Blake Shelton is right on schedule with the release of 11 new songs on his new album, Texoma Shore. It's a collection of very Blake tracks, that country music fans have been waiting for.
We aren't kidding about Shelton being right on schedule. If you look at the releases of his last 6 albums, you can look at approximately a year and a half between records. And here we are in November 2017 with the follow-up to the May 2016 release of If I'm Honest.
The new album comes in at just under 40 minutes of music, and while we do wish that number was a little higher, it's hard to complain about an 11 song album in an era of EPs.
Blake Shelton's signature mix of sweet and smart-ass is available throughout the album. His fans love it. It fits the big Oklahoman's personality, and since we've gotten used to both sides of him and his music over the last 15+ years, it's both expected and reassuring to hear it done and done well on Texoma Shore.
The lead single, I'll Name The Dogs, was released on September 8, giving it a two month lead into the record, and Canadian country fans got a treat when Blake performed the track on the CBC broadcast of the Canadian Country Music Association Awards on Sunday, September 10.
We don't know what the radio single plan is coming up for Shelton from this album, but if the early release of Turnin' Me On and I Lived It are teases that they're headed in one of those two directions, I'd be okay with that.
Note: The first time I listened to Turnin' Me O n I had a real Eagles feel hittin' me. And that's not a bad thing. Who knows, maybe I just have a craving for the Eagles, but I think there's something there.
We're a little disappointed that Blake Shelton's Country Music Freaks Tour isn't going to be bringing Brett Eldredge, Carly Pearce, and Trace Adkins north of the border to play these new songs... but here's hoping it's not too long before the five time winning coach of The Voice brings his stage show back to Canada.
For now, all fans can kick back, pour a beverage of their choice and hit play on Texoma Shore. From I'll Name The Dogs off the top to I Lived It at the end of the tracklist, Shelton and his team at Warner have put together another collection on songs that fit him well, will work for country fans, and will make for some fun additions to the live show.
Leave a comment to tell us which song from Texoma Shore is your favourite!