Another wisdom is found in "Dancin’ For The Groceries": not to judge others by the job that they do, it doesn’t always define who they are as a person. The daily grind gets its due elsewhere on the CD. "Shiftwork"... been there, done that, hated it. This song’s rare duet appearance by the legendary George Strait and cool calypso beat has empathy for the working stiff in all of us. Joe Walsh, whose first claim to fame came in the late ‘60s with his stint in the James Gang, has built a career around his signature guitar sound as evident in songs like "Rocky Mountain Way" and "Life’s Been Good." From the opening notes of "Wild Ride" (a Dwight Yoakam tune) he lends an extra bit of cachet to this rocker.
Then there are the many sides of love. "Wife And Kids" is a yearning for the future and someone to share it with while "Better As A Memory" is a lament to love not meant to be. A love that is so true and real that it can be frightening is the heart of the poignant ballad "Scare Me." I’d be hard-pressed to say which I like best in this song, the killer (but too short) guitar riff or the soulful vocal interpretation.
Geez... I’m gushing here, right? OK... in all fairness, there is a problem I have with Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates. Even weighing in with 11 songs, it (as stated in "Don’t Blink") goes by way too fast.
To hear more of Kenny Chesney's music online, visit his official website or check out his profile on MySpace.
Article comments
1 - Rose Whiteowl and Friends
Tink:
Once again you have hit the nail on the head. Kenny's music is the orchestration of so many people's lives in today's world. It's great to know that in a world of chaos, fear, overwhelming occupational demands and financial struggles there is still some peace of mind and sanity to be found. Even if it is on a CD.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and perspectives.
Rose
2 - Kimi
"Move on like a sinners prayer.
Lettin go like a levy breaks.
Walk away as if I don't care.
Learn to shoulder my mistakes.
I Built a fade like your favorite song.
Gettin reckless when there's no need.
Laugh as your stories ramble on.
Break my heart but it won't bleed.
My only friends are pirates
That's just who I am."
I don't believe there is any one of us who hasn't felt it, lived it, wished for it, and dreamed of it. The freedom to be just who we are.
There are times when I am so tired of being someone's wife. Someone's mother. Someone's friend. There are times when I just want to be who I am. Kenny captured that with this album.
I agree with you a voice like Bookstore chocolate and a unique understanding of human nature combine to make this an awesome experience. Not just a musical one, but a human one.
Thanks Tink!