In a year marked by quiet selectivity (as well as the usual controversies), Morgan Wallen has dropped a poignant new single, “Smile.” The song came out as a complete surprise at midnight, December 31st, rounding out a pretty quiet year for the country superstar. This downbeat ballad explores the bittersweet joy of seeing a fleeting, disingenuous smile from a lover. The song, released today, showcases Wallen’s signature emotional vulnerability and storytelling prowess.
“Smile” continues Wallen’s trend of seeking genuine, authentic love, following the hits “Lies Lies Lies” and “Love Somebody,” though he opts for a more stripped-down, introspective sound on this one. Though he’s spent most of the year on tour and hasn’t released much music overall, each of the Tennesseean’s singles has had a monster commercial impact, from the crossover smash “I Had Some Help” with Post Malone to the country radio chart-topper “Lies Lies Lies.”
Going into 2025, Morgan Wallen has kept his upcoming plans fairly lowkey. Without a major tour announcement or the expectation of a new studio album, it’s not clear yet whether he looks to come out swinging in a new musical era or continue ride the wave of his album “One Thing At a Time” with a series of other one-off singles.
“Smile” is available now on all major platforms.
