"Searchlight" is a song by American rock band Shinedown. It was released as a single on November 18, 2025, via Atlantic Records as the fourth new song issued from the band's upcoming eighth studio album.[1] The track incorporates Americana and country music elements into its sound, using layers of acoustic guitar, steel guitar, and violins—a shift from the band's traditional hard rock sound. They performed the track live for the first time during their debut appearance at the Grand Ole Opry in October 2025.[2] An official music video for the song, directed by Andrew Donoho, premiered on the same day as its release.[3]
"Searchlight" was written by lead singer Brent Smith, bassist Eric Bass, and songwriter-producer Dave Bassett. Bass produced and recorded the track at his Big Animal Studio in Charleston, South Carolina, where the band had previously recorded part of their last album between 2018 and 2020.[4] Throughout 2025, Shinedown released new tracks from their upcoming eighth studio album, including "Three Six Five" and "Dance, Kid, Dance" in January, followed by "Killing Fields" in July.[5][6][7]
Prior to its release as a single, Shinedown debuted "Searchlight" live on October 10, 2025 during their first-ever performance at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee.[8][9] After being introduced onstage by country singer Carrie Underwood, Brent Smith then announced that "Searchlight" would be the band's next single from their forthcoming, still-untitled album.[10] In interviews, Smith described the track as a song about owning one's emotions and finding purpose, characterizing it as an "awakening of the soul" and a coming-of-age narrative.[11][12]
Release and promotion
"Searchlight" was officially released as a single on November 18, 2025, accompanied by an official music video the same day. Directed by Andrew Donoho, the video was filmed in Nashville shortly after the band's Grand Ole Opry performance. The video features the band performing on a stylized set with atmospheric lighting and projected visuals, highlighting the song's roots-influenced instrumentation, including pedal steel and banjo, alongside close-ups of Smith's vocal performance.[13] The band promoted the release with a live online chat and coordinated updates across their website and social media platforms.[14]
Composition and sound
"Searchlight" centers on themes of emotional honesty, self-discovery, and resilience. The narrator describes stepping into the wider world, learning to trust an inner "light", and moving forward despite uncertainty. Smith has framed the song as a coming-of-age story about acknowledging vulnerability and confronting difficult feelings.[15] He also described the track as a love letter to country music figures such as Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn and Willie Nelson.[16] Musically, "Searchlight" is a mid-tempo blend of Americana, country rock, and melodic hard rock. The arrangement centers on acoustic and electric guitars, accented by pedal steel and banjo, reflecting the band's desire to honor the country, bluegrass, and classic singer-songwriter music they grew up hearing.[17][18]
Critical reception
Early coverage of "Searchlight" from music and entertainment outlets was generally positive.[19][20] Commentators highlighted the track as the beginning of a new era for the band, while noting its strong ties to Americana, country, and classic rock traditions. Critics pointed to the song's use of pedal steel and banjo as evidence of the band's willingness to experiment with roots-oriented sounds while retaining their trademark emphasis on melodic choruses and emotionally direct lyrics.[21][22] Writers also emphasized the song's thematic focus on personal growth, emotional clarity, and the search for purpose.[23][24]
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