5 Unbelievable Records Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night” Broke And Why It’s Billboard’s No. 1 Country Song Of The 21st Century

Morgan Wallen's 2023 mega-hit "Last Night" is far more than just a popular country song; as of late 2024, it stands as a certified global phenomenon and a record-shattering piece of music history. The track, which anchors his massive 36-song album, *One Thing at a Time*, didn't just top the charts—it redefined what commercial success looks like for a country artist, achieving unprecedented crossover appeal that continues to be discussed in the music industry.

This deep dive explores the track's incredible journey, from its creation by a powerhouse team of songwriters to the historic milestones it achieved, cementing its place not just in Wallen's career, but as a benchmark for modern country music, even earning the title of Billboard's No. 1 Country Song of the 21st Century.

Morgan Cole Wallen: A Brief Biography and Career Timeline

Morgan Cole Wallen was born on May 13, 1993, in Sneedville, Tennessee. His early life was centered on athletics, specifically baseball, a path he pursued until a serious injury forced him to pivot his focus.

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• 1993: Born in Sneedville, Tennessee.
• Pre-2014: Pursued a baseball career, which was cut short by injury.
• 2014: Competed on Season 6 of the reality singing competition *The Voice*, initially on Usher's team before moving to Adam Levine's team, where he was eliminated in the playoffs.
• Post-*The Voice*: Moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to advance his career, signing a recording contract.
• 2018: Released his debut album, *If I Know Me*, featuring breakthrough hits like "Whiskey Glasses."
• 2021: Released the critically and commercially successful double album, *Dangerous: The Double Album*.
• 2023: Released the 36-track album, *One Thing at a Time*, which featured the global smash hit "Last Night."
• 2024: Continues to tour extensively, supporting the record-breaking success of his latest work.

The Anatomy of a Phenomenon: Behind the Song “Last Night”

The success of "Last Night" is a perfect storm of relatable lyrics, a catchy melody, and sharp, modern production. It was co-written by a formidable team of songwriters, including John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Jacob Kasher Hindlin (known professionally as J.Kash), and Ryan Vojtesak (Charlie Handsome).

The song's production was handled by Wallen’s long-time collaborator, Joey Moi, with co-production from Charlie Handsome. The production style is often described as country pop, utilizing a simple, stripped-back approach that allows Wallen's vocal performance and the lyrical narrative to take center stage.

What is the True Meaning of "Last Night"?

Despite its upbeat tempo, "Last Night" is lyrically focused on the raw, difficult emotions surrounding a breakup. The narrative centers on the aftermath of a final, intense argument or difficult conversation with a romantic partner.

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The lyrics reflect Wallen mulling over the events of the previous evening—the "last night" they spent together—and the realization that the relationship is over. It’s a classic country theme of heartbreak and regret, but delivered with a contemporary, crossover sound that resonated with a massive audience far beyond the traditional country music base. The song perfectly captures the confusion and emotional residue when a relationship ends abruptly after a fight.

Morgan Wallen's Unprecedented Records Broken by "Last Night"

"Last Night" didn't just perform well; it obliterated long-standing records in both the country and pop music spheres, achieving a level of crossover success rarely seen in the genre. Its impact is a testament to Wallen's massive fanbase and the song's undeniable appeal.

1. The First Solo Country Song in the Spotify Billion-Stream Club

In a monumental achievement, "Last Night" became the first solo country song in history to cross the one-billion-stream mark on Spotify. This milestone is a clear indicator of the track’s global and enduring appeal, placing it in an elite category previously dominated by pop, hip-hop, and R&B artists. The song had accumulated over 1.28 billion streams as of a recent count, showcasing its continuous popularity.

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2. Topping the Billboard Hot 100 for a Country Soloist

For the chart week ending in March 2023, "Last Night" reached the coveted number one spot on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart. This was Wallen's first-ever No. 1 on the chart and solidified his status as a mainstream powerhouse. It demonstrated that a song firmly rooted in the country genre could dominate the most competitive chart in the United States, a feat not easily accomplished.

3. Billboard's No. 1 Country Song of the 21st Century

Perhaps the most sweeping honor, Billboard officially named "Last Night" the number one country song of the entire 21st century. This designation is based on the song's cumulative chart performance, airplay, sales, and streaming data over time, placing it above other massive hits like "Whiskey Glasses" and "You Proof."

4. Tying Wallen’s Personal Chart Record

The song tied with Wallen’s previous hit, "You Proof," for a personal chart record for the longest run at the top of a specific chart, further highlighting his consistent dominance in the country music space. Both tracks are featured on the *One Thing at a Time* album, demonstrating the unprecedented depth of his 2023 release.

5. Unprecedented Album Chart Domination

While "Last Night" was the spearhead, its success propelled the entire *One Thing at a Time* album to historic heights. The 36-track project, which includes other fan favorites like "Born With A Beer In My Hand," "Everything I Love," and the collaboration "Man Made A Bar" featuring Eric Church, spent a staggering amount of time atop the Billboard 200 chart. The consistent, high-level performance of multiple tracks, including "Thought You Should Know" and "One Thing At A Time," showcased Wallen's topical authority and ability to command the charts with volume and quality.

The Lasting Legacy of "Last Night"

The success of "Last Night" is a definitive moment in modern country music, proving that the genre can achieve universal, global appeal through streaming platforms. The song’s massive crossover success, despite Wallen’s past controversies, underscores the authentic connection he maintains with his vast and loyal fanbase.

With production by Joey Moi and Charlie Handsome, and songwriting from a team that includes Ashley Gorley and John Byron, the track is a masterclass in crafting a modern hit. It is a powerful example of how a simple, relatable story of a "last night" can translate into a multi-billion stream, chart-topping, record-breaking phenomenon that will define the sound of country music for years to come.