They almost quit. Honestly, that’s the part most people forget when they talk about Dan + Shay Bigger Houses. Before the yellow-hued album cover ever hit Spotify, Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney weren't even on speaking terms. It’s wild to think about now, especially since they’re currently riding high in 2026, but back in late 2021, the duo was essentially done. Burnout is a beast.
After their massive (and stressful) arena tour, they didn't talk for four months. Not a text. Not a "hey, man." Nothing. Dan was in what he called the "lowest low" of his life, admitting he straight-up hated music at the time. Shay was feeling the same weight, struggling to find happiness even while playing to sold-out crowds.
The 2023 release of Bigger Houses wasn't just another country record; it was a survival tactic.
The Night Everything Changed for Dan + Shay
In March 2022, they finally sat down to figure out if there was even a future for the band. It was a "make or break" moment. They chose to fight for it, but they decided the "new era" had to be different. No more chasing the "higher high" at the expense of their mental health or their families.
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You can hear that shift in the title track. Dan + Shay Bigger Houses isn't just a catchy country ballad; it’s a manifesto. The song was actually inspired by a random comment Dan’s wife, Abby, made while visiting their friend Andy Albert’s new place. Andy and his wife were apologizing for the mess and the renovations, and Abby basically said, "Stop. This is amazing. We’re always looking for the next thing, the bigger house, but that’s not where the happiness is."
Andy—being a songwriter—immediately typed that into his phone. "The thing about happiness I've found is / It don't live in bigger houses."
- Release Date: September 15, 2023
- Production: Dan Smyers and Scott Hendricks
- Chart Success: Peaked at No. 1 on Country Radio in January 2025
- Key Vibe: Neo-traditional, organic, less "shiny" than previous hits
Why the Sound of Bigger Houses Felt Different
If you’ve followed them since "10,000 Hours" or "Speechless," you know their sound was usually very polished. Pop-heavy. Synthesized. Bigger Houses stripped a lot of that away. Dan Smyers, who co-produced the whole thing, leaned into more organic instrumentation.
Think fiddles. Think acoustic guitars.
"Save Me the Trouble," the lead single, showed off Shay’s insane vocal range, but it felt grittier. Then you have "We Should Get Married," which is basically a 90s country throwback that sounds like something Shania Twain would have crushed back in the day. It was a risky move. Usually, when a band finds a "winning" formula, they stick to it until the wheels fall off. These guys decided to change the tires while the car was still moving.
The Tracklist That Saved a Career
- Breakin' Up with a Broken Heart
- Save Me the Trouble
- Heartbreak on the Map
- Always Gonna Be
- For the Both of Us
- Then Again
- Heaven + Back
- What Took You So Long
- Missing Someone
- We Should Get Married
- Neon Cowgirl
- Bigger Houses
It’s a 37-minute journey through their headspace. "Heartbreak on the Map" became such a fan favorite that they named their entire 2024 tour after it. That tour was massive, hitting 49 dates and proving that their fans were still there, even after the quiet period.
The Long Tail: Bigger Houses in 2025 and 2026
Success didn't happen overnight for every track. While the album dropped in late 2023, the title track Dan + Shay Bigger Houses didn't actually hit No. 1 on country radio until January 2025. That’s a long burn. It shows that the message—that contentment matters more than "keeping up with the Joneses"—really stuck with people.
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Fast forward to right now in 2026. The duo has been quiet on social media again recently, which sparked the usual breakup rumors. But they popped up not too long ago to remind everyone they’re just "buried in the studio." Shay and his wife Hannah had another baby, and the guys have been balancing being dads with being "The Voice" coaches.
They’ve essentially lived out the lyrics of the album. They stopped trying to fill an "empty cup" with more fame and started filling it with the stuff that actually matters.
Lessons from the Bigger Houses Era
If you’re looking for the takeaway here, it’s not just about country music. It’s about the "hamster wheel" we’re all on. We think the next promotion, the newer car, or the literal bigger house will fix the internal itch. Dan + Shay are living proof that even at the top of the mountain, you can feel totally empty if you’re not "right" with the people next to you.
Actionable Insights from the Bigger Houses Journey:
- Prioritize the "Who," not the "What": The duo realized their friendship was more important than the brand. If your work is killing your relationships, something has to give.
- Value "Slow Wins": Not every success has to be an instant viral hit. The title track took over a year to reach the top. Consistency beats hype.
- Authenticity Wins E-E-A-T: Google and fans both love "Experience." By being brutally honest about their near-breakup, Dan + Shay built more trust than a perfect PR campaign ever could.
Listen to the title track again. Pay attention to the lack of drums in the production. It’s just a raw, honest moment from two guys who almost lost it all and realized they already had everything they needed.
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Check out the official "Bigger Houses" music video to see the specific "Bigger Houses Yellow" aesthetic they used to define this career-saving chapter.