Blake Shelton is giving hints about his new music. Shelton, who just celebrated his 31st No. hit, with “Stay Country or Die Tryin’.” From his For Recreational Use Only album, out last year, the record also includes “Texas,” his 30th chart-topping hit. For Recreational Use Only is Shelton’s first record on BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, but he now hints that more music is coming from him, and likely soon.
“When I made this album, I made way more music than I needed,” Shelton reveals on Country Countdown USA. “I held on to some of it. I’m thinking one day you and I will be sitting here again like we are today. If they tell me they’re gonna do a deluxe version, I have just what they need right here.”
The Story Behind Blake Shelton’s “Stay Country or Die Tryin'”
“Stay Country or Die Tryin’” is written by Drew Parker, Graham Barham, Sam Ellis, and Beau Bailey. As soon as Shelton heard the song, he knew he wanted it to be part of For Recreational Use Only.
“When I heard ‘Stay Country or Die Tryin,’’ it took me back to the first time I heard ‘Ol’ Red’ or ‘God’s Country,’” the Oklahoma native says. “It’s got so much energy and is full of those little catchphrases and things we say out in the country. I absolutely fell in love with it. I’m proud of this recording—and I love singing it live even more.”
Shelton was also very intentional about the video for “Stay Country or Die Tryin’,” which shows seven generations working on the same land.
“I hope that fans see the video, and it helps them understand the lifestyle that we’re singing about, and the lyrics of the song,” Shelton says. “This is seven generations of a family who have made their living off this same plot of corn they plant every year. And there are a lot of those families out there. They’re all over the United States, and they’re all over the world, actually. It’s a source of pride for the person that’s performing the song. I absolutely love the song, and I hope the video conveys that same message.”
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Blake Shelton Talks About ‘The Road’ Returning in 2026
Shelton just wrapped up his inaugural season as the executive producer of The Road. Working alongside Taylor Sheridan, the show also included Gretchen Wilson and Keith Urban. Adam Sanders was crowned this year’s winner. Although Shelton would like The Road to return in 2026, he reveals that nothing has been confirmed, at least not so far.
“I haven’t heard anything yet,” the Oklahoma native says. “I’m usually on the fringe of things. The smart people are behind the curtain. I didn’t even know that Taylor has this new deal with Universal. I hope it comes back. I think people enjoyed it. I always know people are watching it when I go to the feed store, and people ask me about it.”
Shelton is currently headlining his Live in Vegas residency, which runs through the end of January.
Photo Credit: Jamie Wendt