License to Chill

by

Jimmy Buffett

Edit

As a long time phan of Jimmy Buffett, I was curious about his new country collaboration. LICENSE TO CHILL does not disappoint.

All the voices on HEY, GOOD LOOKIN' do their part to make it a rousing success, sure to get plenty of air time. BOATS TO BUILD is reflective and Alan Jackson's soulfulness rounds it out perfectly.

The title cut will probably be the next "single" release. Jimmy and Kenny have a good time and I like the tune, but I think it could have been better. Couldn't say how, it just leaves me a little flat.

COAST OF CAROLINA, Jimmy's valentine to his wife, Jane, is about as sweet a love song as you're ever going to find.

The in your face PIECE OF WORK is a great romp with county's rebellious Toby Keith. If you don't smile when you hear it, you've never met a real life "Bubba".

ANYTHING, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE is another great love song. "Tomorrow may come. It usually does. Don't know what it brings to the two of us. I just want you to know what I'm ready to do . . . anything, anytime, anywhere for you." Awwwwwwwwwwww.

Martina McBride joins the fun for a look at birthdays in TRIP ROUND THE SUN. This was the only pairing that was missing chemistry . . . or, at least to my ears.

SIMPLY COMPLICATED is Jimmy's wink at a "my wife left, my dog died, someone stole my truck, and I'm outta beer" drinking song. Hysterical.

COASTAL CONFESSIONS is one of the buried treasures in this collection. It might not get airplay, but it's a great story. "I'm a tidal pool explorer from the days of my misspent youth. I believe that down on the beach where the seagulls preach is where the Chinese buried the truth. . . I'm a reader of the night sky and a singer of inordinate tunes. That's how I float across time, living way past my prime. . . " Genius.

If you're from (1) the 50's or even the early 60's and (2) the south, SEA OF HEARTBREAK might evoke memories of your parents going out on the town. All dressed up . . . a cocktail or two consumed. And the Hi-Fi playing the latest dance tune. Cha-Cha-Cha. George Strait is so smooth . . . he and Jimmy are near perfection. This is my favorite cut.

CONKY TONKIN' is cute, upbeat and makes you want to get in the car and drive down Highway 1 to Key West.

PLAYING THE LOSER AGAIN with Bill Withers reminds me of Merle Haggard. In a good way.

I haven't figured out WINDOW ON THE WORLD yet.

Nanci Griffith's weathered voice blends with Jimmy's on SOMEONE I USED TO LOVE, with great results.

I'm not a fan of SCARLET BEGONIAS, but I understand Jimmy's mother loved the song, so maybe it's his tribute to her.

His cover of Leon Russell's BACK TO THE ISLAND isn't as good as it was in Hawaii this past January, but then NOTHING will ever top that night under the Maui moon.

There's been a lot of discussion/debate about Jimmy's crossover to country. Oh, well. He done good.

Enjoy!