Blake Shelton, Happy Anywhere | Track Review 🎵

Blake Shelton, assisted by gf and pop artist Gwen Stefani, drops a happy, inoffensive, and ‘lovey-dovey’ single with “Happy Anywhere.”

As the saying goes, ‘it’s simple as 1-2-3!’ I say that to say, “Happy Anywhere,” the latest single by country veteran Blake Shelton, is pretty simple.  Simple isn’t always a bad thing mind you, but it also doesn’t necessarily lead to a masterpiece either.  Here, it’s clear that Mr. Shelton is ‘happy as a lark,’ particularly singing with his girlfriend, Gwen Stefani.  The question is, how good is “Happy Anywhere,” or is it even good at all?

I would characterize “Happy Anywhere” as being respectable – pleasant and ultimately, inoffensive.  It’s set in a major key, which clearly fits the happy vibes Blake Shelton is going for.  The production, likewise, is respectable with guitars, banjos, and such, but nothing particularly groundbreaking, which is fine. Musically, this isn’t the type of record where Blake elevates his artistry or experiments; it’s more level pegging than anything else.  If I were to pick one of the very best songs out of his massive catalog, would “Happy Anywhere” be the choice? Nope.

The premise is – wait for it – SIMPLE.  Blake is in love with Gwen, period. Wherever he is, and whatever the situation might be, he can be/is “happy anywhere with” … again, Gwen.  As far as Gwen’s role beyond being the ‘apple of Blake’s eye’ is providing background vocals – she never sings a substantial portion of this song by herself.  Where the vocals are concerned, “Happy Anywhere” is – wait for it for the umpteenth time – respectable.  Blake sounds good, but not any better or worse than I’ve heard him the past, while Gwen fits the role, RESPECTABLY.

Final Thoughts

All in all, “Happy Anywhere” should make Blake Shelton ‘Stans’ happy.  I’m sure the Gwen Stefani ‘Stans’ are happy that she’s happy.  Heck, I’m glad their happy too.  That said, I don’t necessarily envision myself repeatedly jamming to their happiness… It’s cute, perhaps a bit schmaltzy, but, as asserted earlier, Blake has songs that run deeper and more memorably than this one.

Blake Shelton • “Happy Anywhere” (Ft. Gwen Stefani) • Ten Point Productions, Inc. / Warner • Release: 7.24.20

Photo Credits: Ten Point Productions, Inc. / Warner