When I think of great singers who consistently knock it out out the park: I think of George Strait. I consider him the best, and not just referring to country music.
The 30th album from Strait came out in 2019: Honky Tonk Time Machine. It’s been out for a few years now, but it’s been one I’ve consistently come back to.
George Strait has had more number one hits than any recording artist
Honky Tonk Time Machine is George Strait following his formula that’s worked since the beginning — finding and recording songs that so clearly resonate with him. His remarkable recording career of 43 years and counting is the stuff of legends. Who has had more number one hits on all charts, not just country, but all genres? That’d be King George.
As a fun exercise, I listened to Strait’s most recent, Honky Tonk Time Machine and then Strait Country, the first album that came out in 1981. You try it. What do you notice? His vocals don’t seem to have declined in the slightest.
George Strait wrote many songs on Honky Tonk Time Machine with son Bubba Strait and hit songwriter Dean Dillon
Honky Tonk Time Machine starts with “Every Little Honky Tonk Bar,” which was the lead single. Written by George, his son Bubba and Hall of Fame songwriter Dean Dillon, in one sense, it represents a change in Strait’s material.
In the past 15 years, he’s focused on original songs, instead of exclusively outside material. Although there are some changes in the stable of co-writers, this core group of Dillon, Strait & Strait are writing some some great songs. This all started with the album “Twang.”
Another real winner from Honky Tonk Time Machine is “Some Nights,” and it occurs to me that in any contemporary pop singer’s hands it wouldn’t necessarily make you think of country. The song has a youthful quality, which brings up a good point. It’s always interested me how pretty much every age group has hardcore George Strait fans. Therein lies a lot of his magic. He’s got so many timeless songs with universal appeal. The fact of the matter is he can sing anything.
“God and Country Music” is a standout track
What I come back for when it comes to Strait are the songs that put a lump in your throat. “God and Country Music,” seems like it was tailor-made George Strait. The lyric “God and country music, they both show you the truth,” is the crux of the song. The writers: Barry Dean, Lori McKenna and Luke Laird really captured country music’s ability to tap into the connection of God and religion along with human frailties and weaknesses. And I love George bringing his grandson onto the track.
“Blue Water,” written by Strait, Strait and Dillon joyfully celebrates the restorative power of getting some time on the sea.
Then, “Código” is an ode to tequila, which frankly is something that has worked well for so many songwriters in country. In a sense, it sounds like a radio jingle from the 1940s or 1950s, but is that a bad thing? I don’t think so. I like the care-free old school feel that it has.
Honky Tonk Time Machine includes “Old Violin,” a Johnny Paycheck cover
There’s one older song on Honky Tonk Time Machine, and it’s a song I’ve loved for a long time. “Old Violin” is a Johnny Paycheck song. A tear-jerker. In fact, Bob Dylan mentioned this very track in his book The Philosophy of Modern Song. He wrote: “George Strait sang it good.” That’s the truth.
I love it when George Strait sings an old song. I’ll tell you something else, maybe to the chagrin of many songwriters trying to get a song or two to George Strait. I’d love one day to hear George do a whole record of old songs. I think that’d be great. The aforementioned songwriters would much prefer he record fresh songs, meaning their own. Strait ends this song by singing a verse from the old hymn “Precious Memories.” It’s nostalgic and different.
But, then George follows that with “Take Me Away,” another Dillon, Strait & Strait song, with a much more modern sound. It’s another dazzler with a great vibe.
Then, there’s “The Weight of the Badge,” a song that pays homage to police, firefighters and other men and women in uniform. These are people who risk their lives, and are frequently under scrutiny. The bad actions of a few get lots of press, but the heroism and selflessness of many oftentimes goes unmentioned.
The faith side of George Strait shows up again on “What Goes Up,” a song he wrote with his son and Jeff Hyde. It’s an exceptional song about the necessity of prayer. I’m so grateful that such a monumental recording artist like Strait is putting songs like this on his albums.
George Strait closes this album with a Willie Nelson duet
George Strait has had a “wonderful career,” as he sings on the last song on the album. Although he’s done duets with Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Buffett, Patty Loveless, Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, and others — how is it that he never did one with fellow Texas legend Willie Nelson?
The writers of this one, “Sing One With Willie,” seemed to write that fantasy into existence here in the real world. George, Bubba Strait, Willie Nelson along with Wilile’s friend and producer Buddy Cannon managed to write a song so clever, humorous and specific that Willie and George had no other option than to sing one together. It feels just like two guys talking.
Honky Tonk Time Machine will keep you company until the 31st Strait album
In many ways, Honky Tonk Time Machine is a testament to greatness. When you have a one-of-a-kind singer and stellar songs, you’ll have an album that people will keep going back to. Easy to say, harder to do. But, George always makes it look easy. It just comes natural, or so it seems.
As mentioned earlier, we’re all looking forward to album number 31 from George Strait — Cowboys and Dreamers. That one’s coming out September 6, 2024. Will it be good? Well. It’s a George Strait record. You tell me.
I absolutely ADORE ANYTHING STRAIT!!!