Bringing Back the Sunshine

Album: Bringing Back the Sunshine (2014)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This Jess Leary and Anthony Smith penned tune is the title track of Blake Shelton's ninth studio album. The song is his response to the debate in country music about what defines the genre. "It's the only way to be a little more political about where we are in country music," the singer told Rolling Stone Country, "and I'm as guilty of it as anybody."
  • The album cover depicts a water tower bearing the word "Ada," which is Shelton's home town in Oklahoma. Above it, the sun can be seen breaking through a stormy sky. Shelton staged a televised benefit concert, Healing in the Heartland, which aired on May 29, 2013 to raise money for the victims of the tornado that struck Oklahoma earlier in the month.
  • Shelton said that with its spirit of optimism, it made perfect sense to title the album after this tune. "I love the message of the song. It's about a couple that's gone through something, probably separated, and just decided to get back together, what's most important is their love," he explained. "There's something magical about that title, and given what this album is all about, I thought 'Bringing Back the Sunshine' is like I'm bringing back some country music, some of these sounds we don't hear that much anymore in country, at least in the mainstream. Country is sunshine to me."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Melanie

MelanieSongwriter Interviews

The singer-songwriter Melanie talks about her spiritual awakening at Woodstock, "Brand New Key," and why songwriting is an art, not a craft.

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' Albums

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' AlbumsSong Writing

With the rise of Kindie rock, more musicians are embracing their inner child with tunes for tots - here, we look at pop stars who recorded kids' albums.

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Lori McKenna

Lori McKennaSongwriter Interviews

Lori's songs have been recorded by Faith Hill and Sara Evans. She's performed on the CMAs and on Oprah. She also has five kids.

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie Combination

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie CombinationSong Writing

In 1986, a Stephen King novella was made into a movie, with a classic song serving as title, soundtrack and tone.