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Kenny Chesney's Hits Tour
Rosemont Theatre- Rosemont, IL
March 11, 2001
By Andy Argyrakis

Kenny Chesney is probably one of the most humble performers in the history of country music. He knows he wouldn't be where he is today (millions of albums sold and seven years of touring under his belt) without the support from his fans. That's why he gave them just what they wanted in a solid hour's worth of material in Chicago. Although the set could have went at least another half hour in length, several songs off his recently released Greatest Hits disc were packed into the evening.

Chesney performed a rollicking version of "She's Got It All" early on in the night for an instant standing ovation. The crowd stayed on their feet for a dramatic, seven-piece band interpretation of last year's power ballad "What I Need to Do." The gentle album version was spiced up a bit in the live setting to sport a tight and direct sound, extinguishing any fears that Chesney's gotten sappy over the years. 

During the set, he pointed out that his songs are about common issues that apply to the average person. Thankfully, Chesney didn't blabber on about relating to people, but let his lyrics do the talking. A fitting song after that moment of dialogue would have been his epic duet with Randy Travis called "Baptism." The track is featured on the latter half of the Greatest Hits project and it also appears on Travis' Inspirational Journey. The spiritual overtones about becoming a new person through faith are evident and
easy to relate to, but instead Chesney launched into his early hit "The Tin Man." Staying on a slow note, he belted out "For the First Time" and "You Had Me From Hello."

However, balance between the brisk and quiet tracks was essential in keeping the show enjoyable. Chesney's take on the chart topping summer classic "How Forever Feels" was truly a show stopper. The line "now I know how Jimmy Buffet feels" was highlighted by a humorous one course sampling of "Margaritaville."  The evening would have been perfect despite the encore of "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy." Not only is the title ridiculous, the song is one of the worst in Chesney's songbook. If it weren't for the wacky, attention getting title, it would not have been a hit. A fitting show closer would have been the title cut from his last studio album "Everywhere We Go," which was unfortunately left off the set list. There's no doubt Chesney will go even further in his near decade long success story. As long as he stays humble, he'll make a great role model for younger fans, as well as an integrity filled mega star.
 

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