In a surprising turn of events, country music’s controversial figure Morgan Wallen and rising pop sensation Tate McRae joined forces for the duet “What I Want,” featured on Wallen’s latest album, I’m the Problem. Released on May 16, 2025, this collaboration raised eyebrows and sparked debates among fans of both artists. Despite the initial controversy, the song has been steadily winning over listeners with the undeniable chemistry between the two artists, at least vocally.
An Unexpected Pairing
Morgan Wallen, known for his chart-topping country hits and a series of personal controversies, and Tate McRae, a Canadian pop star on the rise, might seem like an unlikely pair. Their musical styles—rooted in different genres—made this collaboration unexpected. However, as Wallen revealed, he had been a fan of McRae’s music for years, thanks to his sister Ashlyne, and the idea of working together had been in the works for some time (Billboard). The song was not initially intended as a duet, but Wallen felt McRae could bring a dynamic element to it, and he wasn’t wrong. Wallen’s decision proved to be a game-changer for this song.
The pairing was first teased when McRae posted an Instagram story featuring an orange Tennessee Volunteers jersey with her initials “T8” and Wallen’s “MW” subtly included, igniting speculation among fans (Country Central). This cross-genre collaboration caught many by surprise.
Controversy Surrounding the Collaboration
The announcement of their duet was met with significant criticism, particularly from McRae’s fanbase. Many expressed disappointment and concern over her decision to collaborate with Wallen, given his history of controversial behavior. Notably, Wallen faced backlash for using a racial slur in a 2021 leaked video, an incident that led to his temporary suspension from his record label and removal from some radio playlists (Rolling Stone). Additional controversies, such as his 2020 arrest for disorderly conduct and a 2024 guilty plea for reckless endangerment, further fueled the debate (USA Today).
Social media platforms, particularly X, became a battleground for fan reactions. One user wrote, “I’m a Tate McRae fan and a Morgan Wallen hater so I’m going to have to think long and hard about whether or not I ever want to listen to this song” (Yahoo Entertainment). Another fan expressed excitement, stating, “The worst girl you know is so excited about the Morgan Wallen Tate McRae collab,” highlighting the polarized responses. On platforms like Reddit, McRae’s fans voiced strong disapproval, with some refusing to stream the song due to Wallen’s actions, while others admitted to enjoying it despite their reservations (Reddit).
Wallen’s fanbase, however, mostly welcomed the collaboration with open arms, appreciating the fresh perspective McRae brought to his music. Wallen himself praised McRae, calling her a “true pop star” and an “underrated vocalist” who “absolutely crushed every single part of the song” (Genius Lyrics). Despite the backlash, both artists stood by their decision, and the song’s release marked a bold move for McRae, who was navigating a pivotal moment in her career following her first Billboard 200 number-one album.
Tate McRae’s Toned-Back Vocals
In “What I Want,” Tate McRae’s vocal style is noticeably more restrained compared to her high-energy pop performances, such as those on her album So Close to What. This adjustment was likely intentional to blend seamlessly with Wallen’s signature raspy country twang, creating a cohesive country-pop sound. The song was originally written in a male key, which McRae adapted to with impressive versatility, as Wallen noted in an interview (Genius Lyrics). While some fans felt her presence was less prominent, with comments like “Tate’s barely in it” on Reddit, others praised her emotive delivery, noting that “once Tate comes in I enjoy it” (Reddit).
McRae’s vocals add a layer of emotional distance and vulnerability, complementing Wallen’s yearning tone. A review from Holler described her delivery as “comparatively polished,” enhancing the song’s narrative of mutual understanding (Holler). This toned-back approach serves the song’s intimate and conversational tone, allowing the lyrics to take center stage while maintaining a balance between the two artists. However, I think McRae has a lot more to offer with her vocals than what Wallen used her for.
The Song’s Appeal
“What I Want” is a poignant ballad that explores the theme of two emotionally guarded individuals finding solace in each other’s company, even if only temporarily. The lyrics convey a sense of mutual understanding and acceptance of their flaws and past heartbreaks. Key lines like “You don’t want this heart, boy, it’s already broke” and “I said, ‘Baby, you should know that’s what I want'” capture the essence of their fleeting connection (Genius Lyrics). The song’s structure features both artists trading verses and blending their voices in the chorus, creating a dynamic interplay that highlights their vocal chemistry.
Musically, the song is a natural pop-country crossover, with a soft, vibey, and slow-burning feel that appeals to fans of both genres. Wallen’s husky twang is grounded in country grit, while McRae’s smooth tone adds a pop sensibility, resulting in a sound that is both accessible and emotionally sharp (Stay Free Radio IP). The production is clean and stripped-back, focusing on the lyrics and vocals, which allows the song’s narrative to shine.
Professional reviews have lauded the duet for its honesty and emotional depth. Stay Free Radio IP called it “a late-night confession set to music—honest, intimate, and unforgettable,” emphasizing its ability to capture the complexities of modern relationships (Stay Free Radio IP). On social media, some fans echoed this sentiment, with one X user stating, “I really, really, really, really, really, REALLY hate to admit it, but I… kind of really like this song” (X Post), indicating that even skeptics were won over by its quality.
Commercial Success and Growing Popularity
Despite the initial controversy, “What I Want” has seen significant commercial success, reflecting its growing appeal. The song is projected to debut near the top of the Billboard Hot 100, a testament to its widespread popularity (X Post). It has also been serviced to pop and adult pop radio, broadening its reach beyond Wallen’s core country audience (Billboard). On platforms like Apple Music, it reached the top three, further highlighting its commercial strength (X Post).
The song’s success can be attributed to several factors. Its relatable theme resonates with listeners who connect with the idea of fleeting, emotionally charged connections. The chemistry between Wallen and McRae, despite never recording together in the studio, feels authentic and compelling. Additionally, McRae’s involvement has likely drawn her pop fanbase to the song, even if reluctantly, exposing them to a new sound that blends their favorite artist’s style with Wallen’s country roots.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Morgan Wallen and Tate McRae on “What I Want” was a bold and unexpected move that initially sparked controversy due to Wallen’s polarizing reputation. However, the song’s quality, marked by its heartfelt lyrics, seamless genre-blending, and the vocal chemistry between the two artists, has won over many listeners. McRae’s toned-back vocals, while a departure from her usual style, add a layer of vulnerability that enhances the song’s emotional impact. As evidenced by its projected chart-topping success and positive reviews, “What I Want” stands as a testament to the power of music to bridge genres and create something beautiful, even in the face of skepticism. I don’t know about y’all but it gets better every time I listen, and I’m hitting repeat.
Final Verdict: 7.1/10
