Music review: Toby Keith — ‘Drinks After Work’
The latest effort by country superstar Toby Keith plays out like his 16 previous albums.
Full of robust and honest arrangements that appeal to the common man, 鈥淒rinks After Work鈥� showcases the versatility and charm of the two-time Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year. Longtime collaborators Scotty Emerick, Bobby Pinson and Rivers Rutherford join Keith to craft a solidly steady set of songs sure to keep Keith at the top of his game.
At age 52, the charismatic Oklahoman isn鈥檛 ready to start slowing down as witnessed on the bravado-filled opener 鈥淪hut Up and Hold On.鈥�
The outspoken Keith continues his swagger as he wastes no time with lightweight pick-up lines and gets directly to the point with 鈥淪how Me What You鈥檙e Workin鈥� With.鈥� 鈥淭he Other Side of Him鈥� is a bittersweet ballad detailing the heartbreak of seeing a former love with another man.
Keith has always had a strong knack for spinning a quick-witted phrase into a charming story as heard on songs such as 鈥淟ast Living Cowboy,鈥� 鈥淟ittle Miss Tear Stain鈥� and the infectious title track. 鈥淒rinks After Work鈥� contains something for everyone as Keith delivers his best work since 2011鈥檚 鈥淐lancy鈥檚 Tavern.鈥� The deluxe version features the boisterous 鈥淐all a Marine鈥� with an engaging storytelling style reminiscent of David Allan Coe or Charlie Daniels, while 鈥淐huckie鈥檚 Gone鈥� is a sentimental tribute to Keith鈥檚 late bassist Chuck Goff.
A cover of Jimmy Buffett鈥檚 鈥淢argaritaville鈥� featuring Sammy Hagar closes the album in a laid-back mood, complete with a busted flip-flip and plenty of booze in the blender.
An official nominee for the People鈥檚 Choice Awards 鈥淔avorite Country Music Icon,鈥� Keith makes for a fine choice after delivering 20 years of memorable music with no end in sight.