"If I counted correctly, there are four romantic dates nights in and out,
which find Green and his onscreen lover ripping the other's clothes
off. The entire time I felt like I needed to close my eyes, but I also couldn't look away."(Adison Haager / tasteofcountry.com, Feb 12, 2025)
It seems that the controversies he has triggered so far, while presumably unintentional, haven't necessarily hurt his career either. Whether it was the mention of Confederate General Robert E. Lee in the song 'Bury Me In Dixie' or the lyric changes in 'I Wish Grandpas Never Died' or his tweet about Shakira and Jennifer Lopez's 2020 Super Bowl halftime performances.
Former college football quarterback Riley Green, originally from Alabama, has not only become a real hearthrob, but also one of the most popular artists in the genre. His very first single for Big Machine Label Group about this one girl ('There Was This Girl') climbed to number 3 on the radio (Billboard Country Airplay) chart in 2019 and has reached over 191 mio. streams on Spotify to date!
The follow-up single 'I Wish Grandpas Never Died' only reached number 12 on the charts, but has been streamed more than 214 million times on Spotify to date. And his duet with Luke Combs ('Different 'Round Here') reached number 2 on the radio chart in 2023. Then Thomas Rhett asked him to become part of his song 'Half of Me' and had it reach the top of the radio (Billboard Country Airplay) chart in 2022. And last but not least, Ella Langley's duet with him ('you look like you love me') not only became a number 1 last year, but also one of the most exceptional hits of the year and can already boast almost 179 million streams on Spotify. Although Riley Green's looks probably contributed to it.
Hence it's hardly surprising, that Riley Green (as support act for Morgan Wallen) was also invited to the legendary summer concert series in London's Hyde Park last year. Shortly thereafter, in the fall of 2024, his third studio album, "Don't Mind If I Do" was released, featuring 18 songs. Despite of producer Dann Huff, the project finds Riley Green sticking to his traditional roots.
Just like on the first and current single from the album, which is attracting further attention for other reasons as well. 'Worst Way' has not only been streamed over 141 million times on Spotify to date, but the song is also blatantly about a night of passionate sex.
tonight, I ain't bringin' no roses.
Talkin' would take too much time,
I think I just better show you.
Just turn the lights down, let's get right down to it,
soon as I walk in the door.
I don't wanna be out of line,
but, girl, I can't wait anymore.
I want you in the worst way,
my hands are needin' your hips,
want the first taste
of whiskey to be off your lips.
So close all the blinds, lock all the doors,
put away anything that'll break,
Baby, I need you tonight.
Let's see how much love we can make,
I want you in the worst way.
For writing the song, Riley Green took inspiration from Eric Church ('Like A Wrecking Ball') and John Mayer ('Slow Dancing in a Burning Room'). And success proves him right, as after only 17 weeks, the single is already at number 19 on the radio (Billboard Country Airplay) chart dated April 4, 2025.
When the video for 'Worst Ways' was released on February 12, 2025, Rolling Stone headlined: "Riley Green Goes 50 Shades of Country in ‘Worst Way’ Video. The video is revealing, sultry, and just nearly NSFW [not safe for work]."
It does not only show Riley Green in his Ford Bronco, but is also featuring him -officially single- as the lead role, looking like a middle brother of Tom Selleck and Matthew McConaughey. And the many clips on social media envying model Stephanie Ludwig as his partner in the shoot clearly underscore that Riley Green could also do without wine and roses with them any time ...
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