Twang

George Strait has routinely been releasing amazing music for the past 3 decades, so it comes as no big surprise that this album is again loaded with pure country gems. So what more could he possibly add after all these years, and his slew of #1 hits? Well, for the first time since the debut of his long career, George co-wrote 3 songs on the CD -- and his son, Bubba Strait, also had a hand in writing 4 songs on the album. Both of them teamed up to help pen the first single, "Living For The Night", which is an amazing ballad. It's one of the strongest singles of 2009, and is quickly becoming yet another huge hit for his collection. The whole album was recorded in Key West, Florida -- and it seems to have a nice overall laid back feel to it.

The title track, "Twang", is an upbeat and catchy single, and is bound to be his next sure-fire #1 hit. It's a pure classic country song with lots of twang, done in unique George Strait style. The second track on the CD, "Where...Read more

Prime Cuts: The Breath You Take, Where Have I Been All My Life, Beautiful Day for Goodbye

Loyalty is the secret to Strait's success. Despite amassing a staggering 57 number 1 hits, Strait rarely disappoints: in fact, every CD is loaded with sing-a-long barn burners, pit and sawdust honky tonkers and his signature heart tugging ballads. Adopting such a winsome template "Twang," Strait's 26th studio album, is again bound to be voraciously devoured by his legion of fans. Strait's not only consistent in his audio output, but he is loyal to a small handful of songwriters who have first brought him to the dance. Faithfully he returns for the cream of their crop each year and here their names are again engraved in the song's credits. They include Jim Lauderdale, Dean Dillon, Steve Bogard and Rick Giles. However, lest naysayers yawn, thinking that all is predictable Strait does throw in a few curve balls this time: this CD finds Strait's adult son Bubba Strait coaxed his...Read more

After nearly three decades of recording, more number-one singles than any other artist in history, a Country Music Hall of Fame induction, and creating the template for the perfect country music career, one could almost expect George Strait to phone in his albums and take it easy. After all, he probably could record a list of Texas cattle futures and earn another Album Of The Year nomination; he's just that good. However, Strait's 41st album, Twang, finds the most recent Artist of The Decade venturing into new territory. He takes risks, and he clearly has no intention of taking his last curtain call anytime soon.

For starters, Strait takes on the role of songwriter - something that hasn't happened since his second album, Strait From The Heart, in 1982 (the song was "I Can't See Texas From Here"). He collaborates with son Bubba and longtime Strait tunesmith Dean Dillon ("The Chair," and "Marina Del Rey," among dozens more). The result? Strait contributes to three...Read more