I wasn’t going to write this review. Wasn’t really sure I could. To say the music of Jimmy Buffett impacted my life is an understatement. I was introduced to Jimmy when I was thirteen or fourteen by a friend in junior high school, and I’ve been a Parrothead ever since.
Thirty-four plus years, Jimmy is my longest musical inspiration. I own every album, t-shirts, have visited Margaritaville venues across the globe, have partied at tailgates, been front row, fifth row, and in the lawn for many shows. His lyrics permanently grace my arms, reminders to live, to dream, and to be happy. Jimmy’s music, books, and creativity not only inspired me creatively but throughout my life as well. He was my first introduction to what songlines were and the First Nations culture of Australia. He in fact laid the foundation for my Australian dream when he spoke about songlines in one of his novels. I can confidently say, without Jimmy, I would not be living a big bold beautiful life here in Australia.
When his family announced his passing on September 1, it hurt.
While I never met Jimmy, it felt like I was losing someone who understood my lost soul from my teenage years and even now into my forties. Ville Vallo said in an interview “Music is my god, my best friend” and I always connected with that because music is my god, my religion, and I always thought of Jimmy as a dear friend who offered wisdom, laughter, and a smile when I needed it the most.
Equal Strain on All Parts is Jimmy’s 32nd studio album and the title was inspired by a saying Jimmy’s grandfather used to describe a good nap. As a nap connoisseur, I will confirm The Captain was indeed correct. A good nap does include equal strain on all parts of the body.
Of the fourteen tracks, three are cover songs, and Jimmy and the Coral Reefer Band are no strangers to covering songs. For the album they covered, “Like My Dog” performed by Billy Currington, “Columbus” originally performed by Mary Black, and Bob Dylan’s “Mozambique”.
As great as Jimmy’s covers are, it’s the original songs that he sang that always shined. Whether it was Jimmy writing on the songs or songs he chose from other writers, they had depth, emotion, and raw feelings. Sometimes pain, sometimes laughter, but no matter the song, they all had heart.
I think that’s why I connected with Jimmy’s music so many years ago and why I still do today. He put his heart into his craft. From his days in country to what he is most known for, his music has always had heart.
Equal Strain on All Parts kicks off with insanely catchy “University of Bourbon Street” and Jimmy and crew capture the wonderful essence that embodies New Orleans in the song. It is also a wonderful trip down memory lane as it shares the tale of Jimmy’s life in New Orleans. Long time fans will catch the references as he takes a traipse down memory lane with a smile on their face.
Hearing “Bubbles Up” brought tears to my eyes. Inspired by the direction given to those who find themselves in water and confused, to simply follow the bubbles to the surface, the song is perhaps the best on the album. It’s a signature inspirational Jimmy Buffett song. For me it ranks up there with “Changing Channels”, “Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On”, “La Vie Dansante” and so many more.
“Audience of One” is another signature Jimmy song. More life inspiration this time sharing wisdom that performing to one person is better than performing to no one.
Paul McCartny plays bass on the toe tapping “My Gummie Just Kicked In”. Light hearted and fun, the song easily stands amongst others like “I Will Play for Gumbo”, “Math Suks”, “A Lot to Drink About” and others.
In “Close Calls”, Jimmy goes autobiographical and recalls some of his escapades that could have forced life to flash before his eyes. It takes me back to Jimmy’s country beginning. To hear this live would have been wonderful as it’s quick, jammy, and a sheer delight.
The title track reflects on the words and wisdom of Jimmy’s grandfather. Like the song, “Bubbles Up” it is inspirational and full of heartfelt wisdom and love.
The steel drum driven “Ti Punch Cafe” featuring Angelique Kidjo is just lovely and fans like myself are sure to love its mentions of Jolly Man, Desdemona, and more. It’s another signature style of Jimmy. Before you roll your eyes, yes, the man had many styles when it came to his music. Whether it be inspirational or motivational, light hearted fun, or a story, Jimmy’s music and his songs were never one dimensional.
The story telling shines bright in “Portugal or PEI” featuring Lennie Gallant and Will Kimbrough. The steel drums serenade, the guitars sway, and the drums dance in the song. Listen closely and fans will hear references to past Jimmy songs, “Volcano” and “Come Monday”.
Both “Nobody Works on Friday” and “Fish Porn” continue to show the light hearted side of Jimmy and “Johnny’s Rhum” is a wonderful character driven song about a music star. The final track “Mozambique” featuring Emmylou Harris perfectly brings the album to a close.
Equal Strain on All Parts is bittersweet. The sweet is that it’s fourteen tracks of Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band at their best and the bitter is that this is most likely to be the last full album from them.
On his live album, Encores, there’s a moment in the intro to “Coast to Carolina” where he points out there’s a dead bug in his wine and he says to the bug, ”I hope you had a good time at the show. Well, what a way to go…”
What a way to go Jimmy. Equal Strain on All Parts is a perfect addition to your legacy. Creating from the heart and living a life to the fullest, you always brought magic to the music. Thank you for the beautiful lasting gifts.
From the bottom of my Carolina heart, thank you for your inspiration, your music, and the magic. You will be missed.
CMA Tribute to Jimmy Buffett
