Chesney pours out heart

A deluxe version of the album, including bonus live tracks, video content and other extras, came out last week; the regular edition comes out today.

Chesney's concentrating here on the aftermath of heartbreak and broken dreams and what it takes to move forward after loss. There's nothing in any of the songs to stoke gossip-mongers, but plenty to nurture fans who have been worried about the object of their affection. There's also empathy for those who might be going through something similar (minus the paparazzi), but the result is more consoling than memorable.

This is a quiet, introspective collection, predominantly an effort to find comfort wherever it presents itself. Pain is evident, but not the intimate variety you'd expect from esteemed songwriters Rodney Crowell or John Hiatt. Relief from heartache is more crucial to Chesney than attempting to sort out what failings — his or someone else's — might have brought it on.

There's no country-rock bravado, just gentle acoustic guitars, reassuring piano accents and occasional steel drums to add the requisite soothing island flavor. He counts his blessings ("I'm Alive," "Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven") and leans on friends, with guest spots from Dave Matthews, Willie Nelson and the Wailers, all of whom show up to help jump-start the healing process.

— Randy Lewis, Los Angeles Times

ALSO OUT

• Atlanta producer Brendan O'Brien helps AC/DC restart its "Rock 'N Roll Train," with "Black Ice."

• "Skeletal Lamping" is how Athens' indie-popsters Of Montreal title its latest.

• "Lucky Old Sun," from country superstar Kenny Chesney, features appearances from Dave Matthews and Mac MacAnally.

• Talk about a long hiatus — LaBelle (Patti LaBelle, Nona Hendryx, Sarah Dash) is back after some 33 years, when we last heard the pioneering funk-R&B ensemble. And "Back To Now" features production from Gamble & Huff, Lenny Kravitz and Wyclef Jean.

• The Disney phenomenon continues with the soundtrack to "High School Musical 3: Senior Year."

• Country stand-out Lee Ann Womack says "Call Me Crazy" — or at least her album cover does.

• "The Sound" of contemporary gospel comes courtesy of power duo Mary Mary, with assists from fellow vocalist Kierra "Kiki" Sheard and rapper David Banner.

• "Damn Right, Rebel Proud," just about explains punkabilly Hank III.

• Thirteen years after major club hit "This Is How We Do It," R&B singer-songwriter Montell Jordan resurfaces on "Let It Rain."

• And concluding on the train note we started with, "Love Train: The Sound of Philadelphia" box set, pulls in today.

ON DVD

"The Incredible Hulk"; "The Strangers"; "Comedy Central Salutes George W. Bush"; "The Naked Brothers Band: Season 2"; "Ben 10: Alien Force — Volume 1"; "Family Guy: Volume Six"; "According To Jim: Season One"; "LA Ink: Season One, Volume 2"; "The Incredible Hulk: The Complete Fifth Season"; "My Little Pony: A Very Minty Christmas"; "Dynasty: Season Three, Volume Two."

— Sonia Murray