"Hicktown" is the debut single by American country music artist

Jason Aldean Jason Aldean (born Jason Aldine Williams; February 28, 1977) is an American country music singer. Since 2005, he has been signed to BBR Music Group, Broken Bow Records, a record label for which he has released ten albums and 40 singles. His 2010 ...

, released on March 28, 2005 from his self-titled debut album. The song was written by Big & Rich's Big Kenny and

John Rich John Rich (born January 7, 1974) is an American country music singer-songwriter. From 1992 to 1998, he was a member of the country music band Lonestar, in which he played bass guitar and alternated with Richie McDonald as lead vocalist. After d ...

along with

Vicky McGehee Vicky Lynn McGehee is an American country music songwriter. Among the songs that McGehee has written are "Heart Hold On" by The Buffalo Club, " All Jacked Up" by Gretchen Wilson, " Holy Water" by Big & Rich, " Why" by Jason Aldean, " Like ...

. It was Aldean's first top 10 hit on the U.S. ''

Billboard A billboard (also called a hoarding in the UK and many other parts of the world) is a large outdoor advertising structure (a billing board), typically found in high-traffic areas such as alongside busy roads. Billboards present large advertise ...

Hot Country Songs Hot Country Songs is a chart published weekly by ''Billboard'' magazine in the United States. This 50-position chart lists the most popular country music songs, calculated weekly by collecting airplay data from Nielsen BDS along with digital sal ...

chart after reaching number 10 in late 2005.

Content

Co-written by Big & Rich along with

, "Hicktown" is an up-tempo song, and one of many country songs that boast of Southern culture. "Hicktown" has become Aldean's

signature song A signature (; from la, signare, "to sign") is a Handwriting, handwritten (and often Stylization, stylized) depiction of someone's name, nickname, or even a simple "X" or other mark that a person writes on documents as a proof of identity and ...

, with souvenir vanity plates naming it sold at appearances. The song typically closes out Aldean's concert set, with elongated instrumental parts, Aldean banging on

cymbal A cymbal is a common percussion instrument. Often used in pairs, cymbals consist of thin, normally round plates of various alloys. The majority of cymbals are of indefinite pitch, although small disc-shaped cymbals based on ancient designs soun ...

s, and several false endings.

Music video

A music video was released for the song, directed by Wes Edwards. The video takes place in a field with people partying and driving on mud, while Jason Aldean and his band are performing. It premiered in April 28, 2005. Most of the music video was filmed in

Palmdale, Florida Palmdale is an unincorporated community in Glades County, Florida, United States, located on US 27 just north of the junction with State Road 29. Originally part of DeSoto County, Palmdale's land was pioneered by Florida Fruit Farm Corporation ...

at the C&R Mudhole, that is now closed down. Aldean's sister Kasi (wearing a green tank top) makes a cameo in the video.

Chart performance

The song debuted on the ''Billboard'' Hot Country Songs chart at number 55 for the week ending April 23, 2005.

Year-end charts

Certifications

References

{{authority control 2005 songs 2005 debut singles Jason Aldean songs Song recordings produced by Michael Knox (record producer) Songs written by Vicky McGehee Songs written by Big Kenny Songs written by John Rich Music videos directed by Wes Edwards BBR Music Group singles