But "Son of a Son of a Sailor," though, is nothing but great songs from the moment that Buffett finally crystalized his Key West songwriter persona. There's the title track, "Livingston Saturday Night," "Cheeseburger in Paradise," "Coast of Marseilles," the incredible "Cowboy in the Jungle," "Manana" and "African Friend." Even the least of the songs on the album -- "Fool Button" and "The Last Line" -- are eminently listenable.

"Son of a Son of a Sailor" finds Jimmy in more of a wistful mood. When he's not talking about rough nights performing or extolling cheeseburgers, most of his songs on this album are about distant friends, lost loves and how life is more complicated than our dreams. This isn't pound your glass on the bar music, but rather the stuff that makes you want to lean back in your booth, looking out the window at the sea, and sing along wistfully.

If you only get one of Jimmy's albums from the 1970s, make it "Son of a Son of a Sailor."


This will change your outlook on life!   March 21, 2000
KEY WEST-the band (Nederland, Texas)
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

Well, the guy who reviewed this album just before me ("Rod", from Texas)hit it right on the money. This is Buffett's next best album, and a great follow-up to "Changes". I'd also have to agree that "Fool Button" is the only weak cut on the album. (Being that I'm also from Texas, I'm not surprised that we think alike!) Other than that, I'd have to say that there are some of Buffett's classics on this album. Anyone new to Buffett who thinks songs like "Pacing the Cage" are Buffett at his best, should listen to "Coast of Marseilles", "African Friend", or especially, "Cowboy in the Jungle". Buffett exudes an unmatched understanding of the human condition on this album, but with a sense of humor. I first heard "Cowboy in the Jungle" when I was a freshman in college (Many years ago!) and am thankful that I did. That one song, and its message, has probably influenced more decisions in my own life than any other lyric I've ever heard. It has also kept me from losing my sanity on more than one occasion. If you could only have two Buffett albums in your collection, I'd recommend "Changes in Latitudes", and "Son of a Son of a Sailor". In fact, if you could only have two albums in your collection period, I'd have these two! Jerry Diaz, Key West-the band


Buffett's Best   January 10, 2001
Thomas Magnum (NJ, USA)
11 out of 12 found this review helpful

After the success of "Margaritaville" took Jimmy Buffett into the mainstream, he followed that up with the best album of his career. Son Of A Son Of A Sailor combines all of Mr. Buffett's best elements: vivid songwriting; sharp humor; tropical rhythms; nothing but a good time attitude. The title track opens the album on a strong note. The song is autobiographical in nature and has an excellent vocal. "Fool Button" moves at a frenzied pace and tells of a night of going over the line while partying. "Last Line" has a funky beat reminiscent of Steely Dan's "Black Cow". "Livingston Saturday Night" takes Mr. Buffett back to his country roots and is a real country honky tonker. "Cheeseburger In Paradise" ranks right up there with "Margaritaville" in the Parrothead pantheon and is just plain fun. "Coast Of Marseilles" slows things down a bit while "Cowboy In The Jungle" may well be his most underrated song. It pretty much sums up Mr. Buffett's view on life, just roll with the punches, make the best of any situation and enjoy life because before you know it, it's gone. "Manana" is funny song that name checks everyone from Kiss to Anita Bryant and "African Friend" closes the album out on a quiet and touching note. Son Of A Son Of A Sailor was his first (and for 15 years, only) top ten album, peaking at number 10. If you even casually like Jimmy Buffett, this album should be in your collection.


Not a Buffet fan, but love this CD   May 25, 2002
C. Mcdonald (Nashville, TN)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Although Jimmy Buffett is not one of my favorite musicians in general, I rank this CD as one the the best CD's EVER by any artist. Every track is is an emotional good time. Whether the emotion is upbeat (Cheeseburger In Paradise) or solemn and wise (Cowboy in the Jungle), this collection of music is a must have for anyone.


This is where you should start your collection...   December 10, 2005
blaine (Tampa, Florida)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

"Coast of Marseilles" is the best Jimmy song ever, I mean ever. He absolutely makes this Keith Sykes tune his own. I was a big "parrothead", but off fallen off the boat in recent years. When you play this CD, you know what "it" was all about when the mania was in the infant stages.

You have probably have already added "Songs You Know by Heart" and "Changes in ..." to your collection, now you should buy this one. Many great tunes followed this disc, but no one disc, song for song, hit grand slam after grand slam.

Before the restaurants and stores, this was really what the party was all about!

Buy this, and a 12 pack, and enjoy the tunes. It is a great place to begin or expand your Jimmy collection.