Tagged: beach bar, kenny chesney
I’ve been on a bigger-than-normal Kenny Chesney kick lately. With his new album, “Songs for the Saints,” just coming out and the first single, “Get Along,” on constant rotation on the airwaves and around our pool (listen to my playlist), it’s hard to ignore him. There’s a certain appeal that members of his No Shoes Nation certainly get. Trying to explain that to people who aren’t fans of his music might be difficult – sometimes you just get it and sometimes you don’t.
For me, it’s easy. I’ve been listening to Chesney’s music since the last millennium when his album, “Everywhere We Go,” came out and “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy” dominated country radio. I wasn’t an avid fan, however, until “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems” came out. The title track convinced me that this Kenny guy might just get my obsession with the beach. Then the album, “Be As You Are” came out and I was hooked.
Back then, I was just coming to the realization that beach bars were going to be a major part of my life going forward, especially when it came to planning our trips. Chesney’s musical arc coincided with that growing love affair as I imagined myself each day on vacation watching the sunset as tunes from that album provided the scene-appropriate soundtrack. It’s still one of my favorite albums and a go to when I want a virtual escape to somewhere warmer.
That virtual escape and dreams of what could be is what does it for me when it comes to Chesney’s music and something his latest album cements. His songs have this ability to transport you to a place where the palm trees tower over the buildings, the sound of the ocean replaces that of traffic, sand takes the place of concrete, the drinks are cold, the sand is warm and no one has a past. For most of us, that’s a beach in the Caribbean. For others, it could be in Thailand, Bali, Greece, the Maldives or anywhere the world’s troubles fade away. It’s a magical place that his music makes more magical, an almost impossible feat for those of us who have enjoyed time in the islands.
It’s inspirational as well, reminding us that there are places in the world where the inhabitants embrace the pace, rush slowly and appreciate the moment. Sure, vacations as a whole do that to us but I’m not just talking about one week getaways. It’s about finally chasing that dream and just like Sherry in “Sherry’s Living in Paradise,” “slinging drinks at a bar down by the beach” and “still in the sun and this laid-back life.” Yeah, we know she has to work to survive but she’s working in paradise. Where would you rather chase your dream?
I could try to keep going on in some half-hearted attempt to write something profound but seriously, you aren’t reading this blog because you enjoy people waxing eloquent. You’re reading it because you get, you want to get it or you want your homies to get it. What it comes down to is this – how do you make paradise better? I’m not sure but Kenny and his team of songwriters have figured out the formula and I, for one, am glad they did.
August 6, 2018
You took the words right out of my mouth. For me it’s “Boats”, “Pirate Song”, “Soul of a Sailor” and “French Kissing Life.” They make me want to buy a boat and just go from island to island.
August 13, 2018
Island hopping on a boat sounds perfect to me, Mary. Cheers!
September 29, 2018
This song should be Susan not Sherry and I so wish I lived in paradise. Hugs Mary!!
April 22, 2019
Where else but Saint John,U.S.Virgin Islands/Cruz Bay Realty//Ken,thank you for your help in making Saint John “GREAT” again.Andy
April 22, 2020
when was it not great?? just checking
August 6, 2018
you said it.i get it. be as you are? island heartspeak while songs for the saints anchors the soul. thanks TW!
August 13, 2018
Thank you, Denise!
September 19, 2018
I took a trip to the BVI based on Kenny’s songs! My husband said “What? and Where?” and I said if Kenny loves it – we will too! And now its our favorite destination. His music brings so much peace to my soul!
September 24, 2018
That’s so cool to hear that his music inspired you to travel there, Joan. His music has the same affect on me!
December 18, 2018
Love Kenny Chesney! I’m a low-country boy with the soul of a sailor. His Be As You Are is one of my favorite albums. I like Buffett, but he’s become so commercial. Kenny is a breath of fresh air. Also check out Kelly McQuire, you might like him. And lots of indie musicians out there with a tropical flavor.
December 19, 2018
Thanks for the comment, Rick, and the recommendations. I’ll check Kelly out right now. Cheers!
Tom
January 21, 2019
This really spoke to me as I am also a beach baraholic and someday owner of one…. Kenny just gets the lifestyle and knows a great life balance. Thank you so much for the article !
January 25, 2019
Kenny definitely gets it! Thanks for the comment!
February 5, 2019
Bali?! Be careful if you decide to unwind there–too much political unrest. Another great reason for the Virgin Islands. 🙂
February 6, 2019
Hard to top the Virgin Islands, that’s for sure. Thanks, Linda!
February 6, 2019
I feel like I could’ve written this myself! Be As You Are and Songs for the Saints are my two most favorite albums ever, and “On the Coast of Somewhere Beautiful” is prob my number one of his!
Look up Jesse Rice too it you haven’t. He’s got a good thing going with his Pirate Sessions albums and a new one coming out this year I think!
February 6, 2019
Excellent choices, Lindsay! I’m excited to give Jesse Rice a listen. I’m always up for new music recommendations! Thanks!