Toby Keith - Drinks After Work

Here is what I thought of Toby Keith's new album, “Drinks After Work.” Remember – all scores are out of a possible 10 points.

“Shut Up And Hold On” - Ooh! Mr. Keith is a bossy one – I like that. Just a fun song with decent enough lyrics. The only thing I didn't like about this song is that it just doesn't go anywhere. It just kind of marinates in its own melody. Score: 7

“Drinks After Work” - I did not expect this kind of music on a Toby Keith track. It is kind of odd synthesizer sounds and it does not work. The lyrics felt pedestrian and Toby seemed bored with his vocals. Score: 3

“Before We Knew They Were Good” - Ok, I can get on board with this one. Better vocals and better vibe all the way around. But still not great. Score: 7

“Little Miss Tear Stain” - An adequate track. I like the theme of this song – it is a let's get back together track. The vocals were OK and the lyrics were above average. I can hear this on country radio. Score: 7

“The Other Side Of Him” - Now this is what I am talking about. Toby's voice is designed for the ballads. His rich, deep tone shines when he can slow things down and give songs like this a kick in the ass. Emotional realness – that was what I was waiting for and I got it on this track. Score: 9

“Last Living Cowboy” - A fun track. I liked the playful melody and the clever lyrics. But I don't think I would seek this out to listen to it again. Score: 6

“Show Me What You're Workin' With” - I am pretty sure Toby recorded this song just to have women shake their titties at him – not that there is anything wrong with that. I went back and forth on this one. I liked parts and hated other parts. Overall, it felt a bit juvenile. Score: 5

“Whole Lot More Than That” - These lyrics annoy me. Its like Toby got a rhyming dictionary and just wrapped lyrics around words that sound alike. Boring and forgettable – that is how I would describe this track. Score: 0

“I'll Probably Be Out Fishin'” - The lyrics on this track are ironic. I like ironic lyrics, but sorry Toby, Alanis Morissette did lyrics like these much better. The overall vibe of the song is enjoyable, but once again, forgettable. Score: 7

“Hard Way To Make An Easy Living” - One of the better tracks on the album. This could easily be a country radio hit for Toby. Nothing on this track blew my socks off, but it is a cut above the rest. Score: 8

“Call A Marine” - Let me say this first – being a veteran myself, I know firsthand how fabulous Marines are – they are truly inspiring. But the lyrics on this track are laughable and the whole tone made me roll my eyes up to the heavens. I do appreciate the use of the word “jerkoff” in a song, but this whole track is just a fail. Score: 0

“Chuckie's Gone” - A touching tribute to one of Toby's bandmates and friends. I love when singers get real and you cannot get more emotionally real than Toby does on this track. Score: 10

There is a cover version of Margaritaville on this album, but my music service did not allow it to be listened to, so I am not going to score the song. But I will say this – I probably would have score it low as I loathe the original song and I don't give a fuck about margaritas or anywhere called Margaritaville.

Average Track Score: 5.8. Would I recommend this album to my friends? No. There is not enough good material that would make me ever say, “That Toby Keith album is awesome.”

Escalader,

Jim