So much about Silver Sands Marina has been unorthodox. Starting with the time spent making it, the re-recording and recasting of “Carry On,” the landmark debut single, and three late tracks that inspired an 11-cut project in an age of more-is-more. For the East Tennessee songwriter-superstar, Silver Sands Marinabecame an album, not just of his great, often genre-defining songs, but a collection that holds together at the heart.
Today, with a sold-out-in-seconds surprise Pinnacle Show to celebrate, Silver Sands Marina arrives.
Again co-produced with legendary Buddy Cannon, the project delivers a sense of arrival, places and the smallest moments that define a life. Whether recognizing one’s reason on the opening “Burn My Boat,” the vulnerable spark knowing it’s over of “It Just Got Weird,” featuring Megan Moroney, the joyous heartbreak of “Goldfish” with Hawaiian alternative singer-songwriter Lily Meola or the swagger-forward homage to smalltown gossip “Talkin’ Dirt,” Chesney creates a core sample of what engaging with the world truly is.
“Having had the time to cut so many really great songs, but also listen to them, think about how they fit together,” Chesney offers, “the songs were also able to talk to each other. They showed me, Buddy, some of the people near me what they wanted to say in a larger way… And when ‘Silver Sands Marina’ captured that one perfect moment two share together with no distractions, everything fell into place.
“That’s the thing about music: the more you listen, the more it will tell you about life. Whether it’s how to get through it, laugh it off, make it more or recognize what’s so rare and special, it’s all there if you’ll slow down and listen. When we did, well, you can hear it in these 11 songs.”
With “CBS Mornings” anchor Gayle King raving, “[it] evokes memories, perfectly paints a special place and really celebrates life, the Associated Press writing, “He's one of the most consistent giants in country music for a reason. Kenny Chesney will release his 21st studio album – you read that correctly – today, titled ‘Silver Sands Marina.’ It's full-throated stadium country, with big hooks and bigger heart. You know, like all the great Chesney records,” and Billboard citing the album, “placing a premium on top-shelf songwriting that balances lyrical wit and emotional resonance… Linking each of the songs is Chesney’s warm, conversational vocal approach that makes each song feel even more lived-in and credible,” the early response is strong.
Even stronger is the gone-in-seconds response to tonight’s pop-up show at the Pinnacle, which will be broadcast live on No Shoes Radio (SiriusXM 59) at 8:30 p.m. ET. The immediacy and sense of community around Silver Sands Marina has really touched the 2025 Country Music Hall of Fame inductee. Drawing on a lifetime of songwriters, living, learning and laughter, Chesney’s first release for HEY NOW Records has manifested not just a history-making single that offers the philosophical compass, “if it feels good do it, if it doesn’t then don’t…,” its second single proffers a powerful perspective-shifter from jagged ending to owning all the thrills, euphoria and awesome that makes love great via “Remember Me That Way.”
“No Shoes Nation has always been a passionate, all-in kind of place. They work hard, play hard, love hard – and music moves through all of it. We’ve got songs here that are very fun, real, and honest; but they’re also things they’re not expecting, because I know I’d never heard songs like some of these before, either.
“That’s why we wanted to go play them live, and not wait for Tampa. Everyone in the band agreed, this is music that needs people to come fully alive, so I’m fired up to be playing Pinnacle tonight – and for anyone who couldn’t get tickets, you can be there with us on No Shoes Radio. We all – Buddy, me, so many of us – make this music for everyone else to enjoy – and today finally the circle of Silver Sands Marina is complete.”
Kicking off the Silver Sands Marina anticipation with his appearance on the “TODAY” Citi Concert Series and a lively turn on “The View,” Chesney has been across all media for the last week. E Street Radio, Howard Stern’s Howard 100 and ESPN, as well as yesterday’s lively sitdown with “CBS Mornings” anchor Gayle King all culminate with tonight’s NBC “Nightly News” and their “Great Americans” profile.
