(I was not given proper credit for this review so I'll resubmit here.) =)

This album is by far the best to date by George Strait. There is not a song on this album that isn't flat out terrific. Strait's "Ace in the Hole Band" is featured on a few tunes: a cover of Hank Williams "Lovesick Blues" and my all-time favorite Strait tune, the un-released "Milk Cow Blues." The musical talents of his band are evident on the latter, and listening to the steel guitar (not to mention a sort of duel between the lead guitar and the piano) will give you chills.

Other great songs: "Home in San Antone," "Chill of an Early Fall," and "If I Know Me" (the latter two will definitely bring a tear to the eye of anyone with the least bit of sentimentality).

A marvelous album. A beautiful blend of swing and traditional influences are a treat to the ear. For Strait fans, this compilation is merely confirmation of what we already know--this man is awesome. If you are not yet a Strait fan, this one will definitely convert you! Ten out of ten!

This CD gives a good balance of everything George is about.."Milk Cow Blues" is one of the standouts on this one that you won't hear on the radio. Another song that really stands up is "Is It Already Time"..If you want a real good cry or riding home after a long night out at the honky-tonk, plug this in the player!

I have to disagree with other reviewers when I say that Lovesick Blues and Milk Cow Blues are the two best songs on this album. Hank Williams is and will always be the king of country music in my heart, and not many remakes of his songs do him justice, but George did. He sang it with heart, and I never dreamed he could yodel so well. Reviewers who prefer their country music watered down would not likely appreciate the Hank cover. Milk Cow Blues is just a hoot. I can just imagine George smiling the entire time this song is being sung, and who couldn't smile with such goofy lyrics? The ballads on this album are equally great. The title track and If I Know Me are perfect "George" ballads, but my favorite ballad didn't even make it as a single. Is It Already Time? is a heartbreaking song about losing a life partner to death. All in all, this is probably my favorite George album overall, outside of all the greatest hits albums.

Where to start. First of all this is an older George Strait CD, going back to the early 90's. I first saw George in concert in Cheyenne, Wyoming and it was the "Chill of an Early Fall" tour.It was a memorable experience. Goerge has always kept his music traditional, occasionally adding some humor or sarcastic twist to his songs. All the tracks on this CD are excellent, Two of them however stand out. "Chill of an Early Fall" is a great example of how George likes to use plays on words in his ballads. It is beautiful and haunting. Another track, "If I Know Me" is also a great story of love and the arguments that occur. It is a stand alone song. If you are a George Strait fan, this should be in your collection.

This cd is worth it for one song. Few cds are that way, but this one is. That song is "Is It Already Time" Which is a great blend of lyrics and melody. I love that song and this cd.