Kenny Chesney’s New Single Leads Me to Mac McAnally
I’m not a singer, so I’ve never had to make the tough decision of whom I should duet with. But if I did, I might try to choose someone who wasn’t quite as good as me. (I think that probably stems from my firm belief in the old adage that bridesmaids should never outshine the bride and all that.) But when I heard Kenny Chesney’s latest single, “Down the Road,”* my first thought was, “Wow. Whoever he is singing with can really, really sing. Is he even better than Chesney?”
That “whoever” is Mac McAnally, a very established singer-songwriter and musician. Chesney calls him someone who “understands simplicity is the essence of what it means to get to the core (of a moment).” And of this song in particular, Chesney says, “This song is so East Tennessee and how I grew up … and if you know Mac McAnally, he’s as real as this song is. It’s just so true to who he is and I don’t know of a writer who doesn’t wish they could write a song this simple that says so much … but that’s Mac.”
That’s some pretty high praise. So I had to find out more. And by more, I mean everything. Mac is not only a crazy good singer and an obviously brilliant songwriter, but he was named 2008’s musician of the year by the Country Music Association. Again, more high praise. In this song, McAnally comes in about halfway through, when the love story switches perspective from that of the boy falling in love to that of the father of the girl he loves. His voice sounds so right for this, it just makes me love the tune that much more. So thank you, Kenny Chesney, for shining the light on another great country singer I might’ve missed.
*For all of you amateur fact-checkers out there, yes, I know McAnally released his own version of the song 18 years ago.
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J.R. Journey says:
“Is he even better than Chesney?”
Yes, and he always has been. Glad you finally caught up with the rest of us, Alison.
Sam says:
No way! He is good, but not better than kenny!
Chris D. says:
Thank you JR! Most artists are better than Chesney anyway.
Leeann says:
I agree that this is a simple song, but I don’t agree that it says a lot. In fact, it really doesn’t say much at all. Mac really is a good singer though and I agree that he outshines Kenny for sure. I appreciate the sparse production as well.
Gail says:
I agree with Chris D.
peppersprout says:
You’ve been a critic of and listenin’ to “country” music for how long now and you’ve JUST discovered the superfine talents of Mac MaAnally, albeit via Kenney Chesney?!?!?!
That explains quite a bit about the majority of your blogs!
All I can say is you’ve gotta lot of catchin’ up to do, lady!
I’d just bet Mr. RedMaZ would be more than willin’ to help you along with your country music education - if you’d pay attention … an “amateur factchecker,” HE’S NOT.
Mac McAnally may not be his favorite singer/songwriter but I know he knows exactly who he is and just about how long he’s been around in the business of makin’ music.
Kudos to Kenny Chesney for recognizin’ and utilizin’ Mr. MaAnally’s talents!
ROSEBUD says:
peppersprout aka RedMaz?lol
peppersprout says:
ROFLOL @ ROSEBUD!!!
I WISH I had just an inklin’ of the musical knowledge RedMaZ has!!! … besides that, he’s a feller and I’m NOT! … LOL … thanks for the compliment, though! … :D :D :D
ROSEBUD says:
Glad you have a sense of humor peppersprout. Have a great day!!!! Not sure what ROFLOL means though. Maybe if I did I wouldn’t think you a had such a great sense of humor.lol
peppersprout says:
Hi ROSEBUD,
ROFLOL means Rollin’ On The Floor Laughin’ Out Loud … supposed to mean a tad bit funnier than LOL, I think.
I honestly did take your “aka RedMaz” comment as highly complimentary … :D :D :D
Glad to see that you have a great sense humor, too! … :D
ROSEBUD says:
Oh okay, I got to thinking about it and thought I may have just gotten told off.lol I’m not very good with these abbreviations.lol
Hopefully we can talk again soon! Have a good night!
OLIVIA says:
I disagree with all of you guys… except Sam- No one is better then Kenny Chesney! He is so awesome, only i am slightly disappointed with the new album. But if he says that he had to get it out, then fine, thats just great, i will always love you kenny! That song is one of the better ones though from this album, i have to say! :-)
RedMaZ says:
Thanks for the compliment peppersprout. Seems these know it all mainstreamers have a problem with facts. I know it’s a hard pill for many to swallow, but, after all…I AM the doctor. I take factchecker as a positive thing. Amateur? Far from it. I know the difference between opinion and fact, and I’ve challenged them all to prove me wrong(so far the sound of crickets come to mind). I’ve put these people in their place so many times…they have their own Zip code.
ROSEBUD says:
Don’t forget to add humble to all of your great qualities.lol You know Red you really annoy me but you are good for a laugh sometimes, and believe me I’m ROFLOL right now. If you don’t know what that means don’t worry neither did I.lol
RedMaZ says:
The feeling is mutual. Everytime you try to talk about music, it makes me laugh.
lolhorse6375 says:
I love that song a lot! I want to sing with Kenny Chesney!
S says:
Love the song!!!
lorraine says:
none beats kenny you guys are all crazy im kenny’s number one fan
Janelle says:
I have seen Kenny 9 times in concert across the country and nobody puts on a show like him!He is an amazing entertainer.
Janelle
Van says:
Mac is one of the best “quiet” people in music. He is very honest and humble and always does great work. You should check him out solo in concert!
Vandy says:
I’ve been listening to Mac since the 70’s. The first time I listened to his first album I was speechless. I could not believe how well he wrote, played, and orchestrated the songs. I was hooked for life, have bought every album he’s made, and have seen him in concert twice. Very few performers can match his talent. Kenny is an awesome singer/performer, but he will never be able to out write Mac. They have very different styles. Mac is hard to catagorize. Kenny is country. They both have their own niches. When I saw Mac in Atlanta, people were yelling out songs for him to play. I yelled out, “Written in Stone.” His response from the stage was hilarious. He said, “I wrote that song so long ago I barely remember I even wrote it–but I haven’t got Alzheimers yet.” Can’t wait for his next album.
Jim says:
Mcanally not only has a better voice, but has the musical chops only a few pocess
Karl Phillips says:
Been a fan of Mac’s since 1983. I have seen him perform 2 times in Birmingham and 3 times here in Atlanta. We met back in 1997 at the Nashville Hit Songwriter Seminar and Guitar Pull here in North Atlanta where he and I sat together, by his invitation, and had dinner. What a great, open, down to earth friend to have. I am anxiously waiting for the next solo effort from you, Mac. All the best.
Fran says:
I was born and raised in Belmont, Mississippi where Mac is from. His dad taught me Government and History. His dad was so loved….even with that slow “Mississippi monotone” that most of us have….lol* Our mothers were very dear friends, and chatted on the phone frequently. Saying all that to say this: For a long time, I knew Mac was very serious with his music. I bought his first album and every one since then. Even though we never knew each other well, I have visited in his home on various occasions with his sister Sarah, and I feel a kindred spirit there. I can hear him being interviewed, and I immediately know that it’s him….sounds like his dad* I just wish that I could get in contact with him personally now…he’s such a star now, he’s probably out of reach completely!!!! But if he ever reads any of this, I wish him well* As far as being better than Kenny??? Yep….always has been*
Jason says:
Everyone listen up. You dont give kenny credit Mac is a song writter who wrote Back where i come from a song when all of you non kenny fans get drunk you sing. Chesney as push the mark on today modern country and leads the pack. This guy could very well beat garths record for entertainer of the year. We all know he istnt country and is island cowboy tunes are getting boring but Kenny is a hellaish singer with a vocal range thats impressive. I been a kenny fan all my life. He the best nashville hads bar none. Brad and keith are musicians keeny is a pure all round entertainer