When Blake Shelton’s first solo single in two years, “Texas,” dropped on November 15, 2024, under his new partnership with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville and Wheelhouse Records, few anticipated the seismic impact it would make. Emerging fresh from a departure from Warner Music Nashville, Shelton teamed up once again with longtime collaborator Scott Hendricks to craft a song he called both “different” and “important.” Within weeks, “Texas” soared to No. 1 on the country radio charts—a testament not only to Shelton’s star power but also to the song’s haunting resonance and deeply personal significance.
At its core, “Texas” is a moody, introspective ballad wrapped in minor chords and a melancholy melody. Shelton himself compared the track’s tonal quality to the classic sounds of Ronnie Milsap, yet with a modern, foot-tapping groove that gives it fresh life. Set in the dim light of a barroom, the song’s narrator confronts friends teasing him about an ex who’s “probably in Texas / Amarillo all I know.” By nodding to George Strait’s iconic line “All My Ex’s Live in Texas,” the song bridges country’s storied past with Shelton’s own contemporary perspective.
Written by Johnny Clawson, Kyle Sturrock, Josh Dorr, and Lalo Guzman, the lyrics paint a vivid picture of longing and heartache: “Your loving arms have cradled me / You held me closer,” Shelton sings with raw honesty and gratitude. This emotional depth is precisely what drew Shelton to the song—he didn’t choose “Texas” just because it was radio-ready but because it spoke to him on a personal level. In a career marked by nearly 30 No. 1 hits, Shelton says this track stands apart as one he felt compelled to share.
Industry response was immediate and overwhelming. “Texas” shattered Shelton’s own record for the most country radio adds in a single week, with 156 stations placing the song into rotation. The track dominated the UK Country Radio Airplay chart for eight nonconsecutive weeks, amassing over 680,000 impressions. It also crossed over onto the Billboard Hot 100, debuting at No. 97 and climbing to a peak of No. 70, while reaching No. 16 on Hot Country Songs. These numbers underscore Shelton’s global reach, amplified by his long-running role as a coach on The Voice and a catalog boasting more than 52 million singles sold.
Beyond the charts and statistics, the song’s success is deeply tied to Shelton’s roots in the Southwest. Raised in Ada, Oklahoma, Shelton grew up idolizing country legends like George Strait. Anchoring “Texas” in Lone Star lore felt natural—a reflection of his own journey through love, loss, and personal reinvention. The result is a song that feels timeless yet intimately personal.
“Texas” also marks a new chapter in Shelton’s career as his first release under his new label partnership. Should it bring him an unprecedented 30th chart-topper, it will not only cement his place among country’s greatest but also elevate this song as a defining moment in his storied career.
Ultimately, “Texas” resonates because it weaves universal themes of heartbreak and healing with the unmistakable authenticity of Blake Shelton’s voice. From the dusty roads of Oklahoma to the summit of the country charts, this deeply personal anthem proves that the most haunting melodies often spring from the places—and experiences—that shape us the most.
