Blake Shelton Announces First Solo Album In Nearly Four Years, ‘For Recreational Use Only’

Blake Shelton returns after almost four years since his last studio album with For Recreational Use Only, his highly anticipated debut under BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, slated for release on May 9.

Over the past few days, the Grand Ole Opry member has sent fans into a frenzy with a series of cryptic posts on social media. On Tuesday, March 12, he posted a blank orange square with no context. Some fans wondered if he was sharing his pride for the Tennessee Volunteers, as it appears to closely match the team’s color while others wondered if there was a collaboration in the works as they pointed out that it’s nearly identical to the cover of Frank Ocean’s  2012 hit album, Channel Orange.

He followed up with two more posts, both featuring the same orange background, except this time, they had words. One simply read “FRUO” and the second revealed that the letters stood for “For Recreational Use Only.” While he certainly had fans scratching their heads, it’s now clear that it was all leading up to the announcement of his new album.

The project is poised to be a deeply personal collection of 12 tracks that explore life’s ups and downs through genuine storytelling, heartfelt emotion, and melodies that fans can’t get enough of. Blake Shelton has also teamed up with a few of his fellow singer/songwriters for collaborations across the project, offering guest appearances by his wife and superstar, Gwen Stefani, country legend John Anderson and longtime friend and tourmate 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,” said Shelton. “Scott [Hendricks] and I have been working on this music for years, and I’m beyond excited to finally share it with the fans.”

For Recreational Use Only Tracklist:

1. Stay Country or Die Tryin’ – (Drew Parker, Graham Barham, Sam Ellis, Beau Bailey)
2. Texas – (Johnny Clawson, Kyle Sturrock, Josh Dorr, Lalo Guzman) 
3. Hangin’ On (feat. Gwen Stefani) – (Sam Ellis, Charles Kelley, Greylan James)
4. Strangers –  (Michael Hardy, Zach Crowell, Jameson Rodgers)
5. Let Him In Anyway – (Michael Hardy, Zach Abend, Kyle Clark, Carson Wallace)
6. Heaven Sweet Home (feat. Craig Morgan) –  (Chris Tompkins, Sarah Buxton, Jake Rose)
7. Life’s Been Comin’ Too Fast – (Craig Wiseman, David Lee Murphy, Lindsay Rimes)
8. Don’t Mississippi – (Shane McAnally, Ross Copperman, Ben Hayslip, Josh Osborne)
9. All of My Love – (Colton Swon, Zach Swon)
10. Cold Can – (Bobby Pinson, Josh Osborne, Andrew DeRoberts)
11. The Keys – (Jay Brunswick, Brock Berryhill, Bobby Pinson)
12. Years (feat. John Anderson) – (Pat McLaughlin, John Anderson, David Ferguson, Daniel Auerbach)

New Song, “Let Him In Anyway”

Blake Shelton’s Top 10 hit single “Texas” marks a strong start to the record as it has already earned praise from fans and country radio. He shared another look into the project with today’s release, “Let Him In Anyway,” a moving ballad penned by Carson Wallace, Kyle Clark, HARDY and Zach Abend.

Amid the stunning instrumentals and tear-jerking lyrics, Blake Shelton’s baritone vocals tell the story of a man asking the man upstairs to welcome his lost friend with open arms, despite the fact that he “wasn’t quite the Christian he was supposed to be.”

“‘Let Him In Anyway’ is one of the most powerful songs I’ve ever had the chance to record,” said the Oklahoma native. “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.”

The “No Body” singer is currently on the road with his sold-out Friends & Heroes Tour featuring an all-star lineup of opening acts including Craig Morgan, Deana Carter, Trace Adkins and Emily Ann Roberts.