George Strait gets away with murder--with "Murder on Music Row," even. For example, Strait long ago adapted the radio-friendly drum sound that he and Alan Jackson so rightfully dismiss on their notorious duet. And while he... more » hasn't given up entirely on fiddle and steel, those instruments take a back seat to the stereotypically "pretty" pop guitar licks of a seamlessly constructed single such as "If You Can Do Anything Else." But Strait gets away with another kind of murder, too--the kind it's easy to commit when you know your devoted audience will buy literally anything you do. He's been cranking out these 10-song, 4-hits-per CDs for so long they're utterly interchangeable, and they all sell in the gazillions. That's not to say he doesn't also do it right sometimes, as on "Home Improvement." But he'd be a lot more likeable if he deigned to break a sweat, or just try something a little different now and again. --John Morthland« less
George Strait gets away with murder--with "Murder on Music Row," even. For example, Strait long ago adapted the radio-friendly drum sound that he and Alan Jackson so rightfully dismiss on their notorious duet. And while he hasn't given up entirely on fiddle and steel, those instruments take a back seat to the stereotypically "pretty" pop guitar licks of a seamlessly constructed single such as "If You Can Do Anything Else." But Strait gets away with another kind of murder, too--the kind it's easy to commit when you know your devoted audience will buy literally anything you do. He's been cranking out these 10-song, 4-hits-per CDs for so long they're utterly interchangeable, and they all sell in the gazillions. That's not to say he doesn't also do it right sometimes, as on "Home Improvement." But he'd be a lot more likeable if he deigned to break a sweat, or just try something a little different now and again. --John Morthland
tx4x4 | College Station, TX United States | 09/20/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I whole-heartedly disagree with the editorial review of this album. I don't know if Mr. John Morthland listens to much country music, but he should realize that George Strait is one of the modern day founding fathers of country. Make no mistake about it, George Strait hasn't sold out or "committed Murder on Music Row." Every song on this album is country from start to finish. Yes, not every song is appropriate for line dancing, but most of George's best songs aren't. The steel guitar still takes center stage in the sad ballad "The Night's Just Right for Love" and the song "You're Stronger Than Me" is a real country hit that has a very similar melody to his old classic "Get Out of my Arms." Of course the radio single, "Go On" is sure to hit number one soon, and anyone who has heard it understands that it's a true country song. I'm a huge fan of George Strait, and am very pleased with the quality of this album, it's thoughtfully done, and seems to draw a sound similar to his older stuff. It's not his best album, but how is anyone ever going to top songs like "Amarillo by Morning" and "Ace in the Hole." This album falls right in line with all of his previous albums and should be considered by every serious country fan."
George Strait is perfection...
Uzma Burney | 09/19/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If anyone ever accused Strait of making his music slicker they will have to take that back now. How could anyone...in the face of such steeped-in-tradition numbers like 'If you can anything else', 'Lookin out my window through the pain' (classic Strait wordplay), and 'If its gonna rain', think this album anything but Pure Country? 'Home Improvement' has a very fun, cajun feel to it and 'You're stronger than me' is the perfect swing number. My personal favorite has to be 'She took the wind from his sails' but then I have always believed that Strait is one of the masters of heartbreak songs. 'The night's just right for love' is beautiful...and we all know 'Go On' is just right too...the entire album is perfect...a must buy for any fan of real country music. Of course I know all the George Strait fans already have the album...they know this man cannot go far wrong!"
Does it get any better then this?
Brenda Herek | Plover, WI United States | 09/20/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I just finished listening to George's new cd and I love it! The songs are real country. You must buy this cd if you enjoy George's music. It has a great combination of ballads and faster songs. Please buy this cd, you will not be dissapointed with it. I'm so glad that George is out there for us. At least his songs have meaning and don't repeat the same phrase over and over like some other songs such as "Breathe" and "This Kiss". This is the real deal of music and not that pop fluff that I can't stand. Like a fine wine, George only gets better with time!"
If it ain't broke...
John O'Neill | Alpharetta, GA | 07/24/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm kind of puzzled by some of the comments here. Some say George is taking advantage of his fans by making interchangeable recordings then in the next breath accuse him of selling out country. Huh?Rubbish!!! "George Strait" is another great release from one of the most "traditional" acts in country music. True his upbeat numbers never rock like Alan Jackson or Tim McGraw. Instead they gently swing and it's a nice alternative to most of the "cross-over" country getting so much radio play. Strait is true to his style: Alternating between country swing numbers ("Home Improvement" being one of his best in recent memory) and beautiful ballads ("If It's Gonna Rain" and "The Night's Just Right For Love" are two wonderful numbers). And the hits from this release, so far, are all excellent with "Go On" being one of his best in years. George keep making them just like this and yes they will continue to sell to your fans because they know they won't be let down.By the way... I liked the comparison to Sinatra. Like Sinatra Strait is wonderful with phrasing and it always sounds like he's put extra thought into how he sings each line. Yet at the same time his singing sound effortless and natural. Classic."
You Can Count on Him
T. Yap | Sydney, NSW, Australia | 10/13/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"George Strait knows the ins and outs of music to know the importance of good songs. Strait knows that in order to stay in the constant changing musical scene, he needs good songs. Nevertheless, this is what we find in this collection of songs (Strait's second disc released this year). The opening track "If You Can Do Anything Else" has no.1 stamped all over it. It has an infectious melody with an enforgetable hook. After hearing the song, you will find yourself humming, "Baby you can stay right here." "Don't Make Me Come Over there And Love You" is another contender for the pole position. It has a rapid cajun-style melody not dissimilar to last year's "What Do You Say to That." It is not surprising that the two tunes sound similar because both are co-written by Nashville's top tunesmith and artist Jim Lauderdale. After Rodney Crowell's recent success as a songwriter for Tim McGraw's "Please Remember Me," Strait wisely jumps on the Crowell bandwagon. Crowell wrote one of the most romantic love songs Strait has ever done. "The Night's Just Right for Love" easily rivals Strait's romantic ballads like "I Cross My Heart" and "The Man in Love With You." Lyrically, the most interesting song here is "Which Side of the Glass," which looks at break up through a window, a whisky tumbler and a window. This is one of the most cleverly penned song Strait has had ever done. However, there seems to be a formula Strait is using in picking out songs. Besides the Lauderdale cut, there are a few cuts which are strikingly similar to cuts Strait has done before. "Looking Out My Window," the 1976 Mel Street hit sounds very similar in melody and theme to another cover Strait has had done before "Today My World Slipped Away." While "Go On" is a little similar to last year's "Meanwhile" (in terms of melody) and "The Chair" (lyrics wise).Although I am a fan of Dean Dillon and have been grateful that Strait has recorded over 30 of Dillon's compositions (including "The Best Day"), the two Dillon tracks here are not the best. "She Took the Wind from His Sails" is a tad too wordy and the melody seems to drag on and on. The second Dillon cut "If It's Gonna Rain" is just cliche -- how many songs have used the "rain" metaphor for heartbreak? And this song adds nothing need to this overused theme and metaphor. Overall, this is an EXCELLENT album. The first 2 tracks will get you listening and humming in no time. It is still a solid album, the criticisms though are minor."