Kenny Chesney - "The Big Revival"

[StevePulaski]

The Big Revival (2014)
By: Kenny Chesney

Rating: ★★½

Perhaps my recent affinity for country-rap has taken its toll on my former tastes, or I'm more interested in eclectic country singers boasting unique or subversive styles over ones who have been around for many years, but for whatever reason, Kenny Chesney's latest album, The Big Revival, lacked the depth and enjoyment I have found in his previous work. Here's a singer that made "When the Sun Goes Down," an incredible tune about how what happens when night falls can be more interesting than when the day is young, among songs like "Big Star" and "Young," which hit emotional chords and ring true as they have a nostalgic sense about life and ambition.

In its first half, The Big Revival isn't burdened by songs that are dismal or contemptible, but by songs that are instantly forgettable and bear little replay value. However, the album kicks it into high-gear during its second half to deliver tunes that merit replays and possess some worthwhile conversation dedicated to them. Scarcely have I seen an album go from dry and flavorless to have a hint of zest, like mediocre calamari brought to life by a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Chesney makes what I've long thought of as "island music," or music one plays when they are in a breezy, rather careless mood. His CDs perfectly compliment your vacation outing by the lakefront or to your Michigan beachhouse, and perhaps if I listened to this album when I spent my weekend out in Lake Geneva rather than my early-morning drive to college, I would've at least had the setting for Chesney's music down. The album opens with three mediocre tracks that fail to drum up anything but stylistic monotony and lyrical blandness as the songs skate by without registering much relevance or effect on the listener. Unless you're a die-hard Chesney fan, these tracks are about as ordinary and familiar as vanilla ice cream.

It isn't until the inclusion of "American Kids," the album's first single, that The Big Revival become more than an ordinary release from Chesney, as "American Kids" details the life of typical, common teenagers growing up in seventies America, "watching MTV on the RCA" and doing what kids do best - stew in their own laziness. For a nostalgic romp, it's thoroughly entertaining, maintains an upbeat, and doesn't surprise one as why it was made to be the album's first single. After the song, we get several songs that make up for the utter monotony of the beginning half of the album, like the surprisingly lively "Rock Bottom," the album's winning track "Save it for a Rainy Day," before concluding with the flashback-inspiring ballad "If This Bus Could Talk."

"Save it for a Rainy Day" is almost like a prequel to a classic country heartbreak song, or even the anti-country heartbreak song, coming close to Dierks Bentley's masterpiece "Drunk on a Plane" if we're comparing the contemporary take on the iconic subgenre. The song details a man who chooses not to be upset about the current situation with his lady by recognizing the blueness in the sky, the brightness of the sun, the coolness of his beer, and the momentary beauty of life. After thinking about it, he'll save his sadness for an uglier, rainier day. For now, it's time to forgo the depression and hang with the boys. I love what the song represents and, I feel if you would accompany it by a gathering of your Buds (double-meaning there), it would be even more effective.

The Big Revival is a like rough currents on the metaphorical island Chesney has ostensibly spent his entire career on; the quality of the tracks aren't always predictable and what Chesney will make of the tracks and their subjects isn't always clear. However, spirit shines through and glimmers brightly, like the sun's reflection on your clear Corona Extra bottle, and fun and enjoyment will soon prevail following uncertain and unsatisfying circumstances. Drink up or call it a night based on your passed experiences.

Recommended tracks (in order): "Save it for a Rainy Day," "American Kids," "Rock Bottom," and "If This Bus Could Talk."