Blake Shelton, God’s Country | Track Review

Veteran country musician Blake Shelton returns with a superb, moving, and well-rounded single, “God’s Country,” notably co-written by Devin Dawson.

“The devil went down to Georgia, but he didn’t stick around / This is God’s country.” Veteran country musician Blake Shelton has an instant, powerful hit on his hands with “God’s Country,” period.  “God’s Country,” set in a minor key, has a darker, more enigmatic quality compared to many songs that Shelton has released in the past, not to mention the country music that dominates the radio these days.  Perhaps what truly makes “God’s Country” stand out is that it hearkens back to the outlaw sound of old – there’s a vintage sensibility.

Even with vintage vibes tapped, “God’s Country” still sounds fresh, and even incorporates some modern cues within its production to give it that extra oomph.  Where the ‘bread is buttered’ is the songwriting, which features underrated California country singer/songwriter Devin Dawson as a co-writer.  The crowning achievement lyrically comes on the big-time chorus, where Blake Shelton is turned-up and locked-in to the nth degree:

“I saw the light in the sunrise

Sittin’ back in the 40 on the muddy riverside

Gettin’ baptized in holy water and shine

With the dogs runnin’

Saved by the sound of the been found

Dixie whistled in the wind, that’ll get you Heaven bound

The devil went to Georgia, but he didn’t stick around

This is God’s country.”

Final Thoughts

Blake Shelton, who is NOT a co-writer, also deserves ample credit for one of the grittiest performances I’ve personally heard from him, period.  He perfectly captures the pride he and the citizens have for the United States, as well as the awesomeness of who ultimately created it.  While “God’s Country” can be viewed from a faith-based perspective, it’s not definitively penned or performed in that regard, which is pretty cool.  Whether you’re a country fan or not, or you are religious or not, you can admire the excellence that is “God’s Country,” the place as well as this stellar Blake Shelton number.

Blake Shelton • God’s Country [Single] • Ten Point Productions, Inc. / Warner Bros. • Release: 3.29.19

Photo Credits: Ten Point Productions, Inc. / Warner Bros.