Jimmy Buffett--Margaritaville (1977)

     Obsession about one's choice in music is a totally objective endeavor. I've never understood those who followed the Grateful Dead around, or Phish, or Jimmy Buffett. Although I suppose many would find my appreciation of power pop amusing as well. But one especially has to give Buffett credit. He started singing about a lifestyle, found millions of others who tap into that, and has made a very comfortable living doing so. He will have the occasional hit, but makes the bulk of his money on tour and working his other business ventures, such as the Margaritavile Cafe, and Cheeseburger in Paradise eatery. 
     At one time, back in the 70's he was a thoughtful and witty songwriter (he graduated with a degree in Journalism)  One of his songs ("Come Monday") is still one of my favorite songs of the decade. Then there is "Margaritaville". A song that embodies the "woe is me" esthetic of country with pop, clever wordplay and that feeling of the tropics that permeate enough that you can almost feel the sand between your toes. It reached #8 in the spring of 1977. He continued charting songs until 1981 and will still make the occasional chart appearance on the country charts. His has reached the top spot there with Alan Jackson in 2003 and just last year with the Zac Brown Band and "Knee Deep".