Kenny Chesney & Mac McAnally – “Down The Road”
Songwriter: Mac McAnally.
It is not simply a divide which separates the songwriting of Mac McAnally from the majority of contemporary songwriters—it is a vast canyon. The sole songwriter of Sawyer Brown’s “All These Years” and “Café on The Corner,” two of the most honest and poignant songs in modern country music history, McAnally’s narrative voice is so compelling and so free from pretense or pandering that it puts the current mainstream country format to shame, exposing that format’s shallowness through the example set by his own masterful storytelling.
This is also true of McAnally’s singing voice, a mature and textured contrast next to the likes of country’s slick-voiced, power ballad-belting twenty somethings. Call it gravitas or call it gravity, but when McAnally’s warm growl opens “Down The Road’s” second verse, it’s impossible not to take notice as his delightfully gravely delivery makes the singing of the genre’s new kids on the block, in comparison, sound like pure child’s play.
In a way, the pairing of McAnally and Chesney is a fitting one. In the most simple sense, this is true because Chesney is at his best when a song provides him with a comfortable pocket from which he can weave a tale. Chesney is, after all, a surprisingly apt storyteller, a fact often lost in his propensity to embrace soaring melodies and uptempo, Buffett-esque “summer” tunes. “Down The Road” brings together the best of Chesney with the best of McAnally, a songwriter whose greatest strength is his ability to breath life into characters that seem unquestionably real, and which help us discuss life’s essential and often bittersweet truths.
On a deeper level, however, this pairing works because, despite those previously mentioned “beach songs” which have come to define his image, Chesney is one of country music’s most genuinely conflicted souls, part (literal) poet and part (metaphorical) pirate–a fact reflected to great extent in the increasingly serious, mature and contemplative tone of his music.
On “Down The Road” there is a somberness in Chesney’s delivery that perfectly matches McAnally’s; this understated vocal performance is his best in years.
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[...] Kenny Chesney & Mac McAnally – “Down The Road”: It is not simply a divide which separates the songwriting of Mac McAnally from the majority of contemporary songwriters—it is a vast canyon. The sole songwriter of Sawyer Brown’s “All These Years” and “Café on The Corner,” two of the most honest and poignant songs in modern country music history, McAnally’s narrative voice is so compelling and so free from pretense or pandering that it puts the current mainstream country format to shame, exposing that format’s shallowness through the example set by his own masterful storytelling. — review by Jim Malec “I think you could have just left Chesney out and the song would have been better…IMO!” — Margie “This was a very wise single choice. It’ll do well for him because he’s Kenny Chesney, of course, but it’s such a fine song and performance that it would do well for him even if he weren’t Kenny Chesney. I can’t say the same thing about most of his other singles in recent years.” — CMW “I agree with the comments about re-discovering McAnally. I’m gonna have to listen to more of his music. I also hope that this song will help bring Chesney’s image from the far pop side of country back toward the middle. This more traditional sound from him is refreshing and may broaden his fan base.” — Tayers [...]
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November 4, 2008 at 2:30 pm Permalink
I think you could have just left Chesney out and the song would have been better…IMO!
November 4, 2008 at 2:43 pm Permalink
I quite like this album. There, I said it.
November 4, 2008 at 2:45 pm Permalink
Margie–you might be right about that, but Chesney still does a more than adequate job here.
Chris–actually, I agree. I’ve never been really anti-Chesney, but I feel like his music has changed (for the better) over the last two albums.
November 4, 2008 at 2:52 pm Permalink
Now I’m going to have to listen to this album. Love McAnally’s stuff.
I used to be a big KC fan. I liked his first few albums, before he put that ego on his shoulder and called it a parrot.
November 4, 2008 at 3:01 pm Permalink
This was a very wise single choice. It’ll do well for him because he’s Kenny Chesney, of course, but it’s such a fine song and performance that it would do well for him even if he weren’t Kenny Chesney. I can’t say the same thing about most of his other singles in recent years.
November 4, 2008 at 3:06 pm Permalink
I need to look into some of McAnally’s recordings. Any tips on where to start?
November 4, 2008 at 3:09 pm Permalink
Pinpoint accuracy on the review. The album, though, never quite captured my attention. Its series of songs bleeds together eventually, and while Chesney’s capable of the emotional depth the album suggests, its sameness hurts the cause.
November 4, 2008 at 3:35 pm Permalink
Good review.
I agree that Kenny has more to offer us than we most often hear on his songs. This is an excellent song, Kenny does a great job on it, Mac’s vocals add the perfect crowning touch.
November 4, 2008 at 4:24 pm Permalink
The consistency of mood is actually one thing I like about the record. That’s why the only thing I don’t really care for is “Ten with a Two,” which feels out of place.
November 4, 2008 at 4:45 pm Permalink
Getting Mac McAnally airplay on country radio will go a long way to balancing out some of the negative that “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy” earned Kenny.
November 4, 2008 at 4:51 pm Permalink
“The consistency of mood is actually one thing I like about the record. That’s why the only thing I don’t really care for is “Ten with a Two,” which feels out of place.”
Chris N, I said the exact same thing to a friend of mine recently.
“Chesney is one of country music’s most genuinely conflicted souls, part (literal) poet and part (metaphorical) pirate–a fact reflected to great extent in the increasingly serious, mature and contemplative tone of his music.”
Very, very well said. I really think you captured “Kenny” with that quote.
Great review.
November 4, 2008 at 5:11 pm Permalink
@Chris N. and Agent713: “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven” doesn’t quite fit the theme either, in my opinion.
The consistency of mood is a plus in my book, too. In fact, the contemporary side of the genre lacks the thoughtfulness and reflection that Chesney offers here. But if the musical settings had some subtle shifts, it wouldn’t be quite so tedious, and the cohesive theme of the album could still be maintained.
November 4, 2008 at 5:17 pm Permalink
Love your review, I really like this song I do love this album, I don’t really know much about Mac MacAnally but that he did write Back Where I Come From. After hearing his voice on this song I’d like to hear more of his music.
I have to give Kenny a big thank you he’s the reason I started to listen to country and now I love alot of artist I would have never heard.
Just a thought!
November 4, 2008 at 5:24 pm Permalink
Im not sure ive ever heard anything Mac Mcanally was involved in and not liked it. He sure can write a song.
November 4, 2008 at 5:31 pm Permalink
It’s a good point — so far on this album alone Kenny will have gotten The Wailers and Mac MacAnally on country radio. That’s pretty neat.
November 4, 2008 at 5:42 pm Permalink
I must say, as much as Im indifferent about Kenny Chesney, I am impressed with his collaborations here. And, you know, the more I think about it…I may not care much for his albums, but I love Jamey Johnsons. Alot of people probably dont care for Jamey’s style of music, but at least hes making the music he wants to make. So, all of that to say, at least Kenny’s making the music he wants to make.
November 4, 2008 at 5:54 pm Permalink
Can I just ask how exactly Mac’s surname is pronounced?
November 4, 2008 at 6:07 pm Permalink
Mac-an-alley
November 4, 2008 at 6:42 pm Permalink
cmw:
All mac cd’s have great songs but if i were to list my top five in order:
Live and Learn*
Knots
Word of Mouth*
Simple Life*
Semi-True stories*
* are available on mac’s website….i think Knots is out of print at the moment.
And if you are ever lucky enough to be in a town where he is playing it is a must see….one of the most engaging singer/songwriters in the business
November 4, 2008 at 7:20 pm Permalink
Thanks, Roger. I’ll check out a couple of the albums you mentioned.
November 5, 2008 at 12:56 am Permalink
Jay Leno once called the Bearded McAnally the “Brawny Paper Towel Guy” when he performed with Vince Gill or Buffett on the show.
November 5, 2008 at 5:30 am Permalink
I think Jim’s pretty much nailed it. This is the maturity that I always felt Chesney was capable of. All along he’s kind of hinted at it and in his recent albums he’s started to really show it. Mac and Kenny make an excellent pair, especially with Mac singing the “older” verse of the song. I’m looking forward to picking up this entire album.
November 5, 2008 at 11:51 am Permalink
Deb – “Back Where I Come From” was previously a hit for McAnally in 1990. It was his only Top 40 hit until just now. I don’t think that a Mac McAnally song has come close to the charts since Sawyer Brown’s “This Time” in 1995.
I have several of Mac’s albums and they’re all great. By the way, has anyone else heard Restless Heart’s version of this same song from Still Restless?
November 5, 2008 at 2:11 pm Permalink
On McAnally, I still have a particular fondness for his first album, from 1977, probably because I played it so much at the time. Back then, I thought he had the promise of John Prine or Guy Clark, which he never quite fulfilled. I saw him open for Buffett around that time. He was still in his teens, as was I, and he was outstanding–a phenomenal guitarist, and very poised and funny, too. His song “It’s a Crazy World” from the “Mac McAnally” album remains a gem.
He’s done well in Nashville, behind the scenes, and beyond the Sawyer Brown stuff. He wrote Alabama’s “Old Flame,” Ricky Van Shelton’s “Crimes of Passion,” and at least a couple of Shenandoah hits. He gets a lot of studio work as an acoustic guitarist, and he’s occasionally produced albums, including several for Chris LeDoux.
On Chesney’s album, I agree with about everyting Jim and Chris N. have so eloquently said. It’s a good album for him, except for the embarrassing “Ten with a Two.”
November 5, 2008 at 2:28 pm Permalink
I agree with the comments about re-discovering McAnally. I’m gonna have to listen to more of his music. I also hope that this song will help bring Chesney’s image from the far pop side of country back toward the middle. This more traditional sound from him is refreshing and may broaden his fan base.
November 5, 2008 at 3:42 pm Permalink
I remember his song called “Minimum Love” from the early 80’s…one of the better tunes I used to hear on our local AC station
November 6, 2008 at 12:31 am Permalink
I love “Down The Road” too! And you know me… not the biggest KC fan.
Have you heard the original version? Nitty Gritty Dirt Band! 1999! It’s good, but I like it in this duet-form better.
I, like Chris N. also like this album a lot… when I just need some “chill” music, I pop it in. Plus, my numero uno artist is Willie, so the title track makes me swoon.
November 6, 2008 at 1:50 am Permalink
Booooring! I’ll stick to Flatt & Scruggs “Down The Road”.
November 6, 2008 at 10:44 am Permalink
Double-L….not to knit pick but the “original” is actually on Mac’s 1994 MCA release “Knots”
November 6, 2008 at 1:10 pm Permalink
I would say that any Mac record is better than what you’re likely to pick out of a hat. It’s all relatively solid.
November 7, 2008 at 10:48 am Permalink
I lucked up a few months ago and found “Knots” at CD Wherehouse…how i do love used cd stores..
November 13, 2008 at 12:05 pm Permalink
Roger..not to nit pick but the “original” is actually on Mac’s 1990 release “Simple Life.”
November 19, 2008 at 5:19 pm Permalink
Kenny Chesney is more like part hack, part wannabe … not “part poet”.
He continues pairing himself with legitimately talented singers and songwriters to try to give himself the “gravitas” he cannot seem to come by simply standing alone.
Everyone deep-down knows that Kenny Chesney is an average talent at best. Even HE knows it.
November 19, 2008 at 5:23 pm Permalink
“Down the Road” has been around for years as a signature Mac McAnally tune.
It was better left alone.
And don’t start about Chesney’s “understated” performance. All of his performances are understated because that’s simply the best he can do.
November 23, 2008 at 6:38 pm Permalink
guy,
do you know kenny… how do you know he knows it. did you ever think as to why all these wonderful people are working with him. they for sure see something in him that you don’t. I have a hard time believing that Dave Matthews, Mac, Willie Nelson, Jimmy buffett, George Strait and others would have worked with him if they didn’t respect him and think he was talanted. You obviously have some sort of ax to grind.
January 7, 2009 at 8:21 pm Permalink
At least we know we’ve got the lion and the tin man ready to go if anyone ever decided to make the Wizard of Oz featuring country artists.
January 8, 2009 at 9:58 am Permalink
If the “Tin Man” joke was on purpose, you’re a genius.
January 8, 2009 at 10:09 am Permalink
That’s what I was going for. And if you connect “Down the Road” with the yellow brick road…
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