George Strait - HDCD issue excellent - see pic

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.

Track Listing:

1. If You Can Do Anything Else
2. Don't Make Me Come Over There And Love You
3. Looking Out My Window Through The Pain
4. Go On
5. If It's Gonna Rain
6. Home Improvement
7. The Night's Just Right For Love
8. You're Stronger Than Me
9. Which Side Of The Glass
10. She Took The Wind From His Sails

This CD has been test played to ensure you get what you pay for. No surprises here.

All come with jewel case, liner booklet and the CD disc itself.

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