Blake Shelton has been a dominant force in country music since bursting onto the scene in 2001 with his breakout hit “Austin.” Over the years, he’s racked up countless No. 1 singles, ruled the country charts, and even became a household name as a longtime coach on The Voice. But despite his larger-than-life career, Shelton hasn’t forgotten the songs that helped shape his journey.
Recently, Shelton stopped by the American Songwriter studio for an intimate acoustic session. With just his guitar in hand, he delivered a heartfelt rendition of “The Baby,” one of his earliest hits. As he introduced the song, he reminisced, “I had this song on my second studio album, The Dreamer. I always thought it was really well-written, and it was the first single off that album. Back then, it was a really big hit.”
Originally released in 2002, “The Baby” became Shelton’s second No. 1 single, topping the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for three weeks. Despite its success, he removed it from his setlist over a decade ago—only to bring it back during his Back to the Honky Tonk Tour last year.
“I don’t know that I’ve ever sung a song more painful to get through than ‘The Baby,’” Shelton admitted to Genius. “It’s so freaking honest—it’s unbelievable. It’s like a sore spot. This guy took his mother for granted. Maybe we’re all a little guilty of that. I was the baby of my family, and the only thing about this song I can’t relate to is that my mother is still alive, thank God.”
Shelton revealed that the emotional weight of the song led him to stop performing it live. “I’d get the crowd going, and it’d be a party. Then I’d sing this one, and suddenly, people were bawling in the audience,” he said. “It killed the mood of the show.” But now, he’s had a change of heart.
On the opening night of his latest tour, Shelton told the crowd he decided to add “The Baby” back into his set. “I realized that it was a mistake to stop doing it because that’s the power of country music—when a song truly connects with people.”
As Shelton gears up for the release of his highly anticipated new album, For Recreational Use Only, on May 9, fans have plenty to look forward to. Marking his first album under BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, the project showcases 12 tracks penned by some of the biggest names in country songwriting, including Sarah Buxton, Zach Crowell, Greylan James, Shane McAnally, Pat McLaughlin, and Bobby Pinson. The album also features collaborations with wife Gwen Stefani, as well as country icons John Anderson and Craig Morgan.
“It’s been a long time since we had a new album out, and I want to thank the songwriters and musicians who helped bring this record to life,” Shelton said. “[Producer] Scott [Hendricks] and I have been working on this music for years, and I’m beyond excited to finally share it with the fans.”
Leading up to the album’s release, Shelton is already making waves with his top 15 Billboard Country Airplay hit “Texas” and his latest single, “Let Him In Anyway.” The deeply moving track, co-written by country star Hardy, explores themes of faith and redemption.
“‘Let Him In Anyway’ is one of the most powerful songs I’ve ever had the chance to record,” Shelton shared. “Hardy is a co-writer and a friend, and I’ve never heard a song like this before. When I first listened to it, I knew it was something special. It’s an honor to bring it to life, and I’m incredibly proud of the record we made.”
Currently, Shelton is taking his sold-out Friends & Heroes Tour across the country, sharing the stage with a stellar lineup of artists, including Morgan, Deana Carter, Trace Adkins, and Emily Ann Roberts. With new music on the horizon and a tour packed with fan-favorite hits, Blake Shelton is proving once again why he remains a staple in country music.
