Based On a True Story... (Deluxe Version)

The crossover sound of Based on a True Story… has much to do with this being Blake Shelton's first album after he gained stardom as a judge on The Voice. This one was built like a new pickup truck with bolt-on accessories; at its foundation is a looped beat and acoustic guitar riff, over which Shelton raps and sings about good-‘ol boy pride. Behind him, Pistol Annies provide some of the coolest backing vocals to ever grace any of his recordings. “Sure Be Cool If You Did” similarly builds on a country-pop ballad foundation with prerequisite pedal-steel notes and soaring three-part vocal harmonies that accompany Shelton’s amorous serenading.