While 50 Cent and Kanye West have perhaps received the most press concerning their new releases this week, there is one other notable album release that could be the dark horse ruler of the charts when all is said and done….

Kenny Chesney -Just Who I Am: Poets and Pirates

Let’s be really clear here, if you’re buying a Kenny Chesney album, you know what you’re in for- Jimmy Buffet in a cowboy hat. Earnest, heartfelt songs delivered in an unmistakable baritone. Just Who I Am doesn’t deviate one iota from the formula that’s made Chesney a country music superstar. The lead-off single, “Never Wanted Nothing More” is Kenny’s journey through life wanting first a car, then sex, marriage and then God that’s raced up the country charts. “Things Change” is a look at growing up and how life seems to happen in the time it takes you to blink. Chesney knows he’ll have to worry about all the adult elements of life, but “Just Not Today.” “Shift Work” brings in George Strait as a homage to working souls and the daily grind. “Wife and Kids” gives voice to a hope for a future family, while “Better As a Memory” laments not being the man his woman needs him to be. In “Scare Me,” Chesney relates the sweet terror of falling deep in love for someone. It’s a song everyone can relate to, and that’s always been party of Chesney’s charm.

“Wild Ride” (with the Eagles’ Joe Walsh on guitar) and “Got a Little Crazy” are the albums party tracks and are sure to become concert staples. “Got A Little Crazy” is the fuzzy head the morning after, while “Wild Ride” is the party the night before (complete with a talk box- I always love the sound of one of those).

Sure to thrill everyone who’s ever seen one of those “I Support Single Moms” t-shirts (you know, the one with the silhouette of a stripper spinning on a pole) is the song “Dancin’ For the Groceries.” Rather than celebrate what she’s doing, Chesney sympathizes with the mother doing what she has to do to provide for her child.

Just Who I Am: Poets and Pirates is everything you expect it to be, there are no surprises here. It’s a solid listen that isn’t going to change anybody’s opinion for better or worse. Kenny is what he is, country’s everyman superstar, its spiritual successor to Jimmy Buffet (though thankfully still in the phase of his career where he’s making relevant albums with songs you’ll still want to hear at the shows). Though the beach wasn’t prevalent on this album, Kenny’s still riding that wave. He turns 40 in March, and after 5 studio albums is probably due for a second greatest hits next year. Let’s hope he embraces the chance and records a cover of “A Pirate Looks at 40″ for the occasion.