Blake Shelton has long been a powerhouse in country music. Since his debut in 2001 with the chart-topping hit Austin, he has racked up dozens of No. 1 singles, sold-out tours, and a wildly successful run as a coach on The Voice. But despite his massive career, Shelton hasn’t forgotten the songs that made him who he is today.
Recently, the country star took a trip down memory lane at the American Songwriter studio, treating fans to a rare acoustic performance of one of his most emotional hits—The Baby. Before strumming the first chords, Shelton reflected on the song’s impact:
“I had this song on my second album, The Dreamer, and I always thought it was so well written. It was the first single off the album, and back then, it was a really big hit.”
Released in 2002, The Baby became Shelton’s second No. 1 single, spending three weeks atop the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. But for over a decade, he kept the song off his setlist—because every time he performed it, it brought out raw emotions in both himself and his audience.
“I don’t think I’ve ever sung a song that’s more painful to get through than The Baby,” Shelton admitted. “It’s so honest—it’s unbelievable. This guy took his mother for granted, and maybe we all do that in some way.”
The song’s deeply personal lyrics hit home for many fans, and Shelton noticed the emotional toll it took during concerts.
“I’d be throwing a party on stage, and then I’d sing this song, and suddenly, you’d see people bawling in the audience,” he explained. Realizing it completely changed the energy of his shows, he decided to retire it—until now.
During the opening night of his Back to the Honky Tonk Tour, Shelton surprised fans by bringing The Baby back, telling the crowd:
“I realized it was a mistake to stop playing it. That’s the power of country music—when a song connects with people, it’s worth sharing.”
A New Chapter: For Recreational Use Only
While revisiting the past, Shelton is also looking toward the future with his highly anticipated new album, For Recreational Use Only, set to drop on May 9. The record marks his first release under BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville and features a star-studded lineup of songwriters, including Sarah Buxton, Zach Crowell, Greylan James, Shane McAnally, Pat McLaughlin, and Bobby Pinson.
Fans can also expect some exciting collaborations, as the album includes guest appearances from Gwen Stefani, John Anderson, and Craig Morgan.
“It’s been a long time since I put out a new album, and I can’t thank the songwriters and musicians enough for bringing this one to life,” Shelton shared. “Scott [Hendricks] and I have been working on these songs for years, and I’m beyond excited to finally share them.”
A Powerful New Song: Let Him In Anyway
Alongside his current Billboard Country Airplay hit Texas, Shelton is also unveiling a brand-new song: Let Him In Anyway—a powerful, spiritual ballad about faith, redemption, and second chances.
“This is one of the most powerful songs I’ve ever recorded,” Shelton said. “Hardy is a co-writer and a friend, and when I first heard it, I knew it was something special. It’s an honor to bring this song to life.”
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