Buffett happy that fans like new album

NEW YORK, Nev., July 22 (UPI) -- For Jimmy Buffett, the best part of having a No. 1 album is knowing that his fans like the music.

"It's not about whether we get on the radio or not," said Buffett, whose latest release, "License to Chill," is the first chart-topper of his 35-year recording career. "It's about, if you like what we do, that we make something you can add to your collection. That's the real point of making a record to me now."

The country-oriented "License to Chill" sold more than 234,000 copies in its first week of release to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. The album's first single -- a remake of Hank Williams' "Hey Good Lookin'" with guests George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Clint Black, Toby Keith and Alan Jackson -- is also No. 1 on the country singles chart.

"License to Chill" also boasts appearances by Martina McBride, Nanci Griffith and R&B singer Bill Withers. Buffett resumes touring on Aug. 26 in Tinley Park, Ill.