Bottom Line:
You can't help but be impressed by a musician who has had over fifty number one songs and then has enough left over to release 22 More Hits. There aren't too many people who have had a career like George Strait has and when you really think about it - he really is today's "King" of Country Music. Even as you listen to the songs from the earlier part of his career, you can tell he had what it takes to be a long-lasting force in the genre.
Upbeat Songs:
When it comes to faster songs, George Strait can really get with it! Plenty are included in this album. Even way back in 1985 with "The Fireman" (which made it to No. 5 on the Billboard chart) you can tell George was going to be a big star. Another song that made it to No. 5 was 1992's "Gone As A Girl Can Get." "Lovebug" peaked at No. 8 but it's definitely a fan favorite. You can try to run away from love, but it's bound to hit you sometime. "It all started with a little bitty kiss and a hug," George sings. I like the song "Don't Make Me Come Over There And Love You," so I was surprised it only went as high as No. 17 on the Billboard Charts. One of my favorite George Strait songs ("Adalida") is also on this album. Going back to 1981 is the popular classic "Unwound," which was the second single George ever released. It went to No. 6 on the charts. Even early in his career George was focused on playing real country music and it's nice that he's continued to be that way as his career progressed.Slow / Mid Tempo Songs:
George Strait's most recent song on this album is "How 'Bout Them Cowgirls," and currently sits at No. 6 on the charts as of this writing. "Amarillo By Morning" is great because it tells a story that's set to music. A rodeo cowboy sings about his life on the road and how he "lost a wife and a girlfriend somewhere along the way." As soon as the piano is heard in the opening of "Marina Del Rey," any George Strait fan would know what song is about to play. It's another one of those story songs I like so much. The Bruce Robison-penned "Desperately" was released in 2004 and went to No. 6. The pairing of George Strait singing a Bruce Robison was a perfect match. "She Let Herself Go" is also a recent single (from 2005) and went all the way to No. 1. No. 4 was the final chart position for "What Do You Say To That" as was the case for 1990's "Drinking Champagne," 1986's "You're Something Special To Me," and "Meanwhile" (from 1999). "Overnight Success" is the final song on the album and completes this special collection of George Strait hits that didn't necessarily make it to the No. 1 position but are No. 1 in people's hearts.Track List:
- How 'Bout Them Cowgirls
- Amarillo By Morning
- The Fireman
- Gone As A Girl Can Get
- When Did You Stop Loving Me
- Marina Del Rey
- Desperately
- The Cowboy Rides Away
- Lovebug
- Cowboys Like Us
- She Let Herself Go
- You'll Be There
- Don't Make Me Come Over There And Love You
- What Do You Say To That
- Drinking Champagne
- You're Something Special To Me
- Meanwhile
- Adalida
- If You Can Do Anything Else
- Unwound
- If You're Thinking You Want A Stranger (There's One Coming Home)
- Overnight Success
