Kane Brown and his little sidekick, Krewe!

Introduction

I remember the summer of 2019, driving down a sun-soaked highway with the windows down, when “One Thing Right” blasted through the speakers. Its infectious beat and Kane Brown’s twangy vocals hooked me instantly, but it was the story—a flawed man redeemed by love—that hit home. In a world where we’re all a little messy, this song felt like a confession and a celebration rolled into one. Released by Marshmello and Kane Brown, it’s a track that bridges genres and hearts, and its story deserves a closer look.

About The Composition

• Title: One Thing Right
• Songwriters/Producers: Marshmello, Kane Brown, Jesse Frasure, Josh Hoge, Matt McGinn
• Release Date: June 21, 2019
• Album/EP: Standalone single, with two remix EPs released in 2019
• Genre: EDM, Country, Pop Punk

Background

“One Thing Right” emerged from an unexpected collaboration between EDM producer Marshmello and country star Kane Brown, released on June 21, 2019. According to Wikipedia, Brown described the song as the “opposite” of Marshmello’s melancholic hit “Happier,” aiming for a lighter, more triumphant vibe. The track was born in a Nashville songwriting session, where the team fused EDM’s pulsating beats with country’s storytelling and pop punk’s rebellious energy. Its narrative centers on a man who admits to a life of lies and trouble but cherishes the one thing he’s gotten right: his love.

The song’s inception reflects a broader trend in 2019, where genre-blending became a hallmark of mainstream music, breaking down barriers between country, EDM, and pop. Marshmello, known for electronic anthems, and Brown, a rising country star, brought their fanbases together, creating a crossover hit. Initially promoted via social media posts by both artists on June 17, 2019, it quickly gained traction, peaking at number one on Billboard’s US Hot Country Songs chart on October 12, 2019. By March 2020, it had sold 273,000 copies in the US, and on December 7, 2023, it earned quadruple platinum certification from the RIAA for over four million equivalent units. Critically, it was praised for its catchy fusion and heartfelt lyrics, cementing its place as a standout in both artists’ catalogs.

Musical Style

“One Thing Right” is a sonic mosaic, blending EDM’s trap-tinged beats, country’s twangy vocals and banjo flourishes, and pop punk’s driving energy. The song’s structure is straightforward—verse, chorus, bridge—but its production is layered. Marshmello’s signature electronic bass drops and crisp percussion provide a pulsating foundation, while Brown’s warm, slightly raspy vocals anchor the track in country authenticity. The inclusion of banjo, subtle but distinct, nods to traditional country, creating a bridge between genres.

The tempo is upbeat, around 90 BPM, giving it a danceable yet reflective feel. The chorus explodes with a soaring melody, amplified by Marshmello’s production, which uses dynamic shifts to heighten emotional impact. The song’s arrangement builds progressively, with verses that simmer and choruses that erupt, mirroring the lyrical journey from confession to celebration. This fusion of electronic precision and organic instrumentation makes the song both radio-friendly and emotionally resonant, a testament to the songwriters’ and producers’ craft.

Lyrics

The lyrics of “One Thing Right” tell a redemption story through the lens of a self-aware rogue. Lines like “I’ve cheated and I’ve lied / I’ve broke down and I’ve cried” lay bare the narrator’s flaws, while the chorus—“But I got one thing right / You’re the one thing right” —celebrates the love that anchors him. The themes are universal: imperfection, redemption, and the transformative power of love.

The lyrics’ conversational tone, paired with Brown’s sincere delivery, makes the story relatable. The music complements this narrative, with the upbeat production underscoring the triumph of finding “one thing right” amidst chaos. The bridge, with its stripped-down instrumentation, lets the emotional weight of the lyrics shine, creating a moment of vulnerability before the final, anthemic chorus. The interplay between the lyrics’ honesty and the music’s energy captures the tension between regret and hope, making the song a compelling narrative arc.

Performance History

Since its release, “One Thing Right” has been a staple in both Marshmello’s and Kane Brown’s live sets. Its music video, launched on July 19, 2019, amplified its reach, featuring a cinematic depiction of the song’s story. The track’s chart success—number one on the US Hot Country Songs and a modest hit in Europe, reaching the Tipparade in the Netherlands and Flanders—reflects its broad appeal.

Notable performances include Brown’s appearances at country music festivals and Marshmello’s EDM-centric shows, where the song bridges diverse audiences. Two remix EPs released in 2019, featuring reworks by Firebeatz, Duke & Jones, and others, kept it fresh in clubs and on streaming platforms. Over time, the song has been celebrated for its crossover success, with fans and critics noting its ability to resonate across genres, though some purists in country and EDM circles initially questioned its hybrid nature.

Cultural Impact

“One Thing Right” is more than a hit single; it’s a cultural snapshot of 2019’s genre-blending movement. Its success helped pave the way for other cross-genre collaborations, like Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” or Diplo’s country-infused projects. The song’s presence in radio rotations, streaming playlists, and social media challenges amplified its reach, making it a go-to anthem for fans of both country and EDM.

Beyond music, its themes of redemption and love struck a chord in a polarized cultural landscape, offering a message of hope amidst personal and societal flaws. While not heavily featured in film or TV, its music video’s narrative style influenced similar storytelling in country-pop visuals. The song’s quadruple platinum status underscores its commercial and cultural weight, proving that genre boundaries are less rigid than ever.

Legacy

Six years after its release, “One Thing Right” remains a touchstone for genre fusion and emotional storytelling. Its enduring popularity on streaming platforms and at live performances speaks to its universal appeal. For Marshmello, it marked a successful foray into country, expanding his versatility; for Brown, it solidified his status as a crossover star unafraid to experiment.

The song’s relevance today lies in its relatability—everyone has their “one thing right,” whether it’s a relationship, a passion, or a personal triumph. It continues to inspire artists to blend genres and tell authentic stories, shaping the evolving landscape of modern music. Its legacy is one of breaking barriers and reminding us that even in our messiest moments, there’s something worth celebrating.

Conclusion

“One Thing Right” is a song that sneaks up on you—its catchy beat pulls you in, but its heart keeps you there. As someone who’s hummed it during both joyful and tough times, I find its honesty refreshing in a world that often demands perfection. I encourage you to listen to the original track for its raw energy, or check out the Late Night remix by Marshmello for a club-ready twist. Better yet, catch Kane Brown or Marshmello live to feel the song’s electric connection with audiences. Dive into this anthem of redemption, and you might just find your own “one thing right.”

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