I Will Stand - Chesney, Kenny (CD 1997)

This album was released 10 years ago from today and Kenny is still having some growing pains trying to figure out his true style. But it DID sell platinum and has some good hits. First track She's Got It All traveled to #1 in the Country Charts, that was the first #1 for Kenny. That's Why I'm Here crossed over to US Hot100 Charts (#79) mainly because Kenny's outstanding video, on the country side it made to #2 spot. Closing track When I Close My Eyes was another #2 in the Country Charts. Other single releases A Chance and I Will Stand did not make it to the TOP10.

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Songs in order:


She's Got It All 3:23

Very George Strait! I like the feel, this flows and grows on you. Okay, lyrics are totally cliche and he does not sound like he means it but still a nice start.

You Win, I Win, We Lose 3:29

Slow love song. Kenny's voice is way pale comparing to his music today. Comfortable forgettable ballad, he lost me. Musicians behind are just doing the studio sound, very lifeless song.

She Gets That Way 3:25

Kenny sounds too distant. Little more playful Kenny, oh man this band sounds like they are playing straight from the book, I get this forced feel. Not a bad song but goose bumbs? Not for me. Just not convincing at all.

I Will Stand

Title track. Beautiful melody. If you close your eyes and just believe that he will stand by you it almost works. Kenny's vocals are tad pale, he should do this over, with better production this could be a huge hit!

That's Why I'm Here 4:03

Now we are listening true Kenny! He finally sounds like he means it. Just getting this track justifies buying the album. Simple things in life and powerful lyrics. Kenny was amazing on the video, how can one look hangover and eatable the next minute!

Steamy Windows 4:29

Starts with a long guitar intro, then we go rockin! I'm tapping on the tune. Yes Kenny, come steam my windows.. Totally different from prior tracks and I'm surprised and very pleased. Body heat with Kenny, are you game! All bluuues..

From Hillbilly Heaven To Honkytonk Hell

This is a keepsake track! Kenny singing with George Jones and Tracy Lawrence. Way too George Jones classic sound for my liking but it always makes me smile. Witty lyrics.

She Always Says It First 2:51

Back in the "kissie kissie I'll love you rest of my love" songs. Nothing original but vocals are better than his starting tracks. This has few almost goose bump moments but still quite a filler for me.

Lonely, Needin' Lovin' 3:33

Little more line dancing style. Frankly I'm not impressed at all. Catchy tune but Kenny sounds like he is reading the words from a paper in front of him. Not comfortable at all. Do the fast forward!

A Chance 3:41

Kenny trying to be Clint Black. I'm glad he figured out he is not! He holds the vocals well but this is so syrapy that I get an icky feel. There is a reason most of us have not heard this song.

When I Close My Eyes (Acoustic) 3:38

If you need a lullaby or are ready to go to sleep, this will do the trick. Kenny proves that he can carry a tune. "It never eeeeeeeends, I close my eeeeeeeeyes." It is decent closing track but still Kenny, what were you thinking picking this song, it made you sound like Kenny Rogers gone bad!

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MY FINAL THOUGHTS

Album has some overly cheesy songs and the band behind him sounds like orderly studio musicians. They do hit the notes but don't make the most of it. Kenny's voice is yet to hit that amazing stage it is on right now and I believe there is moments the studio production here just sucks.

To me maybe the best find on this album was the Steamy Windows it is not country at all but shows that Kenny could have traveled more to a blues than traditional country style if he wanted to. This album deserves its place in your collection, after all, it did sell platinum and has Kenny's first #1 hit on it!