"Doin' What She Likes" is a song recorded by American country music artist Blake Shelton. It was released in January 2014 as the fourth single from his seventh studio album, Based on a True Story.... The song was written by Wade Kirby and Phil O'Donnell.[1]
"Doin' What She Likes" was written by Phil O'Donnell and Wade Kirby. At the time of the song's release, Shelton said that he associated the song with his then-marriage to Miranda Lambert.[2]
Lyrically, this is about Miranda and it’s also about how I should be more like this guy probably. But every now and then there’s a day where it’s like, 'You know what, we’re not doing anything tomorrow, so I’m just going to do whatever you want to do tomorrow. I’m gonna be your sidekick,' you know, and she loves that. - Shelton.[2]
Critical reception
Mikael Wood of the Los Angeles Times considered "Doin' What She Likes" to be a highlight from Based on a True Story..., writing that the album's "best tunes are the ones in which you can hear Shelton cracking himself up".[3] Billy Dukes of Taste of Country gave the song a favorable review, writing that "this song isn’t as vocally impressive as some of Shelton’s best ballads, but not every song needs to be 'She Wouldn't Be Gone.' There’s a warmth to the production that complements his genuine intentions." Dukes felt that "some will say the synthesized guitars go a little too far, but most will argue he pushes this moment just far enough."[4] Chuck Dauphin of Billboard complimented the arrangement of "Doin' What She Likes" and called the song "one of Shelton’s most musically adventurous yet", feeling that the song "manages to touch a few different genres all at one time."[5]
Melissa Maerz of Entertainment Weekly was less favorable towards the song, finding Shelton's attempts at romance on Based on a True Story... underwhelming and writing, "his cheeseball act can make you cringe".[6]
Commercial performance
"Doin' What She Likes" debuted at number 47 on the U.S. BillboardCountry Airplay chart for the week of January 4, 2014.[7] It also debuted at number 47 on the U.S. BillboardHot Country Songs chart for the week of April 13, 2013. It also debuted at number 84 on the U.S. BillboardHot 100 chart for the week of February 1, 2014. It also debuted at number 77 on the Canadian Hot 100 chart for the week of February 1, 2014. The song is also Shelton's eleventh consecutive number 1 song, breaking the record previously set by Brad Paisley between 2005 and 2009 for the most consecutive number 1 singles on the country charts since they were first tracked by Nielsen Broadcast Data Systems in January 1990.[8] The song has sold 533,000 copies in the U.S. as of May 2014.[9] It was certified Platinum by the RIAA on October 7, 2016, for a million units in sales and streams.[10]
Music video
The music video, directed by Mason Dixon, premiered on CMT on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2014. It opens with a phone conversation between Blake and his former wife Miranda Lambert. Blake asks Miranda about dinner plans and suggests he cook for her, to which she replies, "That sounds romantic!" The song begins, intercutting footage of Blake singing on a smoky street with scenes of him at home attempting to create a romantic evening for Miranda. Things quickly descend into chaos: his margaritas become slushy, he struggles with bread batter, and his attempt to set a romantic mood with candles and rose petals results in the house burning down. Firemen () are shown unsuccessfully battling the blaze, while Blake sings the song's finale in front of the burning structure. The video concludes with Miranda calling Blake back, and he insists they go out to dinner, with him picking her up instead.
Similarly, CMT removed the video from rotation following Blake and Miranda's 2015 divorce, mirroring their decision for his 2011 "God Gave Me You" video, which also featured a significant scene with Miranda.
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