A while back we mentioned that BLAKE SHELTON and MIRANDA LAMBERT were producing NEAL MCCOY'S new album.  They even did a silly video announcing the project.   The album is titled "12", it's due out January 24th.

Neal was asked what it's like to have someone like Blake . . . who's always bragging about drinking . . . produce his album.  As you'd expect, Neal saw a different side.

He said, quote, "(Blake) is a very smart person, and he’s not near as drunk as he comes off to be on his Twitter page.  It’s crazy.  As goofy as he wants to come off and as off the cuff as he wants to come off, a lot of his things are very calculated."

Neal said the secret to Blake's and Miranda's success is their kickass work ethic.  He explains, quote, "They're both great musicians, very knowledgeable about music and were wonderful in the studio.

"And I think one of the most wonderful things is that they can shuck-and-jive with the best of them but when it comes time to work, they go to work."

 Neal even admits that it was Blake and Miranda's star power that got him the record deal in the first place.

He said, quote, "I really wasn't sure if I'd ever get another shot to record.  And then Blake and Miranda get involved and I realize, 'You know what, I got a real shot.'"