For decades, Jimmy Buffett entertained fans with his music, making them dream of Margaritaville. The way he became the king of tropical rock is similar to how Eagles defined classic rock. To reach the top of a genre, it takes consistency, creating hits that define that specific style. Fans start to become accustomed to the leading names, constantly flocking to their tunes.

Certainly, there was no shortage of hits when it came to Jimmy Buffett's discography. Beginning his career in 1961, Buffett remained active up until his death in September 2023. He left behind 32 studio albums and countless other works for fans to enjoy. His career was so remarkable that in 2024 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for musical excellence. For over five decades, he continued to define his career with some of the best songs about faces and places.

10 Boat Drinks

Album: Volcano (1979)

After already releasing eight studio albums throughout the '70s, Jimmy Buffett decided to create one more before the decade came to a close. Arriving in August 1979, it was Volcano, a 10-track album that featured two well-known songs, "Fins" and the title track, "Volcano." Additionally, it included a hidden gem known as "Boat Drinks." Although this song was not intended to be the main hit, it would skyrocket in popularity.

The tune resonated with many fans who loved Buffett because, even in the cold, you could dream of paradise.

Part of what made the song so appealing was the story behind it. Buffett has recounted over the years how he was drinking at a bar owned by Boston Bruins legend Derek Sanderson during a trip to Boston. He was cold and homesick, and out of it, the song was born. Buffett made sure to acknowledge the tune on his Live at Fenway Park album, which was released in November 2005. The story resonated with many fans who loved Buffett because, even in the cold, you could dream of paradise.

9 Fruitcakes

Album: Fruitcakes (1994)

Seeking a new challenge now decades into his career, Jimmy Buffett took a break from producing new music after the release of his 1989 album, Off to See the Lizard. Instead, he focused on writing books. The first one he published, titled Tales from Margaritaville, also arrived in 1989. His second one, Where Is Joe Merchant?, would be published in 1992, becoming a New York Times Best Seller.

It wouldn't be until 1994 that Buffett released his next album, Fruitcakes. Up to this point, the five-year gap between new records was the longest he had taken, dating back to his debut studio album in 1970. However, given how the music industry changed with the rise of music videos and MTV in the '80s, Buffett was not only able to return with his voice, but also his face. The title track of the album features a video of Buffett in a signature white blazer, living it up as fans would expect him to.

8 Oldest Surfer On The Beach

Album: Songs From St. Somewhere (2013)

By the time Jimmy Buffett's 2013 album Songs from St. Somewhere was released, the musician was in the latter stages of his career. However, that didn't mean he didn't have some tropical rock hits left to give. One of the most sentimental songs from the record was "Oldest Surfer on the Beach." The song represents Buffett's lifestyle, enjoying paradise as he does, but this time he realizes it is more valuable than ever.

The song represents Buffett's lifestyle, enjoying paradise as he does, but this time he realizes it is more valuable than ever.

At the end of the chorus, Buffett sings, "Only time is now more precious to the oldest surfer on the beach." This is a reflection of the musician seeing where he is in his life, finally stopping to truly take in the surrounding climate. Ultimately, Buffett proved he could still produce hits as the album reached as high as number four on the Billboard 200. The surfer may have been older, but he was still iconic.

7 Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On

Album: Take The Weather With You (2006)

It was August 2005 when Hurricane Katrina hit the shores, causing horrific damage. To lift spirits, Jimmy Buffett released the powerful song "Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On" as part of his 2006 album, Take the Weather with You. The message of the tune was resilience and finding strength during the darkest times. It showed the true power of music, demonstrating how words can bring people together and assist in the healing process.

Along with "Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On," there was another song on the album, "Bama Shore," that Buffett recorded with those affected by Hurricane Katrina in mind. Commercially, the album ended up being very successful as it reached number four on the Billboard 200 and number one on Billboard's country charts. More importantly, Buffett's words helped others, bringing them hope in a different way.

6 One Particular Harbour

Album: One Particular Harbour (1983)

Even some of the best musicians in the world never manage to hit the double-digit 10th album milestone. However, there are those who never stopped recording, which puts them in the position to achieve this elusive mark. When 1983 rolled around, Jimmy Buffett found himself ready to release his 12th studio album, One Particular Harbour. This was an incredible feat given he had been releasing studio albums for less than 15 years.

From the milestone album, one of the most popular songs was the title track. What made the tune stand out was the fact that the lyrics were in Tahitian, which is a Polynesian language. Ultimately, the words could be easily translated, and fans connected with the unique tune. It reached number 22 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, but more importantly, it was yet another opportunity for fans to experience what it was like to be Jimmy Buffett, watching a beautiful scene unfold.

5 Cheeseburger in Paradise

Album: Son Of A Son Of A Sailor (1978)

The title of this song alone was enough to get fans interested in it. The concept behind "Cheeseburger in Paradise" was an appealing one to most, as the idea of eating a tasty meal in a comfortable setting is one many people dream of. The song is somewhat tongue-in-cheek, but that's what has helped its appeal. In it, Buffett sings about the struggles of trying to eat healthily, but at the end of the day he dreams of having a cheeseburger in paradise.

This tune became so popular that from 2002 until 2020, there were actually restaurants with the same name as the song's title.

Some of the most memorable lyrics come from the second verse as Buffett recalls his dreams, "Not zucchini, fettuccini, or bulgur wheat, but a big warm bun and a huge hunk of meat." Eventually, Buffett its that as times have changed, he gets the American creation on which he feeds. This tune became so popular that from 2002 until 2020, there were restaurants with the same name as the song's title.

4 University Of Bourbon Street

Album: Equal Strain On All Parts (2023)

Prior to his death in September 2023, Jimmy Buffett recorded his final album. However, its release occurred posthumously in November of the same year. Although Buffett had been battling illness for years, he continued to record and tour as much as he could. With one final album, he reached an incredible total of 32 studio albums, a number that only a legendary band like the Rolling Stones has achieved.

One of the most special songs on his final record was "University Of Bourbon Street." It provided Buffett another opportunity to honor a place that was so dear to him: New Orleans. This is where he credits the launch of his career, facilitating his musical development, and serving as a backdrop to his journey. Another aspect that made the tune special was the involvement of the legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band from the city.

3 Come Monday

Album: Living And Dying In 3/4 Time (1974)

Every artist seeks their first breakout tune. For some, it happens right away, and for others, it takes some time. Dating back to the early days of his career in 1974, one of Jimmy Buffett's first big hits was "Come Monday." The song was from the album Living and Dying in 3/4 Time. It became his first Top 40 single, reaching number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also placed on two more Billboard charts, adding to its success.

The song became so popular that it is Buffett's second most-played live song, with over 1,200 performances. There wasn't a show you wouldn't hear this song, as it became part of what many fans called his "Big 8," which were songs you could usually always expect. The tune was written by Buffett for his future wife while he was traveling. It is a track that carried a lot of meaning for him and for his fans.

2 It's Five O'Clock Somewhere

Album: Greatest Hits Volume II (Alan Jackson 2003 Album)

When two artists team up, it can create magic that fans never dreamed possible. Outside of writing original songs for himself to sing, Jimmy Buffett became known for his covers and occasional collaborations. Over the course of his career, he worked with artists such as Martina McBride and the Zac Brown Band. However, his biggest collaboration occurred in 2003 when he teamed up with Alan Jackson.

The two collaborated to create the classic track, "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere." After its release, it became very popular, finishing in the 17th spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and the first spot on their Hot Country Songs chart. Currently, it is 3x platinum and is regarded as one of the greatest hits for both artists. Although there were many times each performed the tune alone, nothing was as special as when they did it together.

1 Margaritaville

Album: Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes (1977)

The tune that made Jimmy Buffett a legend is "Margaritaville." The song arrived in 1977, but by 1985, it grew to be much more than just catchy lyrics. Starting in Key West, Buffett was famously able to turn it into an entire marketing strategy. It led to the creation of hotels, resorts, restaurants, and more. It was the singer's entire brand, and it gave his fans a chance to escape, even if they were just stopping in for a meal.

It was the singer's entire brand, and it gave his fans a chance to escape, even if they were just stopping in for a meal.

Throughout his career, "Margaritaville" became Saturday Night Live. With this song, Jimmy Buffett was able to connect with his fans like never before, leaving them all singing, "Wastin' away again in Margaritaville."