Blake Shelton released his self-titled debut album on 31 July 2001, beginning a country music career that later made him a major television and recording star. The album’s success was driven by “Austin”, an answering-machine-themed ballad that established Shelton as a hitmaker despite uncertainty caused by his record label closing during the single’s rise.

The album reached number three on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and number 45 on the Billboard 200, while “Austin” spent five weeks at number one on Hot Country Songs and peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100. Giant Records closed shortly after releasing the single, but Warner Brothers assumed Shelton’s contract; later singles “All Over Me” and “Ol’ Red” reached the top 20. Shelton initially disliked “Austin”, but credited producer Bobby Braddock and his manager Debbie Zavitson with persuading him to record it.