Disco de Billy Currington: “Enjoy Yourself”

Prime Cuts: Perfect Day, Pretty Good at Drinking Beer, Let Me Down Easy

With song titles like "Enjoy Yourself," "The Perfect Day," and "Pretty Good at Drinking Beer," Currington has taken a hiatus from those overtly serious and stuffy inspirational material such as his former chart toppers "People are Crazy" and "Good Directions." Rather, following in part in the footsteps of Kenny Chesney, he has decided to take it easy on this album filled with a reposeful groove over tunes that celebrate life in its simplicity. Thus, taken in such a predilection, "Enjoy Yourself" lives up to its album title. Though these 10 cuts may not offer shafts of life changing insights, it is a fun, catchy and enjoyable endeavor. In the process of lightening up, Currington has become more accessible and relatable. This is further enhanced by his wry self-deprecating humor often giving the entire set a hint of edginess. Helmed by co-producer Carson Chamberlain (who recently produced Easton Corbin's excellent debut), the sparse (and often with a hint of an island) backings befit the tenor of the disc making our listening experience breezy, relaxing and jovial.

It's no surprise why country radio has devoured vanguard single "Pretty Good at Drinking Beer" by elevating it to the penthouse position of the country chart. "Pretty" is a low key charmer that has a way of slipping into our memory with its infectious island-like groove that is made even more accessible with its honest down-to-earth message. Told in the first person narrative, here Currington admits he's not good at what most men excel (working hard, mowing the lawn, fixing cars et al.) but he's pretty good at drinking beer. More humorous moments come with Harley Allen and Scotty Emerick's "Like My Dog." Despite the deprecating concept of comparing his lady to his dog, the song is reek with refreshing humorous lines. Here's an example: "He never says I wish you made more money/He always thinks that pull my finger's funny," this has to be one of the most clever lines in a long while. On the other hand, album opener "All Day Long" may not chart new territory melodically or lyrically, yet this propulsive straight forward love song has an immediacy that will anchor Currington with another hit again.

Yet, not everything here is light hearted and frivolous. Dean Dillon (writer for over 50 of George Strait's cuts) makes an appearance here by contributing "Perfect Day." Somehow similar to another Dillon co-write "The Best Day" (a number one by George Strait), "Perfect Day" is a romantic getaway song that will swoon those who like Currington in his more tender moments. Though the ballad "Let Me Down Easy" does not divorce itself from the beach/island references, it's a serious fiddle-drenched slowie with Currington bearing his soul to his lady. "Until Now" (which is incidentally the album's longest track clocking in at 4:45 minutes) is a slice of 80s pop that is pleasant without much to shout about. Currington gets gritty with "Little Lonesome Dixie Town" a Lee Roy Parnell-esque barn burner with some extended funky guitar riffs.

"Enjoy Yourself" is an apt title for this fourth release by Currington. It's meant to be taken as an sonic escapade - where we can laugh, enjoy and take life easy. And to this end, the album works. However, if you are looking for a life changing experience, this disc is not it. Sure there are a few ballads and some more contemplative moments, but there's nothing really that insightful here.