Blake Shelton has been phenomenally successful. As a singer, a coach on The Voice, and as a songwriter, he has excelled grandly. There are several country singers who have more than a bit of Blake in their blood. While no one can quite compare to him, some of the candidates for Blake Shelton soundalikes are pretty impressive in their own right. Take a listen to these three vocalists and see what you think!
Videos by Wide Open Country
What Was I Thinkin'? by Dierks Bentley
Something in Bentley's voice is just so richly Blake Shelton-esque. The way he sings this 2003 song which he co-wrote is almost eerie in its similarity to him - the insouciant bad-boy attitude, the vocal ease, the dollop of lovable sass, and the splendid country-type inflections. I can imagine Shelton doing this song in a heartbeat. It was a smash for Bentley, surging to the highest spot on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart. Per onstagecountry.com, "The song also became popular among fans, who loved its upbeat tempo and humorous lyrics. Many people related to the song's theme of making bad decisions in love, or just having fun with someone who's not good for you."
'Dirt Road Anthem' by Jason Aldean
From Aldean's album My Kinda Party, this song was co-written by Brantley Gilbert and Colt Ford. The latter told American Songwriter, "The song is just about real life and country folks, or anyone that has been to the country can feel what we are talking about. The melody is intoxicating! I just love the fact that it is honest and representative of who Brantley and I are as songwriters and artists." It's also pretty representative of Jason Aldean as well. With some neat echoes of Blake Shelton too!
'Humble and Kind' by Tim McGraw
This one was written by one of my all-time favorite songwriters, the incomparable Lori McKenna. For "Humble and Kind," she landed a trove of honors like a well-deserved Grammy for Best Country Song, CMA Song of the Year, and AMA Favorite Country Song. McGraw handily does it justice. The theme of decency, empathy, and compassion resonates in each line when he performs it. He packs the understated honesty and integrity needed to sing it with the genuine emotion it requires. And he sure does sound more than a little like Blake Shelton.
