On March 8th, Blake Shelton released the first single from his much anticipated new album, ’If I’m Honest,’ due in stores on May 20th. The song, ‘Came Here to Forget,’ is the first new song from Shelton since his divorce from Miranda Lambert this past July. The tune shot to Number 18 on Billboard‘s country airplay chart during its release week and sold 53,000 downloads in just three days to race to the top of iTunes’ all-genre and country charts.
‘Came Here to Forget’ was not written by Shelton, but by Craig Wiseman and Deric Ruttan, however, the song couldn’t be more real in comparison to where Shelton is in his personal life today. The tune is about a man and a woman, Blake and Gwen perhaps, who are together at a bar keeping one another company. They are both dealing with a break up and are commiserating together. The two characters can connect with each other because they share something in common, trying to get over their ex’s.
The theme of the song is a popular one, and many people can relate as it certainly rings true for anyone who has gone through an upsetting breakup. In the lyrics you can feel and hear the hurt of both characters. The musical tone of ‘Came Here to Forget’ comes across as a bit revengeful and angry. The chorus, specifically, has a haunting quality with the feeling of someone being emotionally wounded by someone they used to love.
Shelton revealed in a release the following about the first single. ‘I’ve had a lot of music over the years but I don’t think I’ve ever had a song that’s such a direct look into my life. That’s why I’m so excited about this particular song.’
You will not be disappointed in Shelton’s new song. ‘Came Here to Forget’ is just a small taste of the songs we can expect on Shelton’s new album. An album in which he has put his most personal thoughts and feelings into, about his divorce from Miranda Lambert and his new relationship with Gwen Stefani, will resonate with many fans.
Favorite Lyrics: Doing our best to make the best of the worst of it…Keep salting the rim, getting even with her, getting even with him before the night is over…
You can purchase ‘Came Here to Forget’ on ITunes here.
Song review by Lorraine Frigoletto. Contributing writer for New England Country Music.You can follow me on Twitter.