Blake Shelton teams up with Marty Raybon on the latest single from Shenandoah’s new album, Every Road.
If somebody’s getting married, there are some songs you’re sure to hear. Dan Fogelberg’s "Longer"is a good bet for the ceremony. And what wedding reception doesn’t include "Celebration" by Kool and the Gang? The touching brand-new single “Then a Girl Walks In” from Shenandoah sounds like an instant classic for that first slow dance of the bride and groom.
In just over three minutes, the soulful, unmistakable voice of Shenandoah lead singer Marty Raybon — with help on some verses and harmonies from Blake Shelton — tells the story of that special lady who changes the course of a man’s life: from the moment she first walks into a room to the season they fall in love to the day they walk down the aisle. And then there’s that misty-eyed moment when a new little girl calls him Daddy.
Songwriters Adam Sanders, Lance Miller, Brad Warren, and Brett Warren teamed up to compose this gem. Sure, it’s sentimental. But the sentiment, the emotion, and the story ring true.
For Raybon, the song is reminiscent of Shenandoah’s hits from their late ’80s and early ’90s heyday, like “Mama Knows” and “The Moon Over Georgia.”
“It’s that same type of story lyric that really paints such an absolutely wonderful picture,” Raybon says from his home near Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
“Then A Girl Walks In,” which hits radio on March 29, is the latest single from Shenandoah’s Every Road, their first album of all-new material since 1994. Shelton is among the record’s star-studded collaborators. Other heavyweights lending their talents include Luke Bryan, Ashley McBryde, Dierks Bentley, Zac Brown Band, Carly Pearce, Cody Johnson, Brad Paisley, and Lady A, the latter of whom shared the stage with Shenandoah at a Wisconsin show.
“Charles [Kelley] said, ‘Man, our whole gang’s out here listening to y’all. We’ve loved y’all for years,’” Raybon says.
One thing led to another, and Lady A ended up singing with Shenandoah on the song “Every Time I Look at You.”
“Need You Now” forever etched Lady A on the hearts of anyone who heard it, so it’s no surprise their collaboration with Shenandoah delivers the feels. It turns out Shelton’s no slouch either when it comes to sweetness on his collaboration — his voice pairs with Raybon’s for an authentic emotional blend.
“Then a Girl Walks In” is a tender keeper tune likely to put Shenandoah back on top and reintroduce them to a new generation of fans.
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