Kenny Chesney has a new single, “Carry On,” out now. The song, part of his next album, is Chesney’s 100th single to chart on Billboard.
“When I think about ‘American Kids,’ ‘Young,’ ‘You and Tequila,’ ‘When the Sun Goes Down,’ all the way back to ‘The Tin Man,’ it’s hearing my life in music,” Chesney tells Billboard, referring to some of his former hit singles. “To be told ‘Carry On’ is my 100th charting single, I feel like this is a life that’s not just well-lived, but has so much more great music ahead.”
The Story Behind ‘Carry On’ by Kenny Chesney
“Carry On” is Chesney’s first single in two years. The song is written by Jessi Alexander, Matt Jenkins, and Chase McGill.
“A lot has happened over the last year, but the truth is I’ve been collecting some of these songs for over a decade,” Chesney says. “I knew when we decided to do the next album, I wanted a record that leaned into being an album, not a concept, but a collection of songs that took you somewhere emotionally or mentally.
“I never stop listening, or writing, or recording,” he continues. “But a few of these songs started pulling towards each other – and this album started to take shape. When you’re competing with yourself, what you’ve already recorded, it sets a pretty high bar. I don’t think I realized how really strong this collection was until I stepped back and looked at everything we’ve got.”
Even after Chesney recorded “Carry On,” he wasn’t initially sure the song would be the first single from his next record. Still, it didn’t take long for the Country Music Hall of Fame member to realize it was the perfect way to introduce his next set of tunes.
“Sometimes you lock in, thinking a song is supposed to be one place, and you miss where it might fit better,” Chesney says of “Carry On.” “But the more I looked, the more I kept coming back to ‘Carry On,’ because even more stripped down and acoustic, you couldn’t miss what that chorus was saying. Like ‘American Kids’ or ‘Get Along,’ this is one of those songs that no matter what’s happening in your life, it lifts you up higher and tells you to get out there and really live.”
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What Kenny Chesney Says About His Next Album
Chesney’s last record, Born, also came out in 2024. Since then, the East Tennessee native released his Heart Life Music book, detailing his extraordinary life and career. But now, Chesney is ready to make music a priority again.
“Unlike Heart Life Music, there was no hard deadline,” Chesney reflects. “Now I feel like there is some real hunger for this music. The world is in such a divided place, I think music that brings people together, that reminds them of their actual feelings is what they’re looking for – and that’s always been what holds my music together.”
Chesney has yet to announce a title or release date for his next album. But he does say the record will have something for everyone.
“For anyone who’s looking to fill their days with light and joy, without pretending tough stuff doesn’t exist, this record’s gonna be for you,” he promises. “We’ve got all songs – I think – picked, and now it’s just a matter of making them sound as good as we can. It’s a lot of great guitars, different rhythms, and pretty amazing songs from some of my friends, some emerging writers, and a few of Nashville’s most iconic writers ever.”
Photo Credit: Allister Ann