Old Town Road
Billy Ray Cyrus · 2018
10 min · 4 tracks · country music
A genre-blending anthem that fuses country and hip-hop with infectious melodies and playful lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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Old Town Road (remix) — The remix featuring Billy Ray Cyrus brought new life to the track and highlighted the seamless fusion of country and hip-hop, making it a defining moment for both artists.
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Old Town Road (remix) — This version captures the playful spirit of the original while expanding its appeal through Cyrus's iconic vocals, further solidifying its place in popular culture.
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Old Town Road — The original track laid the groundwork for the viral sensation that followed, featuring simple yet catchy lyrics that resonated widely across social media platforms.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The song's unique blend of genres and cultural significance contribute to its high scores in distinctiveness and impact.
What we noticed
- The lyrics playfully reference cowboy culture while incorporating modern slang, creating a juxtaposition between traditional and contemporary themes.
- The remix version includes additional production elements that enhance the original's rhythmic drive without altering its core melody.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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4/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Defined its genre or moment. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This single marked a significant resurgence and wider recognition for Cyrus.
- Career context
- When 'Old Town Road' was released in December 2018, Billy Ray Cyrus was experiencing a resurgence in popularity, largely due to his collaboration with Lil Nas X. This remix marked a significant moment in Cyrus's career, as it came over two decades after his breakout hit 'Achy Breaky Heart' in 1992, showcasing his ability to adapt to contemporary musical trends.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Kacey Musgraves· Zac Brown Band· Chris Stapleton
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Old Town Road (remix)
The narrative shifts from personal ambition to an inclusive celebration of lifestyle and freedom.
This transition broadens the song's thematic scope, inviting listeners from diverse backgrounds into its world, reflecting a collective aspiration.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Old Town Road (remix) 2:51
- 2 Old Town Road (remix) 2:37
- 3 Old Town Road 1:53
- 4 Old Town Road (Diplo remix) 3:24
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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