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Week 25:
Toby Keith
Artist Introduction
After starting to listen to Country music in the mid to late 90s (Clint Black, Alan Jackson, a few others) I got curious about some of the newer artists and developed an affinity for (among others) Toby Keith. While familiar with some of his popular tunes from his first 4 or 5 albums, it was the release of the album Unleashed in 2002 that solidified our relationship. I used to wear that CD out, loving almost every track. Of course, as a flag-pin wearing proud American, his post 9/11 song Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue was one of my favorites. It’s not political folks, it’s a love of Country and the volunteers who join our military services to go and fight where ordered to go.
His first single in 1993, Should’ve Been a Cowboy, remains his biggest commercial hit (he had 20 #1s), but after learning every note of Unleashed I heard a slightly different side of Toby than most. I kinda liked that! The song Losing My Touch will hopefully give you an idea of that.
His song As Good As I Once Was is a bit of an anthem for some of us older types (Lol)! And although I didn’t use I Wanna Talk About Me, it’s worth a listen- another fun tune of his. And no- I didn’t use Red Solo Cup!
Over 2 years ago, stomach cancer took his life at the ridiculously young age of 62. None of us are guarenteed a tomorrow, and some of us have realized that for many years and live life every day with that in mind. I’m sure Toby Keith did just that. Enjoy his music.
Uncle Vin Cascella
Most Popular
Should’ve Been A Cowboy
Really simple song with a simple structure and lyrics. From 1993, it almost doesn’t sound like him vocally. For a former busker to have a #1 hit on his first release is kinda crazy- except in Nashville, where there are an incalculable number of talented people playing all over the city- from 9am to 4am!
As Good As I Once Was
One of my favs from Keith. Simple, fun lyrics with lots of musical ear candy and, for my money, some of his best singing. Strong vocals with what I’m sure was a smile on his face! Fun fact- although I haven’t done so yet, this track WILL be my next Karaoke tune!
Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue
I love this song LOVE!
Personal Favorites
How Do You Like Me Now?!
Really good song. I love the intro- a bit tropical sounding. And some fun music going on. Toby sounds really strong on this one. Apparently a young Toby is settling a score with a lady he wanted to date, which is a common songwriter theme, but then he kinda twists the knife, calling out how it didn’t work out too well for her. Fabrication or true story? Who cares?
Beer For My Horses ft. Willie Nelson
Another fun song, this one from my fav Toby album, Unleashed. Featuring Willie Nelson, they spin a story about “crime and corruption” and how they need to grab their guns and capture (or worse!) the bad guys. So basically a superhero tune where at the end of the day they head to the bar! Not a bad idea. Fun fact: (editor’s note- I’m 98% sure this actually happened because I’m 98% sure I saw it): Toby was on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and was asked about working with Willie and “was it true” about Willie’s rule about smoking weed together. Toby kind of hedged a little then said something like “well, the record got made, right”!
I Wanna Talk About Me
A really cool idea for a song, and then he produces a ton of fun lyrics delivered quick and clean with a number of vocal nuances. Very well done!
Unique Songs
Losing My Touch
Toby Keith is the Country Boy who produced a bunch of fun songs, party songs, some “I love America” songs- all wonderfully produced and performed. Many of ‘em are “sing out loud in a bar” type songs. Not this one. This one is a beautifully introspective song about how he’s good at so many things yet he feels like/he knows that it’s his fault that he’s losing the woman he loves. The production and music performances are top notch. His voice was never better- super strong and emotional. And the lyrics- very nice. He has a co-writer and I don’t know much about his process, but that chorus is really good!
I Love This Bar
Tremendous Country Song! He paints a cool picture of all the folks that you might see. He likes his truck, his GF and a few other things but he LOVES the bar! The reprise lyrics while not printed are easy to decipher. Another hit tune by Mr Keith. BTW: Keith is his middle name- his real last name is Covel.
Who's Your Daddy?
Toby being a bad boy- trying to entice a lady to come party with him bc he’s got money! Again- fun song, let’s all sing in a bar…. Great voice, busy band. The music reprise is cool too!
Conclusions
First off, Toby Keith never took himself very seriously, which for a Country Music superstar is mostly par for the course. He has/had a great voice, and his production peeps are fantastic. Other than the 4 songs off Unleashed, the other 5 songs are all off different albums, which is a testament to his talent and longevity. And I easily could have skipped Who’s Your Daddy for a song from another album! Listening to him over a 3 day window was fun- it reminded me how much fun he was and how great his music is. 8.8
Cascella Family Reviews
Vin Cascella
This is going to be fun. Throughout my early 20s my friends would go see Toby Keith almost every summer. We would call it Toby Day. We’d tailgate in the parking lot with Toby strength jell-O shots and drinking games all afternoon. I don’t think we ever made it in the venue in time for the opener and I think we missed some of Toby’s headlining set several times. It really wasn’t about the music, but hell was it a fun time. I think I can piece together a single set in my memories from all the times I’ve seen him live. I have a pretty good idea of where I’m going to land on my rating but I’m interested if my opinion will change at all during this deep dive.
Should’ve Been A Cowboy: First note. The album cover is amazing. Not much else to say about this song actually. It’s fine. Its fun. His voice is similar to that of a lot of the grunge artists of the time. The chorus with the background singers reminds me of something Jimmy Buffet would put out.
As Good As I Once Was: I love this song and I’ve been misquoting “I ain’t as good as I once was, but I’m as good as I’ll ever be” for years now. Fun song with fun lyrics and there’s actually a lot more to this song that I ever noticed. All of his music is obviously very Toby forward but this song actually has some halfway decent instrumentals.
Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue: Outside of the big songs at sporting events this is pretty much the most patriotic song to exist. Toby, an adamant supporter of the troops would constantly show his support through his music and through his charity. He was also well known for traveling to perform for the troops. Good for him. Lyrically a ridiculous song, it’s pretty much a song that the creators of South Park would come up with. But damn is it catchy.
How Do You Like Me Now?!: Was Sk8r Boi by Avril Lavigne based on this song? Hilariously petty and its a catchy song again. I know all these songs but like a very drunk version of them. It’s really funny listening to all of the studio versions. Again its nothing special lyrically but its fun and catchy.
Beer For My Horses: Another Willie Nelson tune. Are we going to eventually get a full 9 songs of Willie Nelson features? I don’t have the time to look this up this week but someone to remind me to watch the music video if there is one. I’m just picturing Toby and Willie dressed as shittiest vigilante super heros. I wouldn’t be shocked to see a mash up video along with Dr. Dre and Eminem dressed as Batman and Robin along with these two.
I Wanna Talk About Me: These last three songs are pretty much what I think of when remembering Toby Keith. Just incredibly un-serious but fun and catchy. There’s nothing really amazing about these songs but you can’t not smile at all the silly lyrics and funny little inflections he does in his voice.
Losing My Touch: The only introspective song on this list. It is for sure unique for the selection. It’s good to know that he can do music like this but after going through the other songs I think I just prefer to silly version of him. It’s not that its a bad song, it kind of just falls in line with a bunch of other songs I’ve already heard before.
I Love This Bar: I’ve spent so much money playing this song at random bars across ‘Murica that I could’ve bought the damn album. Was just at the bar with friends this week and we were talking about playing this song but the playlist was already crushing. Is this the highest compliment you can pay to a bar when selecting a song? Once again nothing crazy but its a vibe of a song. Just an ideal drinking song.
Who’s Your Daddy: A great way to wrap it up. His lyrics and songs really do fit his life pretty spot on. We’re not here for a long time, but we’re here for a good time. He’s like a less island version of Jimmy Buffet and I have to respect that.
In my opinion this is the best-worst music and a great follow up to the virtuoso music of Gary Clark Jr. We’ve had so much serious music throughout this club and this is the farthest thing possible from serious. Is it great music? No. Did I smile through the selection? Hell yes. Honestly I was sitting at a mid-6 before my deep dive but how could I give Toby a score that low if I smiled through the entire listen. So that being said my subjective objective score is:
7.0
Joe Cascella
Dad Cascella
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