Kenny Chesney Album: “Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates”

Finally Kenny has left the Beaches of Jimmy Buffet and is giving us the "Old School" Kenny that we know and love! This CD is filled with up-tempo, feel good songs, along with beautiful ballads that convey a picture we can all relate too! Its truly the "Good Stuff."

I see that Kenny isn't rusty from not producing new music in two years. I love "The Road and The Radio" CD and would be difficult to top. "Just Who I Am" doesn't top "The Road and The Radio" but it is still an awesome CD. I enjoy all the songs, but my favorites are: "Don't Blink", "Shiftwork", "Just Not Today", and "Wild Ride." I will discuss these songs in detail below.

Don't Blink - This song has a great message behind it. I'm not a huge fan of slower songs because they tend to be a bit boring. However this song is anything but boring. The chorus has a nice beat to it. When I listen to this song I can't help but thinking about my own life and reminding myself to always take time to stop and smell the roses.

Shiftwork - This song has a calypso/jamacian feel to it. I know some people get tired of Kenny's attempt to be Jimmy Buffett but I think this song works well. George Strait lends his vocals to this song which makes for a nice duet with Kenny. Everyone has a job which, at times, is full of shiftwork.

Just Not Today - This is another well written song by David Lee Murphy. He also wrote the song "Living in Fast Forward" off "The Road and The Radio" CD. This is probably my favorite song on the entire album. It describes my life perfectly at the time. I'm in my last year of college and don't want to worry about growing up just yet. I hope this one lands on the radio someday. I'm sure it will be a hit if it does.

Wild Ride - Finally I want to discuss the song "Wild Ride." This song has a lot of rock and roll in it. Joe Walsh plays guitar and lends his weird sounding air voice to this track. This is a song you can roll the windows down, crank it up, and just sing along. Another excellent song by Kenny and one that could land on radio on day.

If you are a country fan, rock fan, or just a music fan this album is a must have. Of course if you are a Kenny fan then definately purchase this album.

I just purchased the new CD and I must say that it is one of my favorite to date. Kenny has historically been known for his fun loving beach party shows and his island vibes music. People have been critical of this cd so far saying that it does not ring true to his current life. However, I think this CD gives the fans and listeners a small glimpse into who Kenny Chesney is evolving into. A truly talented musician that, like all of us, cherishes the simple things in life, holds family life dear, likes a little fun on the side, and wants the American dream. As one of his earlier songs puts it "some people change..." and that is no different for him than it is for us regular people. We are all constantly evolving. Kenny has evolved as a singer and the fact that none of the songs on the CD were penned by him just proves that he is more comfortable with himself and with his singing. He doesn't have to prove that he's a great singer/songwriter. That much we all know. By finding and recording songs that we all relate to, Kenny shows us that he knows and listens to what fans want. So what all of the songs aren't autobiographical of his life?? Since when is that a requirement to get on country radio?

Overall, the CD is well worth the money. I especially like Never Wanted Nothing More, Wife and Kids, and Got a Little Crazy.

I am fairly new to Country Music. I picked this CD up on the day of release. The only song I am not fond of is the one done by Kenny and George Strait.

This CD should produce quite a few hits. Well worth the money

Edited on October 16, 2008.

After more time to listen this CD, I really like the song by Kenny and George Strait. All in all, this CD is definitely worth the money.

Once again music that not only surpasses expectations, but music that I can play in front of my children.Thought it was up there with his other CD's.