Often we think of male Country singers as hard core, like Chris Stapleton, or “bro-country,” or cowboys, meaning we don’t usually think of this format as having men with a softer side, but here’s Country wunderkind Thomas Rhett with “Star of the Show”– a smitten husband singing about how awesome his wife is, how unassuming she is about her beauty, and his pleasure at the many glances she attracts from others. He’s not jealous, he’s puffed up. Sweet.
“Star of the Show” is up-tempo, snappy, nasal, cute, not overly sophisticated. He’s appreciative of his wife but not in a carnal, or sexual, or sensual way. He’s mostly in awe of her. This is Rhett’s second song about how wonderful his wife is. The first one was nominated for Song of the Year and Record of the Year; maybe history will repeat itself. Right now “Star of the Show” is #30, and it’s only been out for two weeks.
Rhett’s song is similar in sentiment to 1977’s “Sweet Life” by Paul Davis-–his wellspring of gratitude is palpable; how everything else takes a back seat to being in love and being loved back. He’s happy just to have her in his life.
Paul Davis’ hit was in contrast to the 70s testosterone driven “Outlaw Country”– a rough Waylon Jennings; actually-was-in-Folsom-Prison Merle Haggard; Johnny Cash, “The Man in Black.”
How different the zeitgeist is today. “Times have changed”—mores, traditions, styles. Gay marriage is ho-hum. Men don’t wear neckties nearly as much as they used to. It’s possible our next President will be a woman.
There’s been an organic tilting of the culture to a more sensitive man—perhaps the result of the 70s feminist movement? A social trend that we can’t see because we are in the midst of it? It’s this evolution that Thomas Rhett’s “Star of the Show” represents.