Blake Shelton is, hands down, my favorite singer. “Austin” sung live brings me to tears. And I think “Pure B.S.” is one of the best CDs ever recorded, or, as a sister BSer (that’s what we Blake Shelton fans call ourselves) explains, “his vocal gift to us.” Yes, I like my Blake Shelton mellow and sweet, romantic and dreamy, maybe even a little dark and broody. “P.S., if this is Austin, I still love you …” and “Let me go hoooo-ooo-ooo-ooome…” Sigh!

Now Blake gives me “Hillbilly Bone.” Yikes! This is the Twitter phenom Blake Shelton. The funny, uncensored, sometimes crude, PETA-hating, deer hunting, proudly redneck Blake Shelton. OK, probably the REAL Blake Shelton.

We’ve had glimpses of this Blake before, most recently on “Startin’ Fires” with the songs “Green,” “Country Strong” and “Bearskin Rug.” I skipped over those and listened to “She Wouldn’t Be Gone” and “100 Miles.” Sweet Blake. Mellow Blake. My Blake. Sigh!

But I can’t ignore the real Blake on the new “Hillbilly Bone” CD. Every song has that sense of humor, a charming wink or that contagious chuckle. And you know what? I guess I’ve been converted. Just like I can’t stop reading his tweets even when I think they’re stupid/crude/offensive/whatever, I can’t stop listening to “Hillbilly Bone.” It may not be my perfect idea of Blake Shelton, but it sure is, well, Blake Shelton in all his glory.

From the title track’s ode to finding your inner redneck, to the steel drum (yes, steel drum, not steel guitar!) beat on the closing track “Almost Alright,” this CD feels like pure B.S. Love it or hate it, it’s clear Blake means it when he sings “You Can Kiss My Country Ass” – he picked these songs for himself and isn’t going to worry about anyone else being good with that. Good for him!

That said, I must admit, try as I may, I just can’t love every track. And there’s nothing terribly original here. “Can’t Afford to Love You” is yet another story of an uptown girl falling for a good ol’ boy, and I could really do without the “woo hoo hoo!” And I’m not sure that playing it straight while singing the hysterical lyrics of “You’ll Always Be Beautiful” was the right choice. There’s no way he’ll be able to keep a straight face singing this one live, and I wish some of that humor and charm had made it into his vocals on this recording. I can see the humor but I just don’t quite hear it here.

I do like both of those songs – actually, every song on “Hillbilly Bone” has its own special appeal. But it’s “Delilah” that I truly love. The closest thing to a ballad this CD has to offer, it has some nice, bouncy twang and that strong, solid voice that just gets to a die-hard romantic like me. (Of course knowing that the song was inspired by Miranda Lambert’s dog makes it a little less romantic but also makes me smile!)

“Hillbilly Bone” won’t disappoint BSers and may even win over some new fans with it unapologetic, pro-country tunes. The new songs are going to be even more fun live, and just as long as Blake keeps singing “Austin” to me, life can go on!
P.S. Blake, if you’re listening, please consider making that next six-pack a nice set of ballads. Sigh!

Vicky Dobbin is a BSer and country music lover in Falls Church, Virginia. Follow her at http://Twitter.com/vdobbin. Read her country music blog at www.LoveMyCountryMusic.com.