Toby Keith - Clancy's Tavern
Album Review by: Cheryl Harvey Hill
The album kicks off with “Made in America.” This song is proving to be one of the fastest rising songs of his career and it has already claimed the number one spot on most of the major charts. Although this song was inspired by a past generation, perhaps it's not to late for the current generation to take note, so that future generations won't make the same mistakes. It's a great song, and, as someone who was born and raised in “the Bible belt,” it is a song I easily related to. Given the current trend in government, I'm sure I'm not alone. However, suffice it to say, Toby Keith didn't show up at Clancy's Tavern to preach.
The very next track on the album, written by Keith, Rivers Rutherford and Bob Dipiero, is “I Need to Hear a Country Song.” It's up-tempo melody belies the seriousness of the lyrics. It is, quite simply, the absolute epitome of a “three chord / stone cold / country song.” I loved it and no doubt all the two-steppin', boot-scooter's, will too.
The title cut, Clancy's Tavern, written by Keith and Scotty Emerick, is a melodious ode to a neighborhood bar that caused me to have traumatic flashbacks to a previous marriage. All kidding aside, Emerick is an accomplished songwriter in his own right but his collaborations with Keith have been magical and resulted in five number one songs. I won't be at all surprised if this cut earns them number six.
Keith joined forces with the legandary singer and songwriter, Eddy Raven, to write the next two tracks, “South of You“ and “Club Zydeco Moon.” Based on songwriting credentials alone, you expect them to be great songs, and they don't disappoint. I love songs that are able to pull you in even before the singing starts. Both of these songs will effortlessly do just that. I'm also a sucker for songs where Keith does that little humming vibrato thing that he does so incredibly well. Yep! Love it, love it. Speaking of which... “I Won't Let You Down,” is classic Toby at his ultimate best so I was not at all surprised to see that he wrote this song. With its visual lyrics and sensual music, it is one of those beautiful songs that is quite likely to inspire an impromtu, romantic, toe-to-toe waltz and I'm predicting it will be played at a multitude of weddings from this day forward. This is definitely one of my favorite cuts.
It appears Keith may have thought we'd need a bit of utter nonsense after such a serious ballad because the very next track, “Red Solo Cup,” is exactly that. Written by Brett and Jim Beavers with Brad and Brett Warren it has laugh-out-loud lyrics and some slick, quick, banjo pickin' music that will, involuntarily, get you movin'. WARNING, you will not be able to get this tune out of your head and you will wake up the next morning singing it. Seriously! Don't say I didn't warn you. By the way, the video for this song is downright silly but, come on, we all need to lighten up once in a while. The video is a hoot-and-a-half and has guest appearances by several other country artists, a couple of sports icons, a tv host, and more. I think my favorite may have been Joe Nichols in a bubble bath. No kidding! For the story behind the song, and to watch the video, visit Keith's official website. (link below)
Keith shifts gears once again on the next track. The mellow flow of the music, fused with clever lyrics, helped “Chill-axin” make my stand out tracks list on the very first run through. No doubt a lot of folks will no longer be “chillin'” or “relaxin'” when they now know about “chill-axin.” Not surprisingly, the song is another tune written by the dynamic duo of Keith and Emerick. I do believe these two have perfected writing a hit tune. I'm just sayin', ya know?
The last four songs are live tracks covers of Waylon Jennings' super hit, “High Time (you quit your low down ways),” “Truck Drivin' Man” (recorded by way too many artists to list here), “Shambala,” made famous by Three Dog Night, and “Memphis,” written by Chuck Berry and made famous by Johnny Rivers. These songs give a rousing ending to a great concert, oh wait, I'm not at a concert. I just got so caught in the music, it felt like a concert.
So there you have it. These are the tracks that stood out for me but the entire album is a keeper. Kudos to Keith and crew. Great job. Great album.
Official Website
White Trash With Money
Clancy's Tavern
Shock'n Y'all
Honky Tonk University
That Don't Make Me A Bad Guy
The album kicks off with “Made in America.” This song is proving to be one of the fastest rising songs of his career and it has already claimed the number one spot on most of the major charts. Although this song was inspired by a past generation, perhaps it's not to late for the current generation to take note, so that future generations won't make the same mistakes. It's a great song, and, as someone who was born and raised in “the Bible belt,” it is a song I easily related to. Given the current trend in government, I'm sure I'm not alone. However, suffice it to say, Toby Keith didn't show up at Clancy's Tavern to preach.
The very next track on the album, written by Keith, Rivers Rutherford and Bob Dipiero, is “I Need to Hear a Country Song.” It's up-tempo melody belies the seriousness of the lyrics. It is, quite simply, the absolute epitome of a “three chord / stone cold / country song.” I loved it and no doubt all the two-steppin', boot-scooter's, will too.
The title cut, Clancy's Tavern, written by Keith and Scotty Emerick, is a melodious ode to a neighborhood bar that caused me to have traumatic flashbacks to a previous marriage. All kidding aside, Emerick is an accomplished songwriter in his own right but his collaborations with Keith have been magical and resulted in five number one songs. I won't be at all surprised if this cut earns them number six.
Keith joined forces with the legandary singer and songwriter, Eddy Raven, to write the next two tracks, “South of You“ and “Club Zydeco Moon.” Based on songwriting credentials alone, you expect them to be great songs, and they don't disappoint. I love songs that are able to pull you in even before the singing starts. Both of these songs will effortlessly do just that. I'm also a sucker for songs where Keith does that little humming vibrato thing that he does so incredibly well. Yep! Love it, love it. Speaking of which... “I Won't Let You Down,” is classic Toby at his ultimate best so I was not at all surprised to see that he wrote this song. With its visual lyrics and sensual music, it is one of those beautiful songs that is quite likely to inspire an impromtu, romantic, toe-to-toe waltz and I'm predicting it will be played at a multitude of weddings from this day forward. This is definitely one of my favorite cuts.
It appears Keith may have thought we'd need a bit of utter nonsense after such a serious ballad because the very next track, “Red Solo Cup,” is exactly that. Written by Brett and Jim Beavers with Brad and Brett Warren it has laugh-out-loud lyrics and some slick, quick, banjo pickin' music that will, involuntarily, get you movin'. WARNING, you will not be able to get this tune out of your head and you will wake up the next morning singing it. Seriously! Don't say I didn't warn you. By the way, the video for this song is downright silly but, come on, we all need to lighten up once in a while. The video is a hoot-and-a-half and has guest appearances by several other country artists, a couple of sports icons, a tv host, and more. I think my favorite may have been Joe Nichols in a bubble bath. No kidding! For the story behind the song, and to watch the video, visit Keith's official website. (link below)
Keith shifts gears once again on the next track. The mellow flow of the music, fused with clever lyrics, helped “Chill-axin” make my stand out tracks list on the very first run through. No doubt a lot of folks will no longer be “chillin'” or “relaxin'” when they now know about “chill-axin.” Not surprisingly, the song is another tune written by the dynamic duo of Keith and Emerick. I do believe these two have perfected writing a hit tune. I'm just sayin', ya know?
The last four songs are live tracks covers of Waylon Jennings' super hit, “High Time (you quit your low down ways),” “Truck Drivin' Man” (recorded by way too many artists to list here), “Shambala,” made famous by Three Dog Night, and “Memphis,” written by Chuck Berry and made famous by Johnny Rivers. These songs give a rousing ending to a great concert, oh wait, I'm not at a concert. I just got so caught in the music, it felt like a concert.
So there you have it. These are the tracks that stood out for me but the entire album is a keeper. Kudos to Keith and crew. Great job. Great album.
Official Website
White Trash With Money
Clancy's Tavern
Shock'n Y'all
Honky Tonk University
That Don't Make Me A Bad Guy
