Kenny
Chesney wrote or co-wrote on five of the eleven songs on
his newest album, Lucky Old Sun. He solicits the help
of a few special friends to help him deliver some of the
tracks and, lucky for us, they turn out to be pretty darn
good singing partners; Dave Matthews, The Wailers,
and Willie Nelson.
Matthews is the first to step up
to the mic with Chesney; they kick off the album with “I’m
Alive;” written by Chesney and his good friends Dean
Dillon and Mark Tamburino. This sweet sounding,
mellow, affirmation of life sets the stage for the rest of
the album and it is also certain to stir up memories of that
comfortable blue chair where many of us still join Chesney,
musically, when we need a delightful escape from the trials
and tribulations of our hectic lives. In addition to Dillon
and Tamburino, Chesney also had songwriting help from
Scotty Emerick, Brett James, Mac McAnally
and... well, the songwriter list on this project reads like
a “who’s who” of the best songwriters anywhere so you can be
sure there isn’t a bad track on the album.
You are certain to notice that
the songs with Chesney’s fingerprints on them, as is true of
every great songwriter, also reflects what is in his heart
and each track divulges a rare glimpse of the real person
who resides within this humble entertainer. It is also clear
that this album, with it’s contemplative observations and
optimistic message, may have been a perfunctory exercise
for him. In fact, as you read through the liner notes,
Chesney is very open about how this project came to be. He
says the entire album was born from an epiphany that gave
birth to the first track he wrote that would become a part
of this project; ironically titled “Nowhere To Go, Nowhere
To Be.”
As you listen, you’ll be glad he
decided to let us get a little closer during this cathartic
process because you are sure to recognize yourself, or
someone close to you, in his heartfelt lyrics and you can
appreciate the sincerity of his delivery of these life
lessons and observations. Although there are going to be
many who say the album is not “country” enough due to the
reggae’ influence; most notably, that syncopated rhythm that
is reflective of calypso, well, hush up and listen. Who
cares? If you are looking for a cure for what ails you; no
matter what ails you, look no further. Given half a chance,
that “Lucky Old Sun” is guaranteed to make you feel like one
lucky old son-of-a-gun.
The album ends with a most
delightful rendition of the title cut. Anytime you are at a
mic with the one and only Willie Nelson; well, come
on, it doesn’t get much better than this. Nelson has
perfected the art of delivering lyrics with ease and
authenticity and Chesney proves to be an equitable match for
this most magnificent of all troubadours. While listening to
them singing about “That Lucky Old Sun (Just Rolls Around
Heaven All Day)”, well, I was in heaven. Their magical
version is a true credit to the sweet lyrics and it is also
the perfect ending to this album because when the music
stops, and the room is quiet, you still feel the residual
reassuring warmth that so effortlessly permeated your being.
“
Life
is a journey, as much as it is earning a living, and finding
your place in the world. Along the way, if you are paying
attention, it’s the people you meet, the stories you hear,
the lessons you learn and the way it all makes you feel.
These are some of my stories, my travels, and the people
who’ve crossed my path... God Bless, Kenny”
A deluxe version of the album,
including bonus live tracks, video content and other extras,
has already been released; the regular edition will be
released 21 October.
“
Way
Down Here”
"Boats”
“Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven” with The Wailers
“Down the Road” with Mac McAnally
“Spirit of a Storm”
“Ten With a Two”
“The Life”
“Key’s in the Conch Shell”
“Nowhere to Go, Nowhere to Be”
“That Lucky Old Sun” with Willie Nelson
Awards only - if you include nominations, the list is much
too long
▪ 1997 ACM New Male Vocalist of
the Year
▪ 2002 CMT Male Video of the
Year: Young
▪ 2002 CMT Video of the Year:
Young
▪ 2003 ACM Single Record of the
Year: The Good Stuff
▪ 2003 ACM Top Male Vocalist of
the Year
▪ 2004 AMA Artist of the Year
▪ 2004 CMA Entertainer of the
Year
▪ 2004 CMA Album of the Year:
When The Sun Goes Down
▪ 2004 CMT Hottest Video of the
Year: No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems
▪ 2004 CMT Male Video of the
Year: There Goes My Life
▪ 2005 ACM Entertainer of the
Year
▪ 2005 ACM Triple Crown Winner
▪ 2005 CMT Male Video of the
Year: I Go Back
▪ 2006 CMA Entertainer of the
Year
▪ 2006 ACM Entertainer of the
Year
▪ 2006 CMT Male Video of the
Year: Who You Be Today
▪ 2006 BMA Best Male Country
Artist
▪ 2006 BMA Best Country Artist
▪ 2007 CMT Male Video of the
Year: You Save Me
▪ 2007 PCA Favorite Male Singer
▪ 2007 ACM Entertainer of the
Year
▪ 2007 CMA Musical Event of the
Year: Find Out Who Your Friends Are
▪ 2007 CMA Entertainer of the
Year
▪ 2008 ACM Entertainer of the
Year
▪ 2008 ACM Vocal Event of the
Year: Find Out Who Your Friends Are
▪ 2008 FACM Best Duo of the
Year: Every Other Weekend
