Music review: Kenny Chesney – ‘Cosmic Hallelujah’
I’ve always been a big Kenny Chesney fan.
Early in his career, Chesney conveyed his country leanings with hits like “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy,” “Don’t Happen Twice” and “Back Where I Come From.” Then with the release of his 12th album “Lucky Old Sun” in 2008, Chesney seamlessly morphed into modern country music’s version of Jimmy Buffett with sun-drenched tracks of living a relaxing life of white sand, cool blue waters, and plenty of drink and good times to last into the wee hours of the morning.
With “Cosmic Hallelujah,” the Tennessee native continues his stress-free lifestyle with 11 tracks that examine life and making the most of each day graciously given to us.
His 17th album serves as a natural progression from 2014’s “The Big Revival” with nostalgic reflections on the exuberance of youth and colorful descriptions of shrugging off the tension and anxiety created from navigating these modern times.
“Trip Around the Sun” opens with Chesney getting philosophical in a playful way as he acknowledges the need to live without limitations and the importance of soaking in the moments that make for priceless memories as we ride the roller coaster of life with our hands held high in the air and the summer breeze in our hair.
The album’s lead single, “Noise,” examines the constant barrage of information we receive 24 hours a day causing us to lose ourselves within the sensory overload.
The album’s second single, “Setting the World on Fire,” features pop superstar Pink lending her passionate vocals to the spirited love song about living on the edge and having no regrets.
“Bar at the End of the World” and “Some Town Somewhere” carry a Buffettesque tone that’s been predominately featured on Chesney’s last few releases and serve as another perfect fit for his No Shoes Nation.
“Bucket” makes light of the bucket list craze by substituting the letter b for another letter, giving it a totally different meaning and providing a plausible excuse to just write it all down and then blow it all off.
Chesney recently received the Pinnacle Award during the 50th annual Country Music Association Awards. Chesney joined Garth Brooks and Taylor Swift as the only recipients of this honor that recognizes an artist who has achieved global prominence through performances and record sales and the highest degree of recognition.