This is one of Jimmy's best albums. When his story telling finally met with his song writing 'Changes...' was the result. Sure 'Margaritaville' is his classic staple and defining tune, but the other songs on this CD have as much strength. If you can resist the urge to click past them you will be rewarded with a solid CD from start to finish and you'll understand the phrase 'changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes.'rstand the phrase 'changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes.'

This could very well be the best Jimmy Buffett album ever. Filled with hit songs and personal favorites, any person who has even heard of Jimmy will love this album. Great for true-grit fans or someone looking to get their first Buffett album. "Changes" will not dissappoint.

Look, ask yourself how important the tune "Margaritaville" has been to Jimmy Buffett in terms of identifying him, branding him and flat out making him a multi-millionaire? It was huge, there's nothing to compare with it, save "Cheeseburger in Paradise," but that's on another album. But, hey folks, his brand is "Margaritaville," isn't it? Hell, one of the reviews stated that his lawyers went after some poor guy in the Philippines that named his bar "Margaritaville." I guess it's all about the bucks and the ego now.

Thus, "Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes," marked the end of his classic period and was the transition album to the persona he was in the process of becoming.

Nevertheless, the music on this album is terrific. You can exclude "Margaritaville," too, and it'd still be great. The title tune is one of them, as are "Wonder Why We Ever Go Home," "Banana Republics," concert fave "Tampico Trauma," "In the Shelter," Miss You So Badly," and the great cover of the Jesse Winchester opus, "Biloxi," one of his best ever recordings.

On this album, the Coral Reefer Band comes into it's own, too. The Nashville Cats aren't featured and Don Gant has been replaced by Norbert Putnam as the producer. Although the personnel of the Reefers has changed over the years (Mr. Utley and Fingers Taylor being the contstants), Buffet eschewed the steel guitar in his sound, moving toward his contemporary sound and "Margaritaville," is the classic example of this change in musical direction.

As I said, Buffett was becoming a big star, supporting this album in bigger venues than ever and he wasn't sure where it was all going as he says in "Wonder Why We Ever Go Home," "....wondering if I can keep her, as I race to catch up with my dreams....how they shine and glitter and gleam."

Well, clearly, Buffett was getting the picture that if he played his cards right, he could live a lifestyle most people could only dream of and play his music, too. On "Changes In Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes," this all kind of comes to the surface.

On the other hand, the music on this album is just about as good as Jimmy Buffett can get. I personally like "A-1-A" about the same, maybe a little more, but this album has been around for almost 30 years and has stood the test of time. The material was great then and it's still great. It's much, much more than "Margaritaville," believe me. And like "A-1-A," there isn't a weak cut on the album.

Five stars.