Music review: Blake Shelton – ‘Based on a True Story…’
As the current Country Music Association entertainer of the year, Blake Shelton shows heĢƵ earned the title with his latest album, “Based on a True Story…,” which is filled with a dozen tracks that mirror the singerĢƵ life experiences.
“Chew tobacco, chew tobacco, chew tobacco, spit,” sings Shelton on the opener “Boys ‘Round Here” with Shelton assisted by wife Miranda Lambert and the Pistol Annies.
You know you’ve got a sure-fire country hit when you write a song that includes God, girls, trucks, backwoods, dirt roads, ice cold beer, Bocephus, kissing and crickets.
The charming Oklahoma native follows up 2011ĢƵ “Red River Blue” with another collection of straightforward country arrangements that are simple, honest and from the heart.
“Sure Be Cool If You Did” is the smooth and infectious first single that shows off SheltonĢƵ softer side as he sings about that defining moment you meet that special someone.
The rowdy “I Still Got a Finger,” is the ultimate workerĢƵ revenge anthem, second only to Johnny PaycheckĢƵ classic “Take This Job and Shove It.”
“My Eyes” features Gwen Sebastian from the second season of NBCĢƵ “The Voice” rejoining her vocal coach on a love song which possesses the classic pick up line, “My eyes are the only thing I don’t want to take off of you.”
“GranddaddyĢƵ Gun” is a nostalgic look back at a family treasure that has been passed down through the generations with Shelton describing how the double-barreled shotgun has deterred burglars, assisted in bagging the various trophies hanging on the wall and created unforgettable bonding moments between grandfather, father and son over the years.
“Doin’ What She Likes,” “Mine Would Be You” and “Lay Low” are tender love songs that certainly prove that marriage agrees with Shelton.
“Based on a True Story…” details a life full of good times, love, family memories and appreciating just what you’ve got.
This summer, Shelton will make a Pittsburgh appearance at the First Niagara Pavilion on Aug. 2 with special guests Easton Corbin and Jana Kramer.