George Strait 'Somewhere Down In Texas' album

For the past two and a half decades there has been one constant in country music: the presence of George Strait hit records. From his first Number One song “Fool Hearted Memory” in early 1982 through his 51st “I Hate Everything” and right up to today’s “You’ll Be There,” the words “George Strait” and “country hit” have been synonymous.

In fact, he has scored more Number One songs than any other single artist in history and has sold over 62 million records in the meantime amassing 28 platinum or multi-platinum discs –more than any other country artist.

“You’ll Be There” is the fastest-rising song of the Texan’s long and storied career and the new album from which it comes -- Somewhere Down in Texas (MCA/Universal Music Group on June 28, 2005) – is another finely crafted masterwork from country music’s indisputable King.

In addition, Strait has won over 40 major industry awards and along with his unprecedented 51 Number One hit singles, he leads the all-time Country Music Association (CMA) award nominations with 73 and can boast 19 Number One Country Albums (followed by Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson with 15 each). In 2003, he was inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and in 2004, received the National Medal of the Arts from President George W. Bush.

For George Strait, it’s about more than just the awards and the glory though. For him, it’s all about the music and the listeners. When he talks about his life and career, what comes shining through is his honesty, his humility and genuineness. He cares most about God, his family, his fans, and his music. “I’ve been very fortunate to have had such a long career in country music,” says the characteristically low-key Strait. “I never really set out to have 51 Number Ones but I’m very proud of that fact. I’m going to continue, just as I always have, to try and make the best records I can and do the best shows I can.”

On Somewhere Down in Texas, Strait continues to demonstrate that there’s no one in country music with a better set of ears for picking a great country song. The new disc includes tracks from song crafter Dean Dillon, a Merle Haggard classic, a lovely duet with Lee Ann Womack and, of course, some Texas themed tunes round out the disc. “Texans love their state and there are a lot of singers from Texas. So how could there ever be too many Texas songs on an album by a guy from Texas?” laughs Strait. “But you know, you don’t want to do a song just because it’s got Texas in it. Sometimes that can get a little hokey. It was kind of coincidental that there were two songs about Texas on this CD. They came to me at the same time when we were looking for songs for this record and both, I felt, were too good to pass up so they’re both on here.”

George Strait kicks off Somewhere Down in Texas with signature style in the lively beer-drenched number, “If the World was a Honky Tonk.” In it, Strait sings, “Life would be a three chord song/And the king would be George Jones/If the whole world was a honky tonk.”

On the second track and the CDs namesake, some might get the idea that the Strait has been making plans to leave the road and head back to the ranch. He’s quick to clear that idea right up however, “No, absolutely not. I’m having way too much fun! It’s not like I’m retiring from the music business or anything, but it felt good for me and I really liked the song.”

Another remarkable track is "Seashores of Old Mexico," a song written by one of Strait’s idols, Merle Haggard. “The Hag has always been one of my heroes,” Strait says. “He’s such a talented individual and we’re lucky to be able to experience his talents first hand and not have to read about them like some people will years from now. I had been doing ‘Seashores’ off and on for years in my live show and decided to include it on my album.”

Strait has done very few duets and "Good News Bad News" is his first ever with a female artist. “I have wanted to do a duet with Lee Ann for a while,” says Strait, “but I never felt like I had found a good enough song. The fact that it’s a great song and she wrote it with Dean [Dillon] made the choice seem obvious.”

No one can deliver a love song better than George Strait and he notes that in the case of “Oh What a Perfect Day,” this particular love song takes a different twist. “It’s one of those songs that goes, ‘Yeah, I like it, I’m sittin’ on the porch drinking coffee and listening to the rain fall on the roof, and I was gonna play golf but it’s OK now, cause I’m sitting here with you.’”

At the other end of the emotional spectrum lies an unusual telling of a romantic breakup in the Clint Daniels/Tony Martin song “Ready for the End of the World.” Strait says of the song, “It’s a depressing song! But it’s a great country song. I love the lines, ‘I know the end is near, I’ve seen the warning signs, been preparin’ myself, layin’ in supplies. I Bought a case of Jack, a box set of Merle,’ I mean I’m getting ready for the end of the world here now.”

As for George Strait’s future, it seems there’s no end in sight. “I’ve never been one to set a lot of goals for myself, but I’ve always been really motivated to improve on what I’ve done. I look forward to the future and what it will bring. I’m sure it will be challenging and fun.”

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George Strait - Somewhere Down In Texas