Blake shelton: country music's next crossover success?

Blake Shelton's been one of Nashville's biggest, most charming stars for nearly a decade, yet few people outside of the country bubble recognize his name. But after unexpectedly

breaking out as a judge on reality-TV hit _The Voice_ and marrying fellow country star Miranda Lambert in a tabloid-friendly wedding, Shelton is poised to cross over into the mainstream. His

new album, _Red River Blue_, released Tuesday, has critics debating whether Shelton is poised to become the next Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, or Taylor Swift. Can Shelton break out of his

niche? SHELTON'S GOT ALL OF THE MAKINGS OF A STAR: As one of Nashville's "most affable celebrities," says Jon Caramanica at _The New York Times_, Shelton's been

primed for a "mainstream star-making opportunity" like _The Voice_ for years. In the world of country music, he's more "unpredictable and cheekier than all his male

counterparts put together," free of the "stoic reserve" that plagues most of them. With _Red River Blue_ destined to be a commercial hit, expect him to join Taylor Swift as

"the most important and visible ambassador from Nashville to the American mainstream." "Country boy for the whole country" SUBSCRIBE TO THE WEEK Escape your echo chamber.

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your inbox. AND THIS IS THE ALBUM THAT WILL GET HIM THERE: _Red River Blue_ "should do nothing to slow" Shelton's path to superstardom, says Allen Morrison at _American

Songwriter_. The lead single, "Honey Bee," has already become an "infectious" crossover success, and he'll likely follow up with that surefire crossover

country-staple, the "big wedding song" (his take is titled "God Gave Me You"). The album boasts "high-quality songs, great singing and musicianship," and

"state-of-the-art production." "Blake Shelton: _Red River Blue_" LET'S NOT DECLARE SHELTON A CROSSOVER STAR QUITE YET: This is ostensibly Shelton's "debut

in country-resistant climes like Brentwood and Manhattan," where viewers fell in love with him on _The Voice_, says Chris Willman at _Reuters_. It's a "decent starter

course," though one that will leave newcomers to Shelton's music "slightly confused." Some tracks echo the "rascal side" of his TV personality. But a

"flirtation with goop" on other songs may leave new listeners feeling less than enthused. "Review: _Red River Blue_ finds Blake Shelton less rowdy" A free daily email

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