Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates Reviews

• The Best kenny yet

  
  By A39OMZU31KVWPC on 2007-09-11
  Kenny's new CD released today is his best work yet. He gets better and better with each new release. I love 10 out of 11 tracks. For whatever reason the song "Wild Ride" just doesn't appeal to me. Besides that one downfall, this CD is a gem. My favorite remainng 10 tracks are: "Don't Blink", "Wife and Kids", and "Dancing for Groceries". I like the 6 other tracks very much, but the 3 I listed are the one's I like the most. I am projecting this album will debut in at #1 on both Billboard's 200 ALBUM list and the Country album chart. This CD I feel is loaded with #1 hits and radio friendly singles all over the place. This is a must have for any country music fan.
  
  
  

• Good Songs, But overall not as good as his last 4 studio albums

  
  By A1PN2U0AWXGVML on 2007-09-13
  Kenny Chesney is probably my favorite country male singer for the last 6 years. I have been buying his albums since his second release, All I Need To Know and come to love his music. His first really good album in my opinion was "Everywhere We Go" with awesome songs like California, What I Need to do, How Forever Feels and You Had Me From Hello.
  
  Then came his GREATEST HITS Album that was awesome with the new songs For The First Time, Don't Happen Twice, and I Lost It.
  
  Then in 2002 his big hit album No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem rocketed him into the major leagues. That album has a host of terrific songs like Young, Never Gonna Feel That Way Again, and the great Springsteen remake One Step Up.
  
  Then came the best album, "When The Sun Goes Down" which is still my favorite. Great Songs like I Go Back, Keg In The Corner, Woman With You, There Goes My Life, Outta Here and Anything But Mine are played over and over.
  
  
  His next album was a winner too, The Road and the Radio. That album is probably my 3rd favorite after When The Sun Goes Down and Everywhere We Go. This album had some powerful songs like Who'd You Be Today, Summertime, Somebody take me Home and my favorite, Like Me.
  
  This new album has some good songs but nothing on it really impressed me as much as the other albums I just mentioned. Don't get me wrong, It's a fine album but I just haven't been able to get into it like his last 3 or 4. The songs are good. The first song, Never Wanting Nothing More sounds catchy but not so much I want to push the button to play again and again. The second, Don't Blink, probably the best song on the album has a very catchy sound, the first 20 seconds of it sounds almost IDENTICAL to JoDee Messina's Was That My Life from her Greatest Hit Album. I mean IDENTICAL (at a little slower rate)! But then the song hums along differently and is a really good song. The Third song is good but a bit forgettable. It's called Shiftwork and its a duet with George Strait. With phrases like "A big LOAD of SHIft Work", well you get the idea. "Just Not Today" is another one of the better songs that will probably be a single. The Dwight Yoakam remake "Wild Ride" is probably the worst song on the album. Sounds like filler. The closing song Demons doesn't compare to Road and the Radio's closing song, "Like Me" one of his best. Overall its a good listen but won't be remembered as one of his best.
  
  

• What happened?

  
  By A2UOVET7TT1FUK on 2007-09-29
  In the past I would say no problem to picking up a new Kenny Chesney album without listening to all the songs first. No more! The first two songs (and coincidentally first two singles off the album) are great and just the type of songs fans have come to expect from him. The album goes downhill from there. I mean, nosedives! Who would have thought a duet between George Strait and Kenny Chesney, two of country music's best male singers and overall entertainers, would be so horrible? The lyrics are dopey and the vocals from both men sound dispassionate. Kenny blew it with this one. I hope he recovers with his next release. I'm truly disappointed.
  
  

• Chesney introspective on Poets & Pirates

  
  By A1RUV61GNFT3QU on 2007-09-11
  Kenny Chesney has never been one to shy away from letting his carefree lifestyle seep into his music. His newest studio album leans the other way, however, rocking the boat and seemingly revealing an artist adrift both personally and professionally.
  
  The end result is an engaging (if not melodramatic) look into Chesney's soul. The downside, of course, is the lack of more signature, lighthearted songs normally a staple of Chesney's work (think "When the Sun Goes Down" or "Don't Happen Twice").
  
  The strongest tracks on "Just Who I Am" are those in which Chesney is brutally honest with himself and with his audience. But you also get the feeling listening to songs like "Wife and Kids" that the 39-year-old is grasping at a family life periously close to passing him by. "Better as a Memory" is also a well-crafted song in which Chesney seems to struggle with his own shortcomings. While intensely reflective, however, the delivery is lacking -- as if Chesney has been here/done that before, but is suddenly more comfortable with the listeners' perception of the lyrics.
  
  "Dancin' For the Groceries" is more than likely a track that will never get a play at country radio due to it's touchy subject matter, while the overblown love ballad "Scare Me" feels out of place with the more sedate tone of the album. "Got a Little Crazy", which muses over a one-night stand, is more up Chesney's alley, but could be just another beer-flowing anthem tackled by 99% of the Nashville crowd.
  
  The major disappointment is the lack of any tune penned by Chesney, who has written or co-written for all of his previous albums. (Though he does the most service to this effort with the sentimental "Don't Blink" while musing: I've been tryin' to slow it down / I've been tryin' to take it in / In this here today, gone tomorrow world we're livin' in)
  
  The overall feeling is that maybe Chesney should take his own words to heart. The entire compilation from start to finish is strong, but feels more like Chesney's trying to recreate himself in a genre he's already dominated for years. The songs are almost too maudlin, leaving this listener wishing for the Jimmy Buffet/John Mellancamp fueled alter-ego of Chesney that always shines to the back row of sold-out stadiums.
  
  
  
  
  

• Just Who I Am? You're AWESOME - that's who.

  
  By AVP7JYC7RUYH8 on 2007-09-11
  I was trying to come down from the Friday night concert high in ATL...and Tuesday morning had to have this CD to add to my "collection". I knew that it would be excellent because Kenny is so talented as a musician. But this CD totally blew my mind. It is so deep and so raw and in the same spin it makes you want smile and love life! Kenny's music always hits me so hard whether it's a simple ballad, island dreaming, or just partying on. I am a huge fan but I appreciate him for the artist he is and the music he puts out there. It's always so much more than anyone else can give.
  Here's my take:
  1. NEVER WANTED NOTHING MORE- What a feel good song. Who can't relate to those big moments in life?
  
  2. DON'T BLINK- This song could be an anthem to the rat-race most of us run today. Don't miss out on your life happening before your eyes because you're too busy making future plans.
  
  3. SHIFTWORK - This song was so fun it made me laugh! A lovable duet with George Strait, their voices so perfect together - gotta love it!
  
  4. JUST NOT TODAY - I heard this and thought so much about my own kids. How I am always telling them to enjoy their life now and make memories before adulthood kicks in and things just aren't that simple again.
  
  5. WIFE AND KIDS - This song actually made me cry. Kenny didn't write this song but it just made me think about what he is giving up to be the artist he is and to give us fans all that he does. You can feel it in his voice. Maybe someday...
  
  6. GOT A LITTLE CRAZY - Yep - go to one of his concerts and you will live this song. I love the line "I feel pain so I'm not dead." Everybody has at least one night they get a little crazy but that's just living! Party on!!
  
  7. BETTER AS A MEMORY - Wow. This song is very raw and his voice is pure velvet. This is Kenny in country-form that only he can do. Listen, close your eyes, and listen. Definitely a favorite and one of the reasons he is so amazing at what he does.
  
  8. DANCIN' FOR THE GROCERIES - Judge not. This song teaches you that. You can only respect a woman that is doing what she can to make a better life for her kids. Kenny paints a vivid picture in your head that won't leave.
  
  9. WILD RIDE - Aside from the fact that he ROCKED this song at his concert. If you don't get up and move to this, check your pulse 'cause you're dead! I danced all over my house to this one! Kenny brings it and Joe Walsh burns it up! Southern rock at it's absolute best.
  
  10. SCARE ME - Another touching ballad. He manages to convey all those things that are so wonderful and terrifying about loving someone.
  
  11. DEMONS - This one reminds you - you have them to. We all carry them every day, whatever they may be. "When I'm not chasing demons, there's demons chasing me."
  
  This CD is a perfect balance. If you appreciate purity and truth in your music you're in the right place. THANK YOU, KENNY! YOU ALWAYS MAKE THE MUSIC I WANT TO FEEL!
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Disappointed
  By A1COYL00POWMZ4 on 2007-09-25
  I've been a Kenny Chesney fan for 8+ years now, seen him in concert a few times, and was really looking forward to this album. Maybe my expectations were too high, but it was a real let down when I got it. There are maybe 3 good songs on it and rest just seem like filler. "Never Wanted Nothin More", "Don't Blink", and "Better as a Memory" are probably the strongest songs on the album. Overall it has more of a depressed feel (Dancin' for the Groceries), and doesn't have that feel good vibe of his other albums. It's a far cry from his old stuff, but if you're a fan it's worth getting.
  
  
• ANOTHER GEM FOR KENNY
  By A3KCMOV4RQ2M1C on 2007-09-11
  I purchased Kenny Chesney's Just Who I Am :Poets And Pirates, and to say the least, this is another gem to add to his brilliant collection.
  I have followed Kenny from his early career and watched him explode into the reigning Entertainer Of The Year in Country Music.
  Kenny has worked hard from the beginning and has earned every award that he is been honored with.
  He has an incredible band and with his crystal clear voice, they are indeed a perfect match...
  Each song on this CD will be played over and over again as with the rest of my Kenny Chesney collection.
  He did it again with lucky number 13!
  I look foward to his brand new tour, A Show Of Endless Entertaiment....
  Thank You Kenny for being who you are, a genuine poet....
  
  
• Not bad, but could have been better
  By ANBJOE7ZYY7U2 on 2007-09-18
  Overall the depth on this album is very good. The songs on this release have 10 times the substance of previous albums such as "When The Sun Goes Down" and "Me and You." The big problem with this album it is incredibly one dimensional. The album is incredibly ballad heavy. Kenny is at his best when he is cutting loose and having fun, then turning around and grabbing your attention with a heart tugger (ie "No Shoes, No Shirts, No Problems" and "The Road and the Radio"). You do see classic Kenny fun on my personal favorite on this record "Got A Little Crazy" and few can argue with the power of "Don't Blink." If you are a Chesney fan like I am you will find the album pretty enjoyable, but if you are looking for one of his top efforts I feel he came up just a little short.
  
  
• Never Wanted Nothing More from Kenny
  By A392H2SOTJ8NHY on 2007-09-12
  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.
  
  
• Kenny is Kenny--a good thing!
  By A9ETDX5K04DY on 2007-12-12
  Kenny Chesney is Kenny Chesney--no matter WHO he is. And basically, no one cares other than he's "entertainer of the year" (again) and that he rocks.
  
  In "Just Who I Am," Kenny maintains that rocking, rolling, and (sometimes) raunchy beat he's captained these past few years. No Chesney CD is a waste and his "faithful" will love this one as well (as one can tell by its sales); however, there's nothing new on this CD. It's Kenny Chesney--exactly as we've seen him on his previous two CDs. Now, that's not necessarily a negative, as he's great as he is, but perhaps something new would enhance this one. Perhaps he's just too busy touring or lounging on those Caribbean beaches he loves so well (where DOES he find the time?) to go that "extra effort," no matter to whom he's paying homage (right)--George Strait, Dwight Yoakam (a stretch here!), etc. He should always remember, though, that you dance with the one you brung.
  
  Still--Kenny rocks. And his music is great.
  
  
• Classic Kenny Chesney is back
  By A15RI608VKKMVE on 2007-09-11
  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."
  
  
• MEDIOCRE
  By A37MYLL6HMV908 on 2007-09-12
  My 17 year old daughter and I are HUGE Kenny fans, however this new cd doesn't do much for either of us. His voice is incredible as always, but the material seems 'lacking'. His heart just doesn't seem in this one. The 'energy' feels like it is missing. Out of the entire cd there are only a couple of tracks that are really good. I hope this isn't the beginning of the downward spiral for Kenny, he's way too good for something like that. This will not be one of our favorite Kenny cd's. Better luck next time.
  
  
• Good music!
  By A27TWTVMXA90FN on 2007-09-13
  I'll admit that this one probably won't necessarily be my favorite of his (When the Sun Goes Down and Be As You Are tie for that spot), but I liked what I heard and the songs will grow on me which is true for most songs I hear. I don't usually just instantly love a song of anyone's. Although Never Wanted Nothing More was instant for me. Anyway, I think its definitely worth adding to the collection and I look forward to many more albums and CONCERTS! Kenny, you're a gem. You are an inspiration to anyone out there hoping to make their dreams come true. Your fans love you and we know you love us!
  
  
• An inside glance into what he's really thinking...
  By A22VY33OI7P698 on 2007-09-14
  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.
  
  
• Excellent CD
  By A2CTKIUE1D8AAU on 2007-09-12
  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.
  
  
• Best Chesney release in years!!
  By A3S17PKDPIU6RF on 2007-09-12
  I had been looking forward to this release and was not disappointed at all. Threw it in the car for a short trip, and got into it right away. Did not find any filler songs on this album at all. Vocals are fantastic, arrangements were really good, song choice good, and the music was rockin. I almost wrecked my car when #9 Wild Ride came on and it sounded like Joe Walsh. I had to pull over to check the cd case in the trunk. Great choice to have a legend play guitar on this one (no offense to Chesney's great band), but JOE WALSH? Nice.. Totally my favorite song on the album. Speaking of legends, Mr. George Strait helped him out on Shiftwork which sounded good, their voices worked well together. This album should bring Chesney some trophies this year. If not, there will still be cd's being worn out all across the country. Any of these songs will sound great live (especially if Walsh show's up). My best advice is to run don't walk to get this one as soon as possible. Or, just click and go.
  
  
• Kenny Chesney Does It Again
  By AW5ULBV74ZDM3 on 2007-09-18
  
  
  This CD is a combination of Kenny's country roots and his more contemporary sound that reflects life on this islands. As in other more recent releases, Chesney shows that he has more control over the music he is writing/producing/releasing. His topics have matured over the years and many of his thoughts and life experiences are evident in his music. In the song Better As A Memory, Kenny is teeling the story of one sided love and the difficulties of being involved with someone who has found a path that they must travel unaccompanied to get to their ultimate destination. On another track, one which is very reminiscent of Kenny's hit single "I Go Back", Chesney tells the plight of an old man who is nearing the end of his trip of life and is now looking back and sharing the wisdom he has learned. The tear jerking lyrics and all to painful truth that "when the hourglass runs out of sand you can't flip it over and start again" will appeal to fans of all music. This album will not only appeal to Chesney fans but to anyone just trying to find out who they are.
  
  
• Awesome!!!
  By A1SVQO7HDF9MMR on 2007-09-21
  Okay, I usually dont like an entire CD by Kenny Chesney. I usually only like a few of the singles off the CD, but a good friend of mine let me borrow this CD and I LOVE IT!!! It is one of his best CDs in my opinion and the song Dancin' for the Groceries is amazing!
  
  
• My Ears Hurt!!!
  By A2FL0EKQ2EQ9E6 on 2008-03-30
  What is it with the overproduction and the electric guitars???? I listened to this overrated artist at a friend's house who happened to have bought this CD. I was curious because my friend said that he liked Kenney Chesney. I think I know why he likes Kenney and it isn't his music.....its the same reason the girls like him. Not because he's a great singer...he isn't....
  
  As far as the music goes on here...forget it. My ears hurt so bad after one listen and its obvious this guy's music only sells because his looks market him....but you know what, folks??? Looks fade away....Kenney will turn 40 soon and his hair will start thinning (if it isn't already) and all that beer he drinks on the beach he likes to sing about will soon develop into a potbelly. Then he can kiss his career goodbye.
  
  
• WOW! I am now officially a fan!
  By A1G5ZYYB2A1UXC on 2007-09-28
  I've only recently become a Chesney fan. I own 'Road and the Radio' but I must admit, this CD officially made me a fan! I love the lyrics and the music is just feel-good summer music! While I can appreciate his deeper side in songs such as 'Who You'd Be Today', the light-hearted music on this album is a welcome change.
  
  
• ONE OF MY VERY FAVORITES!
  By A1D5WX4I5QM4R4 on 2007-09-29
  I love his direction in this one--he went through and picked songs that really meant the most to him and I loved everyone of them!! For those who didn't like it, then you're are NOT a true Kenny fan!!!
  
  
• awesome
  By A16NZHP6HGIKVB on 2007-10-05
  this just might be my favorite kenny chesney cd of all time. i love it!
  
  
• Better, but not the Best.
  By A2LOR95BNCXYNN on 2007-10-09
  After seemingly becoming distracted with his last releases with more pop/rock oriented songs (Beer in Mexico), Chesney seems to return to his country roots with this album.
  
  The first two songs sound much more like his work from earlier in the decade and may envoke strong emotions from the listeners. Certainly not his best album ever, but better than some.
  
  Looking forward to a new "Greatest Hits" CD sometime soon!
  
  
• Not what I expected...
  By AE3OAGMSGIIUI on 2007-10-09
  How big is Kenny Chesney these days? Big enough that despite being a major commercial release, "Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates" isn't really all that commercial an album. Sure, there will be little problem selling the album or pushing singles through radio, but there's something a little less catch-all listener friendly about "Just Who I Am" than there was on even the last album, "The Road and the Radio." Who'd have thought that Kenny Chesney would cover a Dwight Yoakam song, much less cover it well? And yet, here it is. The writing still gets to be a bit clunky at times, but clever at others (witness "a big ol' pile of shiiiiiiiiiiiiftwork"). This album requires more of the listener's attention span than his previous work, and that's a good sign.
  
  
• Kenny Chesney cd
  By A2KD3AX8RJQF8Y on 2007-10-17
  Kennny has become the new "buffett" of music , He make's singing look easy. the cd is easy on the ears and will make you come back for more.
  
  
  
• THE SUN FINALLY CAME DOWN ON KENNY
  By A61NYKULZ12LS on 2007-10-19
  Kenny Chesney has been recording amazing records since When The Sun Goes Down to The Road and The Radio. This one you can skip. He slept his way through this c.d. The songs are not good, the electric guitars are loud and I mean LOUD!!!! Kenny you're not a rock star. He should have stay with his island, fun living sound. This c.d. is empty. It looks like the record company had to get a new Kenny c.d. out and rushed it. That's what it was a rushed job. Uhhhh I listened to it once and threw it aside.
  
  
• Recycled Music
  By A3E0R5H44Y2GT9 on 2007-10-27
  This CD is really a disappointment to me. Some songs are good, but there are some truly bad ones. Incidentally, the two worst are the ones that I expected the most out of. "Shiftwork" with George Strait, and "Wild Ride" with Joe Walsh are two terrible songs.
  
  Kenny has created his own sound, and we have come to expect that from him, but it just sounds so recycled now. "Don't Blink" sounds too much like "I Go Back" and "Just Not Today" sounds like "Summertime". I don't know. I just wish that the man would sit down and listen to his records from beginning to end, starting with his first release. He's gotten way overproduced, and it's just sad.
  
  What happened to songs like "Just Don't Happen Twice" and even "The Good Stuff". He needs to rediscover his roots, and he needs to either get involved in the song writing or choose different songs to record. I don't want filler, and would it kill the man to have one fiddle or steel guitar on his records?
  
  There's a reason why "Never Wanted Nothin' More" was such a huge hit. It sounded original, and it has more country twang than any other song on this album.
  
  PLEASE KENNY, STOP THIS MADNESS! YOU'RE BETTER THAN THIS!
  
  Good songs of note: "Wife & Kids", "Demons", "Better as a Memory"
  
  
• MY EARS ARE BLEEDING
  By A30AP674CQV36V on 2007-11-08
  WAS KENNY & GEORGE HELD AT GUN POINT TO DO THAT. THAT IS JUST BAD.
  TWO STARS FOR THE FIRST TO SONGS. THAT'S IT
  
  
• Please, don't stop Kenny
  By A3TE34BM32WI5B on 2007-11-08
  I was a little shocked how much I liked this CD, some of Kenny's music is, well like he can't get over college. On Poets & Pirates, some of the songs were so deep, almost bringing you to tears and others like "Scare me", you wished he was singing it to you. This CD has a good balance of dancin' and kickin back, this is a great addition to my collection. Hey Kenny, you are both a Poet and a Pirate:-) From a Mermaid...
  
  
• Just who I am..not?
  By A2A4RBK4JIUQ19 on 2007-12-10
  I have always anxiously awaited a new album by Kenny Chesney. Usually, an album keeps be entertained for year before I want a new one to come out. However, after a week of listening to Just Who I am: Poets and Pirates, I already want a new one.
  Kenny has always had what I call "no skip tracks album". Meaning, when track five comes on, you don't skip it because you dislike it. On his past studio albums I listen to them all the way through. However, I only like three or so songs on his new album. My taste only? Not so. This album is not Kenny. I never thought I would a Chesney album anything other than a perfect 5.
  I hope his next album is better.
  
  

• Still Feels Good
• Carnival Ride
• 5th Gear
• Reba Duets
• Cowboy Town