Honkytonkville (MCA, 2003)
George Strait
Reviewed by Brian Wahlert
One of the best of the 12 tracks here is the tear-stained first single, "Tell Me Something Bad About Tulsa." Strait displays some courage in taking on this song, previously recorded by Merle Haggard, and making it all his own.
A real-life cowboy, Strait knows what he's talking about when he sings the mid-tempo "Cowboys Like Us," which gently envelops the listener in the freedom of the cowboy way of life. "I Found Jesus on the Jailhouse Floor" is an upbeat gospel song, a departure for Strait that works well. "Honk If You Honky Tonk" is the only throwaway track here, but the rollicking song nicely separates the slower tunes.
The A-team studio musicians are in fine form, and Strait's voice is tender on the slow songs, playful on the ditties, and always smooth. Strait recently celebrated his 50th number 1 hit, and it looks like he has no intention of stopping there.
CDs by George Strait











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