Toby Keith releases his new album, like each and every year. To me it appears that he didn't put enough effort in it. He knows that this album will end up under the Christmas tree anyways, so why spend too much time making the whole thing of high quality right?
We end up with a very very average album, to me only 2 or maybe 3 songs deserve any attention. I guess that if you're a die-hard fan of Toby Keith, this album might be more enjoyable for you than it was for me though. It's no doubt that Toby Keith knows his target audience and tries to make what they love about him over and over again, but to me, there are too many artists putting up quality content that Drinks After Work just doesn't offer enough.
5.5/10
Shut Up And Hold On
The song really has next to no story to it, so as for lyrics quality, we've seen better. I feel like Keith wanted to put more emphasis on the musical aspect of the chorus and the way it sounds. As a whole, an enjoyable song, but we've heard better from him.
7/10
Drinks After Work
It's obvious right off the bat that more effort was put in the lyrics of the song that is the title of the album. The song is made to related to a lot of people, but doesn't fall in the trap of being filled with clichés as we've seen with many other artists. That being said, it's made from the get-go to be an ear-worm. The guitar in this song is very nice also.
8/10
Before We Knew They Were Good
The theme of "the good old days" is strong in country, and this song fits right in there. We don't fall on our back for either the lyrics, or the music. It's an enjoyable song, but nothing more.
7.5/10
Little Miss Tear Stain
The good old story of a man who wants to go back with his ex-girlfriend. Typical Toby Keith lyrics on this one, but I felt at a lot of points that the guitar didn't fit with the lyrics. Execution on this song is, in my mind, lacking.
5.5/10
The Other Side Of Him
This is supposed to be a profound song, a song that goes straight to the heart... but fails miserably doing so. The lyrics are plainly too repetitive, Keith is saying the same thing 30 times in the song. There is no story to it at all. The song was supposed to be all about the lyrics, but apparently too little effort were put in them.
4/10
Last Living Cowboy
Surprisingly good story in the lyrics for a song that is apparently a lot more "bluegrass" than the rest of the album. The music is also enjoyable. Not an ear-worm by any means, but still enjoyable. It contrasts well with the rest of the songs.
7/10
Show Me What You're Workin' With
Again, even though Toby Keith doesn't fall in the southern country clichés, it doesn't mean that his songs are all well-written. This one is particularly bad lyrics-wise. The music is only average.
4/10
Whole Lot More Than That
Nothing to see here. Repetitive lyrics that don't say anything, unimpressive music to go with it. Lack of effort is apparent on this one.
4/10
I'll Probably Be Out Fishin'
The song doesn't tell a particularly interesting story, but at least some effort was put into it. It's intended to a specific audience which might very well enjoy it. Coupled with a musical arrangement that match the lyrics, some might find it entertaining. It's really not my kind of song though.
6/10
Hard Way To Make An Easy Living
A song about a man in his 50s working in the farm... typical Toby Keith audience. In any case, at least the song is saying something, and it will relate to the audience who buys his albums. As for the music, it's only average, it sounds really alike to what we had for the rest of the album in most cases.
5/10
Call A Marine
Perfect song for a music video. It tells the story of Fred the marine who's always the man of the situation. Nothing to see as far as guitar or drum is concerned, but it still sounds well.
6.5/10
Chuckie's Gone
A song to cry over one's beer. Depressing song, which I don't particularly enjoy.
4.5/10
Margaritaville
Toby Keith should obviously leave this kind of song to Zac Brown Band, who do it much better. Nice thought to finish the album, but execution is only average.
6/10
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