Jimmy Buffett Album: “License to Chill”

Buffett's best work in years. Not a single bad cut on the album... He knows how to select good songs (Though he didn't write it, "Piece of Work" suits him perfectly) and he knows how to write good songs too. (Coastal Confessions is one of the best songs he has ever written.)

The duets are all superb. Jimmy's voice has good chemistry with all of the guest singers. However, with all of the country music superstars, his duet with Bill Withers on "Playin the Loser Again" is exceptionally poingant and soulful. Buffett displays surprisingly good vocals in counterpoint to Withers.

Sure, this album is somewhat of a departure from his typically Carribean themed music. But there are enough catchy tunes on this album to keep you humming them all day long. Buffett skillfully mixes slow, beautiful ballads with upbeat country rockers. It makes for a consistently inconsistent album that never stops delivering the goods. (I know that didn't make sense, but it's true.)

And, of course, every Buffett album must have a goofy song. And, following in the proud tradition of such tunes as "Math Suks," "Hokey Pokey," and "I Will Play for Gumbo" is "Simply Complicated," which is certainly one of his most humorous and clever songs. It also has the best ending in the history of popular music. Could you imagine the music video that would come from that? I think Bubba should do it...

All in all, "License to Chill" is simply one of the best efforts the Head Parrot has ever offered up. Laughs, smiles, great instrumentation, great lyrics, great playing, great singing, and great duets make this an essential listen for every Parrothead and every fan of country music.

I have a vast range of music in my collection; everything from classical to showtunes to country to jazz. I know that this latest Jimmy Buffett offering will occupy a perpetual spot in my CD changer.

At the very first listen I thought...hmmmm. Not to sure about this. But, then I listened to it again; okay...not too bad. Listened to it again; hey, I am getting into this stuff. Now...I have three copies. One for home, one for the car and one for my office. I guess those who know Jimmy's roots (a.k.a. true Parrot Heads) and aren't music snobs will start nodding their heads and go "yeah...this CD makes perfect sense!" And, the concert in Dallas was a once in a lifetime experience. Rednecks and Parrotheads; like George Strait said "there is a fine line" between them.

Never liked JB much, never liked "parrotheads," never liked novelty songs. But I DO like this album. It is funny, happy, melodic, well-produced, and a welcome introduction to this kind of country music for Buffett fans who possibly never heard its type. Like the Oh Brother, Where Art Thou soundtrack, CHILL isn't the last word on this type music but it is an excellent place to start from a good musician with a good voice, a talent for picking the right songs and those to accompany him. I hope he does more music like this.

I was sure Jimmy was forever in a rut of wonderful music to sooth every parrot's soul. His country collaboration shows he can have fun with any type of music. The songs are different than any he has done before but all great just the same. The Jimmy Buffet spirit we have come to expect is present and the album has prompted me to "crossover" to some of these other artists as well. I never expected Toby, Kenny and Martina to be among my favorites but I have actually picked up their CDs now too.

I preordered this album before it's release date-taking a huge gamble. But I should have known Jimmy wouldn't let me down. The blend of country and carribean is refreshing to loyal Parrotheads and introduces the country flock into the world they've been missing. Some may say this album isn't typical Buffett. Well, I would hope that an aging Jimmy with a grown daughter wouldn't be stealing peanut butter or scarfing down boat drinks anymore. This album reflects what Jimmy has become: a well-traveled, experienced musician. A mature, must-own album for dedicated fans and appreciators of timeless music. If this helps, it hasn't left my cd player for two weeks, and I'm not tired of it yet.