Introduction:
Unwinding with a Brew: The Story of Toby Keith’s “Drinks After Work”
“Drinks After Work,” released in June 2013, became the title track for Toby Keith’s seventeenth studio album. It marked a bit of a departure for the country music veteran, with some fans surprised by the song’s sound.
The track itself wasn’t written by Keith. Instead, credit goes to songwriting trio Luke Laird, Barry Dean, and Natalie Hemby. This collaboration brought a fresh perspective, with “Drinks After Work” tackling the relatable theme of the workweek grind and the appeal of after-work drinks.
The song opens with a familiar scene: staring at a screen, questioning the daily routine. The chorus explodes with the suggestion of a more enticing alternative – ditching the usual post-work routine and grabbing drinks with a colleague or friend. It’s a sentiment many working folks can identify with, that urge to unwind and connect after a long day.
Critical reception of “Drinks After Work” was mixed. Some, like Billy Dukes of Taste of Country, found the song jarring compared to Keith’s usual style. Others, like Matt Bjorke of Roughstock, praised its relevance for contemporary country radio. Regardless of critical opinion, the song resonated with fans, becoming the album’s lead single.
“Drinks After Work” wasn’t just a song; it was the title track for a whole album. Released in October 2013, the record showcased a mix of Keith-written tracks alongside collaborations. It debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, proving that even with a slightly different sound, Toby Keith could still deliver for his audience.
So next time you find yourself staring at your computer screen on a Wednesday night, yearning for a break, remember Toby Keith’s “Drinks After Work.” It might just be the anthem that convinces you to grab a friend and unwind with a well-deserved post-work beverage.