Public Reaction To Tate McRae And Morgan Wallen's "What's It Gonna Be" Collaboration

Henrik Larsen

4 min read

Post on May 29, 2025

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Initial Social Media Frenzy: Pre-Release Excitement and Speculation

The announcement of the Tate McRae and Morgan Wallen collaboration sent shockwaves through social media. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok exploded with comments, fan theories, and pre-release hype. The unexpected pairing of a rising pop star and a controversial country icon generated significant buzz.

• Twitter: The hashtag #WhatsItGonnaBe immediately trended, with fans expressing their excitement, surprise, and curiosity. Many discussed the potential musical direction and genre blending.
• Instagram: Both McRae and Wallen's Instagram posts announcing the collaboration garnered millions of likes and comments, showcasing the intense anticipation. Fans shared edited photos and videos expressing their excitement.
• TikTok: Numerous fan-made videos predicting the song's sound and aesthetic went viral, contributing to the pre-release excitement. Speculation ranged from a full-blown country track to a pop song with country influences.

Post-Release Analysis: A Deep Dive into Fan Opinions

Following the official release, "What's It Gonna Be" received a mixed, yet significant, reaction. While the song charted well, indicating commercial success, fan opinions were far from unanimous.

• Positive Reviews: Many praised the unexpected synergy between McRae's pop vocals and Wallen's country twang, highlighting the song's catchy melody and relatable lyrics. Streaming numbers on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music were impressive.
• Negative Reviews: Some critics felt the genre fusion was jarring or unsuccessful, with certain elements feeling out of place. YouTube comments showcased a divide, with some praising the unique sound while others criticized the lack of cohesion.
• Chart Performance: Despite the mixed reviews, "What's It Gonna Be" debuted strongly on various music charts, demonstrating its commercial appeal and broad audience reach.

Genre Blending: Bridging the Gap Between Pop and Country

"What's It Gonna Be" attempted a compelling blend of pop and country genres. The integration of McRae's polished pop sound with Wallen's more rugged country style created a unique sonic landscape.

• Successful Fusion?: The success of this genre fusion is debatable. While some listeners appreciated the fresh sound, others found the combination disjointed. The song's arrangement attempts a careful balance, with elements of both pop production and country instrumentation.
• Artistic Crossover: The collaboration showcased a willingness from both artists to experiment and explore the boundaries of their respective genres. This artistic crossover is a significant aspect of the song's reception and impact.

The Impact of Morgan Wallen's Controversies

Morgan Wallen's past controversies undoubtedly cast a shadow over the collaboration. His previous public image issues impacted the reception of "What's It Gonna Be" for many listeners.

• Reputational Damage: Some fans, staunchly opposed to Wallen's past actions, actively boycotted the song, emphasizing the potential for reputational damage to McRae’s career by association.
• Varying Opinions: Others argued that separating the artist from the art was necessary, focusing solely on the musical merit of the song. The impact of his controversies on the song’s success remains a complex and divisive topic.

The Long-Term Implications: Impact on Careers and Future Collaborations

The "What's It Gonna Be" collaboration holds significant implications for both Tate McRae and Morgan Wallen's careers, as well as for the country-pop genre.

• Career Impact: For McRae, the collaboration exposed her to a wider country audience. For Wallen, it may serve as a test of his ability to regain public favor.
• Future Collaborations: The success (or failure) of this collaboration might influence the willingness of other artists to engage in similar genre-bending partnerships.
• Industry Trends: The song's reception underscores the ongoing evolution of musical genres and the increasing prevalence of crossover collaborations.

Conclusion

The public reaction to Tate McRae and Morgan Wallen's "What's It Gonna Be" was complex and multifaceted. While the pre-release buzz was significant, the post-release reception revealed a division among listeners. The genre blending proved divisive, and Morgan Wallen's past controversies undoubtedly influenced the overall reaction. Ultimately, the song’s success highlights both the potential and the risks of ambitious genre-bending collaborations. What are your thoughts on the "What's It Gonna Be" collaboration? Share your reaction to Tate McRae and Morgan Wallen's song in the comments below! Let's discuss the impact of this groundbreaking collaboration on the music industry!