Lucky Old Sun

Kenny Chesney returns to his favorite island haunts on 2008’s Lucky Old Sun — but this time the journey is a bittersweet one. A pang of longing runs through this album, expressed in both its world-weary lyrics and the muted sound of its tracks. Beneath the drowsy Caribbean imagery found here, there’s a reoccurring sense of heartache and a yearning for escape. “Way Down Here,” “Spirit of a Storm,” and “Boats” express a desire for healing and solace amidst balmy, acoustic-based arrangements. Chesney declares his gratitude to the Lord in “I’m Alive” and settles into a contented state in “Nowhere to Go, Nowhere to Be.” He manages to stir up some playful energy on “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven” (backed up by reggae’s legendary Wailers) and slides into a bluesy mood for “Ten with a Two.” But what truly defines this album is its melancholy title tune, rendered with a wistful air by Chesney and guest star Willie Nelson. Lucky Old Sun is a work of mature reflection that downplays obvious radio hits in favor of something more personal and, ultimately, more appealing. Chesney sounds sadder but wiser as he delivers one of his best song collections in years.