“The thing that struck me about ‘Texas’ immediately was how different it sounded for me,” Shelton explained.
Blake Shelton is kicking off his new musical era with the release of “Texas,” and the song is unlike anything he’s recorded in his 20+ year career.
Out now, the track finds Shelton trying to figure out where his ex-girlfriend might be after she left him. When he’s out at the bar, people constantly question “where she been?” however, Shelton admits he has no clue because he hasn’t seen or heard from her in weeks. As he continues to speculate about her whereabouts, he concludes that she made her way to the Lone Star state.
The chorus gives a nod to George Strait as he sings, “She’s probably in Texas/ Amarillo all I know/ George Strait said it/ Yeah that’s where all them exes go/ If she ain’t with me out here in Tennessee/ Then I don’t know where she’s headed/ If I’m guessin’, I reckon/ She’s probably in Texas.”
This is, of course, a clever reference to Strait’s 1987 hit, “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” in which he sings, “All my exes live in Texas/ And Texas is a place I’d dearly love to be/ But all my exes live in Texas/ And that’s why I hang my hat in Tennessee.”
Sonically, “Texas” breaks new ground for Shelton, redefining his sound by exploring fresh creative boundaries. He says that’s something that drew him to record the song in the first place.
“The thing that struck me about ‘Texas’ immediately was how different it sounded for me, and I’m always looking to push myself,” Shelton shared. “I think there’s something really special about this record, and it feels important to me.”
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“Texas” marks Shelton’s first release via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s Wheelhouse Records. The superstar signed with the company this year after parting ways with Warner Music Nashville.
The song was produced by Shelton’s longtime collaborator, Scott Hendricks, and written by Johnny Clawson, Kyle Sturrock, Josh Dorr and Lalo Guzman.
Hours after the song’s debut, Shelton released the official music video for the track. The clip finds him teaming up with directors Ada Rothlein and Jennifer Ansell. Genesis Rodriguez, known for her role in season two of Taylor Sheridan’s CIA drama, Lioness, is featured as the female lead in the video.
“My scenes are filmed inside a bar right up my alley,” Shelton joked. “I’ve worked with Adam and Jennifer many times, so they know how to make these videos easy and authentic for me. But until I saw the final edit of the video, I had no idea what she had in that briefcase! So tune in to find out what I’m talking about.”
The last time Shelton stepped outside of his comfort zone, he released “God’s Country,” which became a massive hit for him. Will “Texas” follow that same trajectory? Only time will tell.
According to a release, “Texas” will officially go for adds at country radio on November 18.
Blake Shelton has a packed schedule in 2025, starting with his “Live in Las Vegas” residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on February 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, and 15. Following this, his “Friends and Heroes” Tour begins February 27 in Lexington, KY. The tour features special guests Craig Morgan, Deana Carter, Trace Adkins, and Emily Ann Roberts.
