Trace Adkins: Platinum, Butt?

Trace Adkins performs at the VAULT Concert Stage at LP Field in Downtown Nashville Saturday, June 13 during the 2009 CMA Music Festival. Photographer: John Russell / CMA.

July 6, 2009 — Trace Adkins will be the first to tell you that "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk," with its grinding guitar riff and lyrical salute to a woman’s behind, is not the deepest song he’s recorded.

But it’s certainly been one of his most successful. "Badonkadonk" — written by Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser and Dallas Davidson — was certified platinum last week, nearly four years after it was first released. The sales success, not to mention the increased energy in the audience every time he plays it, is positive feedback that he made a good choice in recording "Badonkadonk." But he’s heard some negatives, too, including from people who were offended by the line "slap your grandma" — which is, of course, a figurative phrase, not a literal one.

"I know that the criticism is gonna come," Trace told The Washington Post, though he doesn’t seem to take it too seriously.

"People who are going through life being offended by songs are leading pretty miserable lives," he added. "They need to lighten up a bit."

It’s not like Trace only brushes off criticism; he doesn’t put a lot of stock in public adulation, either. Last year, Country Weekly fans voted him Country’s Sexiest Man, ahead of Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw and Keith Urban, all of whom have appeared previously in People magazine sexy-men lists.

"I think it's flattering," Trace said of the Country Weekly recognition. "But I find it humorous at the same time. You have to look at the pool they choose from. I know all those guys. I don't think any of them are sexy — and I include myself with that!"

"Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" was not the only country-related project to go gold or platinum last week. Keith Urban got gold singles for "Stupid Boy" and "Tonight I Wanna Cry," Kid Rock’s Rock N Roll Jesus album — including the country hit "All Summer Long" — was certified triple-platinum, and Brad Paisley notched a gold single for "Ticks."