Honkytonk University

Amazon.com

Though it might not be fair to say that Toby Keith has mellowed, he has definitely matured. Rather than taking political potshots, he exchanges bully-boy bluster for a tone of wry bemusement on "Big Blue Note" and "She Left Me," tempering middle-aged pride with a confession that the years have taken their toll on "As Good as I Once Was." After flexing his muscles with the album-opening title track, which sets Keith's musical autobiography to the trademark lope of Waylon Jennings, he showcases the subtler side of his vocal artistry on "She Ain't Hooked on Me No More"--a duet with Merle Haggard--and "Knock Yourself Out," while turning almost tender on "Your Smile" and "Where You Gonna Go." For those who miss the old Toby, there's "Just the Guy to Do It," which proceeds from one of the cheesiest pickup lines ever ("Do blondes really have more fun/Or are they just easier to spot in the dark?") into promises to punch out an errant boyfriend. Yet even this song has more of a Caribbean lilt than the macho swagger of Keith's younger days. --Don McLeese
Recommended Toby Keith Discography

Product Description

Honkytonk University marks Keith's first full length studio album since 2003's acclaimed quadruple platinum Shock'N Y'All. The debut single 'Honkytonk U' is semi-autobiographical and harkens back to days spent working in a nightclub owned by his grandmother. The education he received there has obviously paid off, and 2004 might just have been his doctoral dissertation. Dreamworks. 2005.

Review

Keith's attitude may rub some people the wrong way, but he can take them to school with textbook-perfect country songs. -- USA Today - 3 1/2 Stars (out of 4) - 5/17

Keith's postmodern cowboy persona is part of his appeal. DOWNLOAD THIS: "As Good As I Once Was" -- People Magazine - 5/30 - 3 1/2 Stars

This time, Keith's loss is a music fan's gain. -- LA Times - 3 Stars - 5/15

About the Artist

Singer/songwriter and acclaimed country entertianer Toby Keith dominated the genre in 2004, including being awarded ACM's Entertainer of the Year (2 years in a row), Top Male Vocalist and Album of the Year as well as landing atop five of Billboard's year end rankings including Top Country Artist.
Honkytonk University marks Keiths' first full length studio album since 2003's acclaimed quadruple platinum Shock'N Y'all. The debut single "Honkytonk U" is semi-autobiographical and harkens back to days spent working in a nightlcub owned by his grandmother. The education he received there has paid off and 2004 might just have been his doctoral dissertation.
Not only was the previous years Shock'N Y'all one of the top selling country offerings of 2004, his November release Greatest Hits 2 is nearing triple platinum and remains one of the genre's top sellers., ISBN13: B0007YMVNS ISBN10: B0007YMVNS Material Type: audioCD