Blake Shelton Gears Up for New Album For Recreational Use Only, Out May 9
Blake Shelton is back—and he’s bringing the heat with a bold new anthem and an album to match. The country superstar is set to release For Recreational Use Only, his first studio album in four years, on May 9, just one day after the ACM Awards.
This highly anticipated release marks Shelton’s first full-length project since parting ways with Warner Music Nashville in 2024 and signing with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. The transition has already proven fruitful, with his debut single under the new label, “Texas,” paying homage to country legend George Strait and earning Shelton the highest number of first-week radio adds in his career. The track continues to climb near the top of Billboard’s country charts.
In March, Shelton officially announced the new album, sending fans into a frenzy. Titled For Recreational Use Only, the album promises a mix of hard-hitting pride, introspective storytelling, and classic Shelton swagger.
One of the standout tracks already making waves is “Let Him In Anyway”—a heartfelt, gospel-tinged ballad in which Shelton pleads with God to welcome a friend into heaven, even though he was “just shy of redemption.” The emotional depth of the song has resonated powerfully with fans.
And now, with less than a month to go until the album drops, Shelton has unveiled the record’s opening track, “Stay Country or Die Tryin’.” First teased on April 8 via Shelton’s Instagram, the fiery anthem captures the spirit of rural pride and blue-collar grit.
🔥 Hear Blake Shelton’s New Song “Stay Country or Die Tryin’”
In a live performance snippet, Shelton belts out lines like:
“In God, we trust
Detroit, we rust
Redneck letter testifyin’
From the born in the cut
Till the day that I’m dust
I’ma stay country or die tryin’.”
In a press release shared by The Music Universe, Shelton opened up about the song’s appeal:
“When I heard ‘Stay Country or Die Tryin,’’ it took me back to the first time I heard ‘Ol’ Red’ or ‘God’s Country.’ 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. Hopefully, you’ll come catch a show and sing it with us.”
The full track dropped on April 11 and is now available on streaming platforms.
As the countdown to May 9 begins, fans can expect a blend of southern spirit, raw emotion, and signature Shelton charm in For Recreational Use Only—a title that hints this album is meant to be enjoyed, loud and proud.
