Shinedown has crossed into country music. Their song “Searchlight” entered the Billboard Country Airplay chart at No. 54. It’s the first time a Shinedown song has appeared on a Billboard country chart.
“Searchlight” is an acoustic track with slide guitar and banjo. The band first played it live at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Frontman Brent Smith says he re-recorded the vocals to give the song a more authentic, old-school country feel. He adds that the band sees Shinedown as “everyone’s band” and appreciates how country audiences have embraced the track.
The song also hit No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. Shinedown holds the record for the most No. 1s in the chart’s 45-year history, with 23 leaders.
“Searchlight” is on Shinedown’s new album, EI8HT. Other singles from the album include “Dance, Kid, Dance,” “Three Six Five,” “Killing Fields” and “Safe and Sound.” The band’s U.S. tour supporting EI8HT continues in July.
