Jimmy Buffett - 'Buffet Hotel'

A new album from Jimmy Buffett is always reason for parrotheads to rejoice. For the rest of us, well, maybe the title of this album seems more like a marketing opportunity than a collection of great music.

Buffett’s incredible success was built on the back of one song. The resulting image has served him well, at least financially. But that very success makes his laid-back image a hard sell. His marketing  savvy is very apparent on “Big Top,” where he states that “Just like Santa, I come around once a year/Time to break out all of your party gear.” To ensure the cash flow continues, you have Buffett revisiting some familiar territory, a beachy-keen place of flip flops, swimming pools, tattoos, surfing and, of course, a cold one. Some of us will welcome this familiar tableau. The tried and true is comfortable, like a well-worn pair of sneakers. But for those who want more, who relish the insight of some of his best work, the insights he brings here are from the shallow end of the pool.

There are some pleasures to be had. “A Lot to Drink About,” a current-events recounting, will have you smiling and nodding your head in agreement, while “Buffet Hotel” reveals that this guy can still write a compelling song.

Buffett’s an excellent craftsman . The music is certainly pleasant, especially after you toss back a couple frosty mixed drinks. More often, though, songs like “Turn Up the Heat and Chill the Rose” sound tired, not inspired. It’s concert fodder, not to mention future marketing material.

– Larry Printz, The Pilot

Tracks to download “Buffet Hotel,” “A Lot to Drink About”

Buy "Buffet Hotel" (Link goes to Amazon.com)

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