“It took about a year…” - Blake Shelton opens up about an unexpected streak of inspiration

Country music icon Blake Shelton was at a creative crossroads following more than 20 years in the public eye and an unprecedented 23-season stint on The Voice. The singer opened up in an interview about his burnout and how Post Malone aided him, the impact of fatherhood, and his new album.

An era came to an end when Blake Shelton left The Voice in May 2023. Shelton became one of the most adored and prosperous coaches on NBC's popular competition show, where he mentored the emerging artists we hear today. But he was silently worn out behind the scenes.

In the interview with People magazine, Shelton revealed:

“I was entirely burnt out. It took about a year before I even was open to the idea of, ‘What’s next?’”

Blake Shelton decided to take a break rather than return to the industry. He reflected on his future goals while spending time with his wife, Gwen Stefani and his mixed family, which includes his stepsons.

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The Post Malone phone call that changed everything for Blake Shelton

The turning point for Blake Shelton came when Post Malone, a pop and hip-hop artist who was venturing into the genre of country music, extended an offer to work together. Their collab Pour Me a Drink became an instant hit and helped Shelton's engine run up again.

Talking about how Post Malone helped him, he said:

"I really credit Post Malone for this new energy that I have, because I was kind of just complacent and not in any hurry. Then, that kid came along and asked me to sing on his song with him. It took off and was a big hit this summer, and it reminded me like, 'Hey, get off your ass! This may be your last chance to really take a big swing at this thing,' so here I am."

He added:

"I don't know that he believes me. Also, I don't know if you've ever talked to Post Malone, but it's hard to get him to focus sometimes. I did send it to him in a text one time, and he wrote back, 'Dude, stop it.' He said something super nice back to me."

Their collab just didn't earn them a number one spot on the list but also gave Shelton newfound motivation to return to the studio.

With his engines firing up, Shelton has released a new album titled For Recreational Use Only.

Texas, a lead album single, helped the country singer achieve No.1 for the 30th time. He said in his interview:

"I've always been a nerd for country music stats. Early on I thought it was important to know these things about my heroes," he says, name-checking George Strait's 60 No. 1's. "Now to have my own chapter where I can go, 'Man, this is my catalog and my legacy.' . . . It really is exciting."

He has also discovered a new feeling of calm among it all. He revealed:

"After 25 years of doing this, and the ups and downs, I don't feel like I have anything to prove anymore. I used to be almost afraid of my success because I was afraid of losing it somehow. Maybe the worry kept me working hard and focused — but now it's just fun for me."

He is also creating a new singing show for CBS called The Road along with Taylor Sheridan, who's known for his work on Yellowstone.

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Blake Shelton's new album, For Recreational Use Only

Blake Shelton's album For Recreational Use Only contains ballads like Heaven Sweet Home, a song that he recorded years ago but kept around unit it felt perfect, which are mixed in with Blake Shelton's signature party tunes on his new album. He said:

"I recorded that song a few years ago, maybe four or even five years ago. I've done this a lot in my career... I'll have songs that I've cut that, for whatever reason, may not feel like they work for whatever particular album I'm putting together at that moment. I'll just sit on 'em and wait. When we were finishing up this album, I dug that song out and it made me think of [country singer Craig Morgan's late son] Jerry.

Shelton, in his interview, also reveals how becoming a father has changed him. He said:

"I knew him when he was a little kid, and it was just on my mind, I guess, because I'm getting older and have kids now. It just hit me different now. I reached out to Craig and asked him if he would sing on the record with me, and he jumped on it and took it to a completely different level of hope and emotion."

Shelton claims that he is no longer preoccupied with the idea of success. He shared:

"It might be my favorite. I don't really feel like I'm in the race anymore. If a young, up-and-coming artist ever looks to me for advice or something, I damn sure have plenty of it to give. I love being a country singer so much."

Blake Shelton's album For Recreational Use Only has 12 tracks that feature Gwen Stefani, Craig Morgan, and John Anderson. Some of the songs like Texas, Let Him In Anyway, and Heaven Sweet Home are already people's favorites, and it releases on May 9, 2025.

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