Music Review: Blake Shelton "Doin' What She Likes"

Blake Shelton

Doin’ What She Likes

Album: Based On A True Story…

Year: 2014

         Blake Shelton enjoys seeing his girlfriend happy in the  thoughtful “Doin’ What She Likes.”

      A moony guitar opens the single, setting an adoring tone.  She rubs his nose against his and smiles. He gives her a smile in return and plays with a strand of her hair. He tells her that he wishes he could stay in bed with her all day but he has to leave for work. She leans her arm against his bare chest and asks him if he really has to. He sighs. There is no point in even trying to think of a counterargument. Her charm wins every time. He gets his phone and calls his boss. He says he has the flu. She claps and then positions herself on top of him again. Later that day, he goes to the grocery store to pick up some chicken and tequila. It’s going to be Mexican night. Chicken fajitas are her favorite dinner. They will be full and tipsy by 8 pm tonight. (“She likes it when I call in sick to work/Spend the whole day hanging with her/I might get fired but that's alright/I'm doing what she likes/She likes it when I bring home fresh fajitas/And mix up a pitcher of margaritas/Catch a kind of buzz that lasts all night/Doing what she likes.”)

            In the chorus, she gets sensitive about her jeans. She has a difficult time finding the right fit. If he compliments her on a pair, she will beam. They share affectionate series of pecks which usually result in a make-out session. He tells her she’s beautiful and amazing. Her long hair, which she maintains, is like silk. He wasn’t a candle person before he met her. However, she likes to buy scented candles, her favorite being watermelon (it reminds her of summer barbecues) and put them around the house. Then, at night, he’ll wrap his arms around her and let her fall asleep on his chest. (“She likes hearing how good she looks in them blue jeans/Little kisses, sweeter than sweet tea/Things I whispered in her ear, oh my/I like doing what she likes/Like running my fingers through her long hair/Lighting watermelon candles upstairs/Letting them burn and holding her all night/I like doing what she likes.”)

          She doesn’t mind when he drives really fast. She encourages it actually. She likes the squeal of the tires and then taking off. She also likes making out on old deserted country roads. He puts the radio on a low volume and they kiss until the late hours. (“She likes it when I get past second gear/Sees gravel flying in the rear view mirror/Sometimes I'm pushing 95/Doing what she likes/And she likes it when I find a road that's dark/Can we pull up somewhere and park?/Turn the radio on and turn off the lights/Keep doing what she likes.”)

           The chorus is sung again.

          In the bridge, he wants to make her laugh. He’ll make up parody songs for her. She thinks it’s hilarious and will giggle. He can’t continue to the next line because he’s holding his stomach and choking on his words. Then, she’ll be unable to speak. He slaps his knee and together, they are wiping their eyes. (“She likes it when I sing her old silly songs/And throwing words where they don't belong/Sometimes we laugh 'til we almost cry/Doing what she likes/Doing what she likes.”)

         The chorus is sung again.

        In the final section, he says she’s his world. (“Yeah, I like doing what she likes.”)

        Shelton’s fond vocals take an interest in her, remembering to avoid buying a certain shampoo because it makes her oily or that too much tomato sauce will give her heartburn. It’s those small details that make up a mature, healthy relationship. Anyone can make a grand gesture but it’s taking the time to actually get know the person inside and out that matter.

               The  gracious  “Doin’ What She Likes” invokes resounding “awww’s”