His first project for Warner Music Nashville will arrive on May 1.

Writing and recording over the last 18 months, Chesney spent much of the time thinking about the world around him, the way everyone has their own journey and yet, people ultimately are so much more similar than different.

If the concept sounds heavy, listen to Here and Now, country radios most added track its first week, to hear Chesneys desire to make music that sweeps people up, even as it enriches their life.

For the man who holds the record for the most career No.

Billboard s Country Airplay Chart, finding a song that inspires people to recognize the good things around them even in times like these drives him.

When youre this far into a career, Chesney explains, I think artists need to keep pushing themselves and the music without losing sight of who they are, or forgetting the people you make music for.

No Shoes Nation is a very passionate place without borders; I get inspired every time I see and hear them.

They make a difference in their community in all kinds of ways, giving back not so people think theyre good, but because thats who they are and what they do.

When they listen to music, theyre all in and when they hear something they like, you can feel it in how they respond.

It paints pictures, captures specific people, celebrates road life, considers the truth of romance gone wrong and looks at how sweet life can be if we let it.

Again co-produced with longtime collaborator Buddy Cannon (Willie Nelson, Alison Krauss, Merle Haggard), with additional production assistance from Ross Copperman, it balances sparse tracks featuring acoustic instruments with 808s and phased vocals.

You know, its going to have a high fun factor, Chesney allows.

People work hard, and need music that makes them smile, that kicks them into a happy place.

There are also songs here that look at very specific people, that tell one persons story, but it could be any of us.

Thats the mark of a good song: let one persons specific life say so much about a lot of peoples lives.

That creative spontaneity drove last summers ChesneyRoss CoppermanEd Sheeran Tip Of My Tongue, written, recorded and released in the flow of the moment.

As Chesney maintains, We are now in a place and time where music isnt stuck with one specific way to record or release songs to the fans.

I will always love 10 or 12 songs that speak to each other, but theres also an immediacy that lets you stay in the moment, and I love that freedom, too.

For the eight-time Entertainer of the Year, music has fueled his meteoric rise to becoming what Variety defined as Country musics only true long-term stadium act.

With his Blue Chair Bay Rum Presents the Chillaxification Tour fueled by Marathon kicking off April 18 at ATT Stadium in Texas, its going to be a spring filled with new music, big shows, No Shoes Nation and a lot of incredible memories made as part of a bold new Here and Now.

New Kenny Chesney Cd Release