A lot of the songs Jackson writes deal with classic country themes. The opening footstomper "Chattahoochie" is a fond look at growing up in the south, while the heart-rending ballad "Tonight I Climb The Walls" evokes memories of vintage George Jones. The lilting island flavor of "Tropical Depression" adds a nice change of pace.
Jackson co-wrote fewer songs than usual (only seven this time around). The other three are among the lighter tunes on the album and provide some balance. "I Don't Need The Booze (To Get A Buzz On)" is an anti-drinking song while "She Likes It Too" was written by two former Jackson collaborators who effectively capture some of his loves (motorcycles, long hair, country music) and make it instantly identifiable with the man. The closer, "Mercury Blues," added some life to the tired car genre has gone on to become a Jackson fan favorite.
The album opens with the upbeat song about growing up on the river. "Chattahoochee" is one of the more upbeat songs on the album, and has a little catchy riff and staccato style lyrics. "Mercury Blues" bookends the album with another upbeat song. Like the stereotype of Country, a lot of the songs on this album are about being left by a woman. Songs like "She's Got the Rhythm (and I Got the Blues)" and "(Who Says) You Can't Have It All" are true ballads of the broken heart. "Up To My Ears In Tears" is more of a comical and upbeat version of being dumped, filled with some good guitar work. The song that stands out the best of the album is "Tropical Depression". Again, it's a being dumped song, but everyone was on for this song.
Jackson is good, new Country. He's changed his style some since this album first came out, but it is good nonetheless.
