Customer Reviews: Read 24 more reviews...
 Buy it on the strength of one song March 6, 1999
Gary Duncan (garykahuna@sprynet.com) (Key West, FL)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
It was during this time that MTV ruled the airwaves and the singer/songwriter was left gasping for air. Hence, "Homemade Music". It's not often I'll give a 4 star review because of one great song, but "That's What Living Is To Me" is one of Jimmy's finest moments. Besides, anyone who covers Johnny Clegg ("Great Heart" ) is alright with me.
 Mark Twain would be honored... January 21, 2008
Cindy Lovell (Hannibal, Missouri)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
If Mark Twain were to come back as a troubadour, his new pseudonym would be Jimmy Buffett. For Buffett fans who like the standards - Margaritaville, Fins, etc., this CD might not be your first choice. But give it a listen. In fact, give it several. These songs are stories, and the more you hear them, the more they become close friends that you'll find yourself introducing to others. My favorite tune is "That's What Living is to Me" - an homage to America's greatest writer that begins with Jimmy quoting Mark Twain's dedication from "Following the Equator" - "Be good and you will be lonesome." From the rich strums of the guitar in the beginning of the tune to the lonesome refrain, to the cast of characters that wend their way through the story, you'll feel like you've just joined Jimmy (or Twain) on a journey around the equator. My second favorite is a duet with James Taylor, "L'air de la Louisiane" - again, beautiful guitar, engaging, soft melody, and sung in French. If you like "False Echoes" you'll love this. "Great Heart" will get you off the couch and onto your feet no matter how bad of a dancer you are. It's inspirational to the point of becoming a theme song, but luckily that hasn't happened yet (except in private to us discerning dancers). Oh, and "Prince of Tides" must surely make Carl Hiaasen's favorites playlist... it's an environmental anthem worth memorizing. Teachers: pick and choose from these songs to introduce lessons on world cultures, the environment, and literature. No matter what the Parrotheads and party-ers claim, Buffett's music is thinking music. It is also soul-searching music without the preaching. Mark Twain said, "All of us contain Music & Truth, but most of us can't get it out." Jimmy can and does, and I think Mark Twain would agree. This CD was the first time that Jimmy Buffett paid homage to Twain in song, but not the last. Listen to "Take Another Road" on "Off to See the Lizard" and "Remittance Man" on "Barometer Soup" for more great Twain references. He also paraphrases a few Twain quotes along the way... I always say you can never have too much Twain or too much Buffett, and this CD is a great starting place for both.
Wonderful Music May 18, 2006
Garry Daniel (Knoxville, TN United States)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I've never been a fan of albums. What I mean is I've never heard an album by anyone whose songs made up a cohesive collection.
I listen to albums all the way through and then end up re-playing just the ones that made an impact on me. With Jimmy Buffett's music that could mean six or eight of the ten or twelve songs really stuck with me and I would play those songs over and over. Some songs are mere filler, and even the artist will admit to that. Having said that, let me tell you there are five songs on HOT WATER that appeal to me. They are: "Bring back the magic", L'Air De La Louisiane", "Prince of tides", "Great Heart", and "That's what living is to me". These tunes, in my opinion, are wonderful! Couple these with the five songs from OFF TO SEE THE LIZARD and you got a great Jimmy Buffett album.
HOT WATER was the first sans moustache album for Buffett and that really means nothing. I only said it because I noticed it. Oh well, who cares? Open your mind, all you "Cheeseburger in Margaritaville" fans and give this album a good listen. You, too, may find six or eight songs you like very much. The only time I've ever listened to an album all the way through (excepting, of course, the initial listening) was when I was drunk and didn't feel like getting up to skip around the album.
Jimmy Buffett....good stuff indeed.
I enjoy this CD every time I play it... May 16, 2003
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Ok, so it's not full of the usual suspects at a JB concert. I think anyone reading the reviews can gather that! So, is it worth your money? Absolutely! At my house, we like to listen to music when we sit down to dinner. This disc gets played often. And there's no reaching for the remote to skip the stinkers...there are none! I can honestly say that I enjoy this CD from beginning to end. What more could you expect from a single CD...from any artist? Definitely recommended.
Great sample of Buffett songs April 3, 2002
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
First off, I'll just state that I love Buffett. I'm 18 and grew up listening to cassettes of his music in car rides with my dad, it seems to have agreed with me.
This cd is intersting because there are some sentimental tracks, which I believe to be a few of Jimmy's best: "Great Heart," and the quoteworthy lyrics of "That's What Livin' is to me."
"Smart Woman" is an example of a characteristic Buffett song: lighthearted and fun.
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