Jimmy Buffett's 33rd album, "Far Side of the World," marks a tremendous growth with a step away from the phantom of cheeseburgers and margaritas, beaches and bikinis. While the feel-good nature of the lyrics and music still remain, there is maturity in his song writing on "Far Side" that has not always appeared on albums past.
Written after a sojourn to Africa and Southeast Asia, the purpose of this album is clearly to take the listener on a trip around the world. Rather than inviting, Buffett transports one to a land filled with adventure. He provides a vehicle through which the listener can follow him on his self-discovery.
The message of the first two tracks is "don't let tomorrow find you wishing," make your dreams reality. "Blue Guitar," the opening song, has a poppy Caribbean sound resonant of the tropics -- developed through the use of steel guitar and mandolin, while "Mademoiselle (Voulez-Vous Danser)" is a heart-felt guitar melody, the theme being "we all have so little time," so make the best of today.
"Autour du Rocher" is the story of a "patio bar with bad wiring" and the good times spent there. This is the standout song on the album. The steaming back-up vocals and the smoky, jazz-infused sound provides a unique spin on the island theme. While mostly spoken word, the passion and emotion of the singing is enhanced by the smooth vocals and the language of love: le francais. While his accent clashes with the back-up singer's, it relates a humanity and innocence in all the debauchery.
"Savannah Fare You Well," is lacking. The lyrics are bland and while metaphoric, they are short on originality. The music on this track stands on its own; as a combination of bluegrass, country and rockit suits the South perfectly.
"All the Ways I Want You," professes yearning desire and fates told by the stars. There's a fire in the vocals that entices. The twang in his imitation Southern-rock anthem has enthusiasm mimicking the message in the album's early tracks.
"Altered Boy (Beware Paraguay)" also reflects the same thread of questioning and introspection, that is the motif of the album. Buffett brings back the island sound, relocating the listener to a tropical paradise with beautiful birds and moonlight serenades.
The youthful spunk that is so characteristic of Jimmy Buffett is tackled in "What if the Hokey Pokey Is All It Really Is About?" Lyrics recalling the innocence of youth cause one to realize the over-analysis of childhood simplicity. The music is simple and complex simultaneously, incorporating big band and the theme from the childhood classic where the song derives its title. If it really is "all too simple for our brains to figure out," then Jimmy Buffett is a step ahead of the rest of us.
"Someday I Will," while verging on corny, is surprisingly touching. The simplicity reflects honesty, which is supported by the gentle guitar and piano -- transforming a simple statement into a power ballad.
The title track is the album's most profound. Buffett uses his travels all over the world to look within himself. He flies from Spain to Tunisia from Rome to Zanzibar; yet he matures from boy to man -- and moves from the unknown to supreme truth of self.
The music for "Far Side of the World" starts off with vocals supported by guitar and the shaking of a tambourine. But as the song develops, the intensity of depth of the music develops too, perfectly matching the uncomplicated lyrics.
Though he wrote only and co-wrote a total of seven of the 12 tracks on his latest CD, Jimmy Buffett provides a showcase for his fun-loving nature, talent and self-growth within them.
In the liner notes, Buffett quotes Mark Twain's "Innocents Abroad." There is no other way to describe the purpose of the album, and the experience Jimmy hopes you to have.
Twain wrote, "I flit and flit -- for I am ever on the wing -- but I avoid the herd. If you would find me, you must look in the unvisited nooks and corners where others never think of going."
So gather up your sense of adventure and buy this album. Both Buffett fans and those new to his sound are sure to appreciate his message.
