Reviewed by Ian Phillips.
By Kenny Chesney, Warner Music 2018.
Kenny Chesney is one of the biggest country music stars on the planet but even the hugely wealthy can be devastated by the power and fury of nature.
In September 2017 Hurricane Irma devastated the Virgin Islands and in so doing destroyed Chesney’s home on St. John.
Chesney is in a position to rebuild his home with little financial inconvenience, however, the vast majority of locals were not so fortunate, and that’s where this album comes in.
Songs for the Saints is a tribute to the battered islands and all the money raised from the album sales is being donated to the foundation that he has set up, Love For Love City, (which is also the second track he wrote after the title track).
Among other things the foundation brought in medical supplies and equipment so that debris could be moved.
They also helped with the rescue of lost pets and assisted residents regain a sense of normality in the wake of Irma.
To record the album Kenny garnered the assistance of some high-profile guests like Jimmy Buffett, Ziggy Marley and Mindy Smith.
Chesney co-wrote five of the songs on the album with Buffet and Ziggy Marley and Mindy Smith provided their wonderful vocal talents.
With this album Chesney wants people to understand what the population of the Virgin Islands went through.
“It’s an album about the refuges we all have, how temporary life is and the way we navigate to better places.”
The songs are less country than I’ve previously heard from him, in fact they are more folky and contemplative, although there are a couple of up-tempo knee slappers and of course some reggae courtesy of Marley.
My favourite tracks are definitely the starker and more contemplative ones such as the title track, Song For The Saints, which relies on Chesney’s strong vocal to carry the message.
I applaud Kenny Chesney for his efforts which stand in stark contrast to the apparent disinterest shown by the American President for the plight of the victims of Hurricane Irma.
