Review: Blake Shelton's Loaded: The Best of Blake Shelton

Here's some country music as seen on The Ram

Released Nov. 9, 2010 WB Nashville

Blake Shelton is not really that big of a name outside of the country music world. He has had minor success in the pop charts, but he doesn't quite compare to the likes of Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift or Rascal Flatts. Shelton does not need the pop success, though, as he is one of the biggest superstars in all of country music. This was proven in the awards he took home this year, gaining recognition from the Academy of Country Music, Country Music Television and the Country Music Association for his hit "Hillbilly Bone" (with Trace Adkins). The CMA also named him Male Performer of the Year. He was the big winner who stole headlines that night along with his fiancé Miranda Lambert, who won several awards as well.

While his last studio album was released in 2008, Shelton returns with a treat for country music fans everywhere. Loaded: The Best of Blake Shelton is his compilation release for 2010. The album maps out his top hits from his storied ten-year career. Obviously this would satisfy any Blake Shelton fan and should make any country music fan very happy. However, this album can also serve as a good starter for anyone not familiar with him or even the genre.

The fifteen tracks include his first hit, the moving "Austin," his most recent release, "Who Are You When I'm Not Looking." A great touch by the producers of this album was to arrange the songs in chronological order. This allows the listener to follow his growth as a singer, songwriter and artist. The songs are all radio friendly and give a great country feel. The compilation has a great mix of his upbeat tunes as well as his thoughtful ballads. Each song highlights his smooth vocals with lyrics ranging from moving away from home to experiences chasing girls in Mexico.

Overall, this album is as solid as they can be. Armed with fifteen hits, you cannot really go wrong. While Blake Shelton's name doesn't bring the same recall as Keith Urban, one can appreciate his uncompromising effort to keep a traditional country sound in all of his songs. This is a purchase well worth the price for fans or those who are curious about modern country music.

RATING: 8/10

Here's one of the songs off the great compilation