Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates

Chesney gets better with age. There are radio hits here: 'Never Wanted Nothing More' has already hit No. 1 and second single 'Don't Blink' is off to a fast start, but there's depth, too.

The sincere, average-Joe appeal of Just Who I Am--the whole to which Chesney's various personas add up--will likely resonate with fans in the back row of the stadiums he favors, long after all of the records slide down the charts.

Mr. Chesney's new album, which is being released today and has one of the worst titles he has ever come up with, along with some of the best music.

Mr. Chesney’s new album, which is being released today and has one of the worst titles he has ever come up with, along with some of the best music.

The sincere, average-Joe appeal of Just Who I Am--the whole to which Chesney's various personas add up--will likely resonate with fans in the back row of the stadiums he favors, long after all of the records slide down the charts.

Chesney gets better with age. There are radio hits here: 'Never Wanted Nothing More' has already hit No. 1 and second single 'Don't Blink' is off to a fast start, but there's depth, too.

While the lyrics are engaging (and, yes, emotionally honest), it's not like Chesney's fiddling around with some alt-country concept album here. The usual bulletproof, radio-friendly production remains fully intact.

While the lyrics are engaging (and, yes, emotionally honest), it's not like Chesney's fiddling around with some alt-country concept album here. The usual bulletproof, radio-friendly production remains fully intact.

This is just a really good country music collection, with a nearly flawless first half.

This is just a really good country music collection, with a nearly flawless first half.