What started in the "Mother Church of Country Music" has landed solidly across the spectrum for Shinedown, as their refusal to be boxed in by genre continues to flourish in their next chapter with the new song, "Searchlight." The band debuted the song at the Grand Ole Opry in October, and now it has officially arrived everywhere, for everyone.
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“Sometimes when you listen close enough to the universe and you’re willing to receive something from it, a song can come out of thin air," singer Brent Smith shared with the Opry crowd last month. "We didn’t find this one, it found us.”
Shinedown has been able to spread their wings so far because of the authenticity that pours out of every track. "Searchlight" is no different, with a sound that's indebted to traditional Country music, filtered through the powerful Rock prism and message of hope that the band has become known for.
“'Searchlight' is a song about owning your true feelings. It’s an awakening of the soul. Lyrically it is a coming-of-age story that celebrates the moment you decide to go out into the world, and find your purpose," Brent says in a statement. "Musically it is an homage to all the music our parents, and grandparents brought us up on. It is a love letter to Americana, Rhythm and Blues, Bluegrass, Outlaw Country, and of course Rock ‘n’ Roll."
Shinedown has become a radio mainstay over the past few years, and in 2025 the dominance continued, landing number one songs at Rock, Alternative, Pop, and beyond.
Watch the video above, filmed in Nashville the day after their Opry appearance. "Searchlight" is now available everywhere.