Toby Keith - Big Dog Daddy

On his first totally controlled album for his own label, Toby Keith adds another title to his résumé: producer. Throughout, the former Oklahoma wildcatter, who's taken heat for his blustery patriotism and outspoken remarks, seems to be seeking new respect, shifting the focus off of politics and grandstanding and back to his talents as a musician. While his last album, White Trash with Money, found him flirting with R&B and adding horns for a bit more bump, his latest effort finds him nearly in a singer-songwriter mood, taking more time to craft the sound of the tracks and laying down his own harmonies. He's still relying on gimmicky wordplay and cartoon puffery for his full-tilt radio numbers ("High Maintenance Woman," "Big Dog Daddy"), but he also showcases the sensitive, ballad-heavy side of his personality that hasn't been as apparent since the '90s ("Does That Blue Moon Ever Shine on You," "We Were in Love"). He achieves this with some fine cowriting--the winsome "I Know She Hung the Moon" and "Walk It Off," and the lusty "Burnin' Moonlight." He also finds two excellent covers, Fred Eaglesmith's "White Rose" (which combines nostalgia for full-service gas stations with that of a teen's coming of age) and the thoughtful Craig Wiseman/Chris Wallin ballad "Love Me If You Can." The latter, a quiet social commentary, revisits Keith's familiar theme of holding one's ground, but with a far more compassionate approach than he's tried before. Consider it a meditation from a brash king of the hill who hasn't forgotten how to be humble. --Alanna Nash Amazon.com

Great Rock and Soul

I love this CD. My favorite number is "Big Dog Daddy" because it truly rocks. Don't want to date myself, but I'm from original rock with Gerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard etc. I always turn up the volume on this one. The instrumentals are spectacular and generous. I hate for it to end. I never tire of this album. It has great variety, nostalgia, heart, thought and humor. August 12, 2008

The Big Dog Daddy

Toby's first album on his own label is great. I am a huge fan, and have noticed some differences between this album and his past albums, but I am pleased with this one. Good listening!! December 15, 2007

Review for the CD: "Big Dog Daddy "

Big Dog Daddy - Every song on this CD is great! I love it ! and I love you Amazon! November 25, 2007

Big Dog Daddy is a playful platypus.

I think Big Dog Daddy is a platypus because no matter what you enjoy Toby put a little something together on this CD for you to relate to and enjoy and maybe make you smile. Toby touches all the bases including some signature hard hitting rowdy songs and some ballads that bounce between love and nostalgia. You might not get all of what you want but your going to get some of what you want - Toby touches all the bases and creates a cd that probably represents his fan base - diverse, concise, with a little humor, a little romance and a lot of rowdy.

Whether you disagree with Toby's politics or lifestyle isn't what a review is about it's about the music. And Toby carries Big Dog Daddy not only with the diversity of the songs but with his strong, baritone that doesn't carry the southern nasal or twang but instead has a well-rounded Southern Ease that is just plain enjoyable to listen to. I'm not of the bar scene rowdy variety and truly enjoyed the very grown up White Rose and Love Me if You Can but the kid in me laughed all the way through the High energy Big Dog Daddy. When all is said and done - Big Dog Daddy is crazy, interesting and fun - sort of like a platypus.



November 21, 2007

Toby still got it

this is a good album athough it is similar in sound to some of his other stuff. But if you like Toby, you will still like it. November 20, 2007

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