Honkytonk University
by Toby Keith
User Score
3.7

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 23
  3. Negative: 13 out of 23

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  1. Matt
    Jun 9, 2005
    5
    A slight improvement from his other recent stuff, but not much.
  2. NoahE
    May 22, 2005
    4
    I really have never been a Toby Keith fan, particularly since "Unleashed", so some may perceive me as having a biased opinion to his music, but I have streamed this and it strikes me that indeed Toby Keith has lost much of his playful, tongue-in0cheek personality and grit and is trying to become a more serious artist while struggling in this transitory process. "Honkytonk U" was just a I really have never been a Toby Keith fan, particularly since "Unleashed", so some may perceive me as having a biased opinion to his music, but I have streamed this and it strikes me that indeed Toby Keith has lost much of his playful, tongue-in0cheek personality and grit and is trying to become a more serious artist while struggling in this transitory process. "Honkytonk U" was just a lame lead single, which the fact it only peaked at #8 indicates a wear among his recently-felt chart dominance. The current single "s Good As I Once Was" is one of the stronger checkpoints of the record, though I still don't think he's at all within his "Boomtown" and beyond eras. Familiar themes resonate here, particularly on "She Aint Hooked On Me No More", "Just The Guy To Do It" and "Knock Yourself Out". Where Toby Keith comes out stronger on "Big Blue Note" and "You Caught Me At A Bad Time", his approach here just sounds stale in general and non-innovative to say the least. Many argue it was his patriotic appeal that got him to his recent chart dominance from "Courtesy of the red, White And Blue" to "Whiskey Girl" off his previous release. That sort of appeal lacks on this record. But politics aside, while this will definitely keep devoted Toby keith fans happy, it won't win him any new followers, and arguably may even subtract from his previous fanbase.… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. AllMusic
    90
    One of his very best records.
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  2. E! Online
    67
    With the macho posturing out of the way, it makes it easier to appreciate his powerful voice and million-dollar arrangements.
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  3. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    A solid old-school effort with a Ph.D. in pain. [20 May 2005, p.77]
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