled in it as they are now. Despite being released months ago, the track has suddenly garnered national attention, both negative and positive.
While The Washington Post published an article about country radio pulling the song due to “listeners complaints,” the country community has come out in droves, expressing a collective crush on the track. And while bro songs can objectify women and hit #1, it seems rather uncouth on the part of country radio that misinterpreted lyrics would cause one of country’s best songs in recent memory to be removed from their airways. Unfortunately, it seems that country radio has become too dumb for some clever word play.
While country radio may be behind the time, many of music’s biggest names have come out in support of the track, both now and at the time of it’s initial release.
No one was more passionate than the often under-appreciated Charlie Worsham.
even if Girl Crush was some kind of lesbian-50-shades song (it isn’t), how could it be more offensive than any of the boozy objectification
— Charlie Worsham (@charlieworsham) March 22, 2015
of women songs? Little Big Town is a stellar act that puts out great music and I say heck yes to great music. ok I’ll stop ranting now.
— Charlie Worsham (@charlieworsham) March 22, 2015
And country royalty Faith Hill has expressed her love.
.@littlebigtown #girlcrush is one of the coolest songs I have ever heard! I absolutely love it!! #painkiller http://t.co/M3gUxkszE4
— Faith Hill (@FaithHill) October 24, 2014
Rising stars the Brothers Osborne know what’s up.
The only way Girl Crush is about anything other than jealousy is if Philip or Jimi sang it. Listen to the damn LYRICS people!!!
— Brothers Osborne (@brothersosborne) March 26, 2015
Promoting “the great song agenda”. Thank you @littlebigtown for putting out consistently great music. #girlcrush pic.twitter.com/JZuTBn0irE
— Brothers Osborne (@brothersosborne) March 26, 2015
As does Michael Ray.
This song is Genius! @littlebigtown @LoriMcKennaMA @LizRoseMusicPub & Hillary Lindsey #GirlCrush pic.twitter.com/XfzbXcGTXD
— Michael Ray (@Michaelraymusic) March 26, 2015
Sam Hunt is a man of few words.
Girl Crush @littlebigtown
— Sam Hunt (@SamHuntMusic) October 24, 2014
While Kelly Clarkson can’t say enough.
@littlebigtown Your new album is amazing!! I’ve been listening to it all day!! Favorites r Girl Crush & Quit Breaking Up With Me #PainKiller
— Kelly Clarkson (@kelly_clarkson) October 13, 2014
Seriously @littlebigtown I kind of hate you for #GirlCrush ….I wish I would have written it! Such a beautiful disaster of a story. Love!!
— Kelly Clarkson (@kelly_clarkson) October 24, 2014
@littlebigtown Best. Song. Ever. 🙂
— Kelly Clarkson (@kelly_clarkson) December 15, 2014
And Shane McAnally puts it PERFECTLY.
The best song on the radio is barely ever on the radio.This is a major problem for country music. #GirlCrush
— Shane McAnally (@shanemcanally) March 25, 2015
Listen to Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush” here!
