Album Review: Honkytonk University

I've been sayin' for a long time, I miss the old Toby Keith - the guy who was a little bit vulnerable, and sometimes lost the girl. The kick-ass all-bravado facade was getting old...

Well, it seems like what he learned at his grandma's was every hard-luck tale of failed romance, so this album has quite a few broken heart songs. You'd never know it from the 1st two singles released from it though. Somethings never change - New Orleans was IMO one of the best songs he ever did, but never released.

As Good As I Once Was Second single. Guess he had to include one kick-ass song for those who don't know he can do anything else. Not my favorite, for sure...

Big Blue Note Heartbreak Song #1. A lot of self-depracation humor in here. A little remiscent style-wise of Getcha Some. Can't help but smile at this one.

Honkytonk U Title Song, First Single. Very autobiographical. This sure didn't convince me to buy the CD, but it's OK.

I Got It Bad Heartbreak Song #2. Slowed down ballad. OK, maybe a little too slowed down. Smooth. The dude really can sing.

Just the Guy to Do It Fun flirty song. Classic honkytonk.

Knock Yourself Out Heartbreak Song #3.
I gave you my best shot, but you didnt fall
Head over heels in love after all
I dont wanna hear no more,
Baby, theres the door
Theres nothin left to fight about
Knock yourself out.

Probably my favorite song on the album. Sounding a bit like "We Were in Love" didn't hurt.

She Ain't Hooked on Me No More - duet with Merle Haggard
I didn't like this much the first time I heard it - seemed too simplistic, but on further listening, it's grown on me. The tune really wraps around the lyrics nicely on this one, and Haggard's voice is perfect for it.
Oh, yeah, for those still counting - Heartbreak Song #4.

She Left Me Heartbreak Song #5. Great line:
I heard she ran away with my best friend, Jake,
An' I know I'm gonna miss him when it's all said and done.

Another one to get you smiling.

Where You Gonna Go? Heartbreak Song #6 (but it's the girl missing the guy on this one). Great little 3rd person story song. Love the laid back arrangement on this one. Another of my favorites.

You Ain't Leavin' (Thank God Are Ya) Heartbreak Song #7. Except that he really doesn't seem all that broken up about it.

You Caught Me at a Bad Time Heartbreak Song #8. Another slowed down ballad. Definitely lost the kick-ass attitude on this one.

Your Smile Another classic honkytonk pickup song - a lot softer than "Just the Guy to Do It". Very listenable.

Overall, I like this album quite a bit better than the last few. If you've missed the old Toby Keith, he seems to back on the job with this one...