Toby Keith faces the dilemma of stardom
Toby Keith had provoked his share of controversy, appearing to those outside the modern country mainstream as a jingoistic redneck. But aside from a few specific declarations of what he’d no doubt term patriotism, Keith’s turned out some terrific country music. As he emerged from the pack of neo-traditional artists that flowered in the ‘90s, he found a heavier, rowdier sound that kept a hand on his country roots even as its rocked-up production leapt from the radio. His latest album continues to be provocative, but not always in the same ways as his earlier work. This time out he’s provoking his core audience with a cynical title tune and a production sound that adds new sounds to his country core.
The opening track is far from the fist-pumping America-loving anthem suggested by its title. Its cynical celebration of American life is a sharply critical look at a media soaked society in which parents haven’t the time to connect with their children, form trumps substance, and religious values are waning. Wrapped in line-dance-ready power chords and a catchy melody, one has to wonder if listeners will get the message or notice the Celtic influence in the song’s instrumental riff. Given this leadoff, the only song not written by Keith, the rest of the album is surprisingly sensitive and non-cynical as Keith sings of broken hearts and the tough-but-worth-it life of a touring musician. The album’s emotional center point, “Cryin’ For Me (Wayman’s Song)†is a eulogy for Keith’s departed friend, Wayman Tisdale.
The Tisdale farewell is one of the album’s more subversive productions, with strings and the sax of Dave Koz producing a soft jazz flavor. Keith stretches out in other directions, including the catchy pop melody of “Every Dog Has Its Day,†the ‘70s wah-wah guitar of “Woke Up On My Own†and the gospel-soul backing vocals of “If You’re Tryin’ You Ain’t.†He croons the emotionally revealing power ballad “Tender as I Wanna Be,†but also sings some good time country music, dreaming of big life changes, fantasizing the details of a romantic rendezvous, and blowing off steam on a Saturday night. The album closes with a story of military life that’s sure to ring true with those who trudge through the daily travails of modern warfare.
With all the variety, however, this album is neither fish nor fowl; neither a brilliant amplification of all that’s gone before nor a daring reinvention. Keith reaches tentatively in new directions but remains anchored to the core artistic principles that brought him to the dance. Fans who want more of the same will enjoy the fun-loving country-rock songs but may skip the ballads, soft jazz and soul. Those looking for Keith to find another gear will hear the party tunes as water treading and feel he’s not fully committed to advancing himself as an artist. Keith’s dilemma – whether to stick to the tried and true, to try something novel, or to vacillate in between – is one that many music stars have faced. So far, Keith is sticking with option three. [©2009 hyperbolium dot com] 