"Survive" by Jimmy Buffett

Song#:  0078
Date:  03/08/1980
Debut:  91
Peak:  77
Weeks:  5
Genre:  Soft Rock, Country



Pop Bits:  Like the Grateful Dead or (later) Phish, Buffett's reputation and popularity mainly centered around his constant tours and shows rather than putting hits on the chart. Like the two mentioned groups, he developed a large, loyal following that garnered a nickname - Parrotheads. He has had a themed tour every year since 1976 and gets out an album every 2-3 years. His lone Top 10 hit from 1977, "Magaritaville," became his signature tune. "Survive" was the third chart single from his album "Volcano." Although the other two singles from the album were minor chart hits ("Fins" at #35 and "Volcano" at #66), they became part of the "Top 8," a list of popular songs that were played at each Buffett concert.

ReduxReview:  I can get into a drunken "Magaritaville" sing-a-long with folks or quietly enjoy "Come Monday," but that is about all the Buffett I need. His style of "gulf and western" is something not found in my record collection. You won't see me wearing a parrothead hat anytime soon. And this song is not likely to change that, even though it is a stringy ballad rather than his regular semi-party (sometimes bordering on novelty) tunes. Hmm...is this why I don't like Key West?

ReduxRating:  3/10

Trivia:  Double Shot!  1) Buffett's first two albums were released on the Barnaby label - a label founded by singer Andy Williams.  2) Most of his albums reached the top half of the albums chart with ten hitting the Top 10. But he didn't get a #1 album until he released "License to Chill" in 2004.

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