Toby Keith, once again, shows off his wit and his wonderful songwriting ability to say nothing of his incredible vocal talent. The compilation of songs seems to fit Toby's rowdy, fun loving side and the addition of the bus songs is strictly for the fans. This is a great CD to add to your Toby collection or a wonderful start on the journey to Toby Keith appreciation.
If you're a Toby Keith fan, you'll like this record. No, it's not classic country. He says it best himself in the enhanced CD, "This is the CD that mainstream artists wouldn't put out." He doesn't care what people think about him, his political views, his crude language, ect. To me, that makes him even better. I'd recommend going out and buying the CD if you enjoy a good time.
"Shock 'N Y'all" is Toby Keith's 10th album release. When u use the enhanced options from your PC's, TK has alittle introduction of the new record. You can also see photo shoots from The "I Love this Bar" video & his Ford Truck commercial ... deffinatly someone who knows how 2 use modern media.
But what about the music ???
TK states "This is the groviest record I ever made" ... totally true ... the album flows from start 2 finshing flawlessly. Each song in order is a perfect list.
Let's start from the beginning.
The CD opens up with TK's new #1 song "I Love this Bar". As Keith himself says in concert "There aint enough drinking songs. So I'm gonna change that". Which he does. If ya havent heard this song yet ... WHERE HAVE U BEEN ... this is sure 2b a true Anthem in bars & salloons all over the place.
The best part of the album version of ILTB is the 5th verse, which radio refuses 2 play.
That just sets up 4 the next song "Whiskey Girl". Hey guys ... I think we've all had that Whiskey Girl once or twice. Another mid tempo, laid back, pour me a drink & let's have some fun song.
Next up is "American Soilder" ... not the ole Angery American song, but a true tribute 2 our Men & Women in the Armed Forces. The song is thru the eyes of an American Soilder, what he does day 2 day ... & what it means 2 him/her 2 serve this Country ... A MASTER PIECE !!!
Should be the next single, in fact radio has already been playing this song.
"If I was Jesus" is a song that TK didnt write, but in his own words "I listened 2 this song about 40 times, I just had to record it". In a bit of a sinicle way it crosses the line of religion and polictics, but in the end all is forgiven.
Back 2 the fun, so get in your Big Ole Truck, cuz it's "Time For me to Ride". Just a simple little dittie that will make ya tap your toes & smile. Call it one of the "Crusin' songs. Feels real good 2 pop it in your car, crank up the 50,000 watts of Power & just drive.
As all musicians ... we think with our crotches ... which brings us 2 the fun loving "Sweet". A fun loving, boy sees girl & wants 2 bang her song. "Whoever gets a taste of that cup of Sugar/ Sure is a lucky man/ She's SWEEEEEEET". Gotta love a song like that !!!
"Don't Leave, I think I Love You", is a slow one. Another one of TK's ballads that shows the soft side of himself. This one is deffinatly 4 the ladies.
"Nites I Can't Remember, Friends I'll Never Forget" ... I think the title says it all !!! Toby paints a good picture of some friends growing up, drinking & having a good time ... then leads 2 the resonsibilities of adult hood. One of my favorites on the record.
If clothes make the man, then it's his "Baddest Boots". A fun loving, honky tonk, bad ass type of song. That's all about how he has "The Baddest Boots".
My favorite song on the record is "The Critic". In Toby's tounge in cheek, comical kinda way, basically tells everyone that has written bad press about him 2 KISS HIS ASS. Musically very different from what TK has done b4. Simple "lounge act" type of grove, that again shows off TK's sense of humour.
Now in my mind, the album could of ended there, but as he states on the liner notes, he included live versions of 2 of the "Bus Songs" ... that being "The Taliban" & "Weed with Willie".
Where its cool of TK's intentions 2 include these tracks on the new record ... I dont like it that he did ... I'll tell u why.
1st, these songs where made as songs that he once said he'll never release ... now they are.
2nd, it was used in his live shows, & has been a staple part of the shows ... which makes them alittle more special 4 those that see TK Live. Also if u heard the original recordings of these songs, like I have ... it has a different feel than the live recordings ... & also changes some of the words live.
3rd, He didnt include my favorite "Bus Song" ... the infamous, contoversial, misunderstood (even with the name of the song) ... the cleverly written "Star Kist".
Despite that ... over all it gets a grade of "A" from me.TK takes this in a different direction, that is unlike any of his previous albums.
A deffinate recomandation 4 your CD collection on my part.
In my opinion, this is Toby Keith's best cd yet! His great songwriting and singing ability is just outstanding and it shows it all on this wonderful cd. A must buy for any country music fan!
I love every single song on this album! It is definitely worth purchasing. In fact, I loved it so much I bought 3 for myself: one for my car, one for work, and one for my home. Plus, I am buying a copy for everyone I know for Christmas. Toby Keith has outdone himself! TERRIFIC!!!
