Refreshingly, this was one of those CDs I was able to just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.
One of the nicer things about a CD like this is with this level of talent even if Country isn't your favorite genre you still can't help but appreciate the greatness of the artist.
Overall Honkytonk University is excellent from beginning to end. One of those CDs that after a few listens the songs are just etched into your memory. A must have for the Country fan. Really spectacular from beginning to end.
Listen to this CD and I believe you'll find there's not much to dis-like about it. The songs are inspired, the production is simply outstanding, and Toby Keith is clearly in top form. So much so that if you're even mildly into Country music you'll enjoy this album.
While the entire CD is outstanding the truly standout tunes are track 2 - As Good As I Once Was, track 3 - She Ain't Hooked On Me No More, and track 12 - You Caught Me At A Bad Time.
My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 11 - Where You Gonna Go. What a nice track!
Honkytonk University Release Notes:
Toby Keith originally released Honkytonk University on May 17, 2005 on the Dreamworks Nashville label.
CD Track List Follows:
1. Honkytonk U 2. As Good As I Once Was 3. She Ain't Hooked On Me No More - (with Merle Haggard) 4. Big Blue Note 5. Just The Guy To Do It 6. She Left Me 7. Knock Yourself Out 8. You Ain't Leavin' (Thank God Are Ya) 9. I Got It Bad 10. Your Smile 11. Where You Gonna Go 12. You Caught Me At A Bad Time
Personnel include: Toby Keith (vocals); Merle Haggard (vocals); Mark Casstevens, Scotty Emerick, B. James Lowry, Biff Watson (acoustic guitar); Jerry McPherson, Johnny Hiland, Brent Mason, Brent Rowan (electric guitar); Paul Franklin (steel guitar); Steve Nathan (piano, Hammond b-3 organ, keyboards); David Hungate, Glenn Worf (bass instrument); Eddie Bayers, Shannon Forest (drums); Wes Hightower (background vocals). Recording information: Shrimp Boat Sound Studio, Key West, Florida; Upstairs Productions, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Loud Recording, Nashville, TN.
