And, with the tracks offered on this disc, there seems to be no reason he won't once again dominate those charts. The Road And The Radio offers listeners a variety of songs, from fun-loving tracks like Summertime and Beer In Mexico, to the more serious tracks like the lead single Who You'd Be Today and the title track, to the loving side found on You Save Me. Kenny has always had a knack for melding a bunch of different things lyrically (and musically, for that matter) and offering up something that people really get into.
Tracks like Summertime and Beer In Mexico definitely show off the more fun-loving side of Kenny. Summertime is, quite obviously, an ode to Chesney's favorite time of year: SUMMERTIME. The song is relatively simple, reliving some of the best memories people have of summertime, everything from dancing barefoot to the songs on the radio to a guy's heart fluttering when he sees a girl "shimmy off them old cutoffs" (Even while knowing there is a bikini bottom underneath). It's one of those tracks that will likely be expected to hit radios nationwide and get heavy airplay in...you guessed it, summertime '06. Beer In Mexico is certainly a different track, though no less fun-loving. A solid mix of pop, rock and country showcases that ripe old age between "wild and free" and "over the hill" and continuing to enjoy life even in these years. No, it's not the best track on the disc, but if offers an enjoyable musical experience.
Kenny does, of course, have that serious side mentioned earlier. And the opening tracks of this disc do a great job of showcasing this side. The lead single, Who You'd Be Today, is one of those tracks that is great because it's so well-written. It's something that Kenny clearly relates to (Because, as fans who know anything about Kenny know (or even if they've just heard the single I Go Back) that he lost a good friend at just sixteen years of age), and Kenny sings that track with a conviction that makes that obvious. However, the lyrics are so relatable for anyone who has lost a loved one far too soon. It's a tear-jerker track that offers hope that the listener will see that loved one once again someday. The Road And The Radio is certainly not quite the same type of track. However, the title track does take a look at Kenny's time with two "good friends" and how the road and the radio allowed and continue to allow him to live life. And live life he most certainly has, as he points out on Living In Fast Forward. This track offers a little of both spectrums. Chesney talks about all his time having a life full of fun and how it has caused him to be "living in fast forward," and now he wants to "rewind real slow" (Much like he does when he spends his time on the islands). Both tracks offer quality musical stylings and solid vocals to go with some good lyrics.
A Kenny Chesney disc would not be complete, however, without a love song. Enter You Save Me. The track is one that Kenny says was one of the most vocally challenging songs he's ever done in his career. And it pays off. The vocals are impressive, and the lyrics follow suit. Complete the package with a solid musical mix, and, once again, Kenny has another love song that is hitbound.
Overall, The Road And The Radio is another great offering from Kenny Chesney, who continues to prove why he is one of country music's elite artists right now. With his discs gontinuing to go multi-platinum with millions of sales, there is little doubt that this disc will quickly surpass the million mark as well. It's debatable if this is Kenny's best disc to date, but it is certainly one of his better ones in his career.