Blake Shelton - Startin' Fires

Blake Shelton was born on June 18, l976 in Ado, OK. He began writing songs and performing in honky-tonks while a teenager. Two weeks after high school, in 1994, he moved to Nashville in search of a country music career. Now he has released his fifth album, “Startin’ Fires” and is hoping that, as the title suggests, he will be “firing” up his career. 

Shelton’s debut single, “Austin” hit No. 1 on Billboard’s singles chart and stayed there for 5 weeks. It was followed by other hits like “The Baby” in 2003 and “Some Beach,” “Goodby Time” and most recently “Home” from his PureBS album. 

The new album continues to build on those early hits – showing us a growing talent. It is a mix of upbeat songs, some fun and some romantic ballads – all in Shelton’s own interpretation of pure country themes. 

The title song, “Good at Startin’ Fires” is a case in point – a story set to music:

 “She’s got her new jeans on
Lookin’ so right it’s wrong
Hmm, everybody stares as she walks on by
See those double takes
Hear those slammin’ brakes
Yeah, when she smiles you can see the sparks fly
My baby’s gotten good, good at startin’ fires.”

Country music often has a classic theme of love lost or the road not taken – and there are several good songs that follow that lead – “She Wouldn’t Be Gone” (the first single), “I Don’t Care,” and the especially good, “Here I Am” (which was written by Shelton – maybe he should be writing more)!

“Bare Skin Rug” was written by Shelton and girlfriend, Miranda Lambert and is performed as a duet.  Shelton explains that it’s just a glimpse on their life together – like in the chorus:

“No I ain’t afraid to be lonely
But I still want to learn about love
I’m a hillbilly child, been raised in the wild
Lay me down on your bare skin rug.” 

Shelton has worked hard on his music and grows with each album. To date, however, he doesn’t seem to have gotten the recognition from the fans that his career richly deserves. Maybe this album will light the fire and help that along.