Blake Shelton, ‘Sangria’ [Listen]
Blake Shelton’s third single from Bringing Back the Sunshine is “Sangria,” a sexy, mid-tempo love song. It’s not the first time the singer has dipped south of the border for inspiration, but this track puts one in a much different mood than his previous attempt.
The 38-year-old has his finger on what country radio wants, and “Sangria” doesn’t deviate. Few can alternate between being a jokey prankster and come-hither crooner as easily as Shelton. His chart run is without precedent, and this song won’t interrupt him.
“We're buzzing like that no vacancy sign out front / Your skin is begging to be kissed by a little more than the sun / You take my hand in yours, you lean in and / Your lips taste like sangria / Your lips taste like sangria,” Shelton sings at each chorus. The song begs for a can-barely-play-that-on-TV music video, one even sexier than the romper he released to preview the song last fall.
Lyrically, “Sangria” isn’t as meaty or impressive as some of his other recent hits. Vocally he holds back, which is probably a good thing, as he does have to sing all these songs live. There’s not enough air in Texas to belt out 18-20 soaring ballads.
“Wreckin' ball dancin' down the hallway / You're holding your shoes, wearing my shades / We fall against the door, we fall into a wild warm kiss,” he sings for first two. It’s all that’s needed as the mood is set by this point.
Twelve years ago Shelton released “Playboys of the Southwestern World," a Mexican-flavored song that bares no resemblance to “Sangria.” Despite its lack of chart success, the song remains a fan favorite. “Sangria” leans on some similar sounds, but the effect and buzz it creates is very, very different.
Why Fans Will Love It: The relentless lyric never lets up on sexy. Shelton sounds good with a pinch of Spanish influence.
Key Lyrics: "We're buzzing like that no vacancy sign out front / Your skin is begging to be kissed by a little more than the sun / You take my hand in yours, you lean in and / Your lips taste like sangria."
Did You Know?: The last time Blake Shelton released a single that didn't reach No. 1, Michael Jackson was still alive.
Listen to Blake Shelton, “Sangria”
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