Kenny Chesney said he deliberately chose “Shot Glass” to close his forthcoming album, Silver Sands Marina, as a tribute to the late songwriter Brett James. The song’s reflective final line gave Chesney a way to frame the album’s emotions and remember his friendship with James, making its placement especially meaningful.

“Shot Glass” was co-written by James and Tony Lane and became available to Chesney through James’s publisher; Chesney said he had not heard it previously. James died in a plane crash in September 2025, while Silver Sands Marina, Chesney’s 21st album, is due for release on 25 September and contains 11 tracks, including collaborations with Lily Meola, Megan Moroney and Colbie Caillat.