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User Reviews about Down to Earth

This is Jimmy's first album when he was still trying to make it on the folk circuit in New Orleans and Nashville at the end of the 60's. He had not found his laid back beach bum persona yet, and the material on this disc is quite different from his later stuff. Mostly folk-ish with a bit of country with 60's style hippie sentiments in the music. This album is a mixed bag, but on a few tunes Jimmy's songwriting really shines and shows the potential of where he will eventually go. "The Captain And The Kid" is a great song about his grandfather that he still does live today. "Ellis Dee" (LSD...get it) is a typical Buffett play on words, "A Mile High In Denver" is Buffett's answer to John Denver. There is also some real crap on this album bad country such as "Truckstop Salvation" and the attempted social statement in "Captain America". This album is certainly far from Jimmy's best, but for a first album it certainly shows potential. -- 1st Album Shows Promise

So maybe he wanted to be a country and western singer and maybe this CD is a bit folky, but you see the potential. Plus you get a look at Jimmy B as a young man with a full head of hair on the back cover, so if you're a speedboat babe or even a sailing girl, this alone might be reason enough for you to plunk down ten or fifteen dollars for this CD. However, if you're a Buffett fan and want to get a good look at JB's roots, so to speak, you should check out this CD. And you might want to pay particular attention to Captain America and Ellis Dee (He Ain't Free), a couple of songs that I'd like him to do again, a couple songs that really showcase the potential of this young singer (well he was young then).

Even though there are no ocean going, sailing songs on this CD, it still gets thumbs up from me. You know, Mr. Buffett could've gone in a different direction, maybe given Bob Dylan a run for his money. There writing is here. It really is. Hearing is believing, so give this one a try, you won't be disappointed. -- Early, but Very Good Jimmy B

Those familiar with his later work will notice a stark transformation in style between his first two albums - Down to Earth and High Cumberland Jubilee - and his next effort A White Sport Coat & A Pink Crustacean. This can be summed up by one word; Ocean. His first albums were recorded in Nashville, and you have to admit that it is rare for a Texan to voice the kind of social commentry that we find in Jimmy's early albums.

There is not a weak spot on this one. The Christian is the first track and a scathing hit out at Western religous hypocracy. Ellis Dee (AKA: LSD) looks at the plight of a Black man down on his luck, again social commentry. The Missionary is related to the Christian, an indightment of the values an American missionary is preeching, while at home things are less than pretty. A Mile High in Denver strait Texas Rock, about paryting in the mountains on a shoestring. The Captain and the Kid is a deft and touching piece of poetry describing Jimmys relation to his Merchant Marine Grandfather. Captain America is a hilarious crack at incompetent liberal do-gooders (bring back the real hero's)

Ain't He a Genius? Jimmys best song ever, inspiring to Young artists of all types. Probably my favorite song ever by anyone. Turnabout- Old girlfriend never die! There's Nothing Soft About Hard Times tells of life without Millions of dollars something Jimmy would barely remember and the last two tracks are solid as well.

Buy it, Love it! -- Early Poetry

Down To Earth is Jimmy Buffett's debut album. You will find none of the Caribbean sounds that would permeate his future music. He, in fact, had never even been to Key West at the time the album was recorded. What you get is an earnest country-folk affair with songs like "The Christian?", "Ellis Dee", "There's Nothing Soft About Hard Times" and "Captain America" that have a Bob Dylan influence. He shows immense potential especially in the beautiful "The Captain & The Kid". He would later re-record the song, but it shows his eye for detail in lyrics and that storytelling style that he would become famous for. -- Jimmy's Debut

Never having really fallen for Buffet's more well-known work, it's surprising to hear what his songs sound like in this nearly embryonic, pre-millionaire singer/songwriter phase of his career.

This 1970 debut, recorded in Nashville and originally released on singer Andy Williams' Barnaby label is a wonder of late 60s singer-songwriter folk. Buffett's wit is in surprisingly full flower (given the earlyness of the compositions), including the stellar opening track, "The Christian." Twelve originals in all, with lots of socially conscious (for the times) lyrics. Dated, but aging well.

This is a lot more Simon & Garfunkel territory than Margaritaville raconteur. -- Memorable, early view of singer-songwriter