May 2025

 

Blake Shelton burst onto the country music scene in 2001 with his chart-topping debut single, “Austin,” and just achieved a milestone as his latest single, “Texas,” topped the radio singles chart, giving him his 30^th career #1. The journey between these wins spans more than two decades of remarkable evolution. In that time, Shelton has crafted one of the most versatile, influential and enduring careers in country music, balancing hit-making consistency with bold creative range and mainstream appeal.

 

His new album, For Recreational Use Only, combines Shelton’s adventuresome, artistic and authentic spirit with elements of country boy flair, faith, vulnerability, storytelling, love and loss to create a contemporary sonic package that bridges 2001 to 2025.

 

For Recreational Use Only is Shelton’s first album in four years – his highly anticipated debut with new label group BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. The 12-track collection underlines Blake’s unwavering determination to find and record the most compelling country songs Nashville has to offer.

 

The country singer and television personality has charted a staggering 30 #1 songs, sold 52 million singles and 13 million albums. He’s accumulated 11 billion global streams and earned awards from a wide swath of prestigious music industry organizations, including the Country Music Association’s most prestigious trophy – Entertainer of the Year.

 

Shelton was a beloved coach on NBC’s “The Voice” for over a decade; launched his own production company, Lucky Horseshoe Productions; and is focused on his Ole Red bar and restaurant chain.

 

The Grand Ole Opry member parted ways with his longtime record label and signed with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville in September 2024. The Wheelhouse Records team guided Shelton to the largest radio-add day of his career with “Texas.”

 

Shelton readily admits there was no guarantee he’d be back on country radio or anywhere near the spotlight. When he stepped away from his coach role on “The Voice” in 2022, he was burnt out and underwhelmed with how his songs performed on country radio. So, he went home to his Oklahoma ranch and stayed there for 18 months. In truth, he had to go home to find himself and remember his passion.

 

Post Malone gave Shelton the shove he needed to get moving. Shelton and Malone teamed for Shelton’s 29^th #1, “Pour Me a Drink.” Malone’s joy and excitement for country music were contagious, and Shelton saw his 20-year-old self in Malone’s enthusiasm.

 

Along with longtime producer Scott Henricks, Shelton packed For Recreational Use Only with tracks that are just what he said he wanted – unique. The album also features three guest vocalists: Craig Morgan, Gwen Stefani and Country Music Hall of Famer John Anderson.

 

In addition to returning to the recording studio, Shelton returned to television but this time with the title of executive producer. Shelton teamed with Lee Metzger, a former executive producer on NBC’s “The Voice,” to create Lucky Horseshoe Entertainment. Their Lucky Horseshoe Entertainment aligned with Anomaly Content & Entertainment (ACE) to film the first approved documentary on the life and influence of Country Music Hall of Famer Keith Whitley.

 

Shelton is jumping back into music reality competitions through his production company with THE ROAD. The new music competition series highlights his journey with Keith Urban, who also serves as the headlining superstar for the series, to discover the next big musician, with emerging talents opening for Urban at music venues across America as they compete to win over local fanbases to secure a spot in the next city and remain on the tour. The series highlights the gritty and unforgiving life of a touring musician and what it’s like for these up-and-coming performers to tackle this challenge in pursuit of their dreams. Shelton serves as executive producer along with Taylor Sheridan, David Glasser, Metzger and Urban.