I whole-heartedly disagree with the editorial review of this album. I don't know if Mr. John Morthland listens to much country music, but he should realize that George Strait is one of the modern day founding fathers of country. Make no mistake about it, George Strait hasn't sold out or "committed Murder on Music Row." Every song on this album is country from start to finish. Yes, not every song is appropriate for line dancing, but most of George's best songs aren't. The steel guitar still takes center stage in the sad ballad "The Night's Just Right for Love" and the song "You're Stronger Than Me" is a real country hit that has a very similar melody to his old classic "Get Out of my Arms." Of course the radio single, "Go On" is sure to hit number one soon, and anyone who has heard it understands that it's a true country song. I'm a huge fan of George Strait, and am very pleased with the quality of this album, it's thoughtfully done, and seems to draw a sound similar to his older stuff. It's not his best album, but how is anyone ever going to top songs like "Amarillo by Morning" and "Ace in the Hole." This album falls right in line with all of his previous albums and should be considered by every serious country fan.

I just finished listening to George's new cd and I love it! The songs are real country. You must buy this cd if you enjoy George's music. It has a great combination of ballads and faster songs.

Please buy this cd, you will not be dissapointed with it. I'm so glad that George is out there for us. At least his songs have meaning and don't repeat the same phrase over and over like some other songs such as "Breathe" and "This Kiss". This is the real deal of music and not that pop fluff that I can't stand.

Like a fine wine, George only gets better with time!

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, the criticisms though are minor.

I whole-heartedly disagree with the editorial review of this album. I don't know if Mr. John Morthland listens to much country music, but he should realize that George Strait is one of the modern day founding fathers of country. Make no mistake about it, George Strait hasn't sold out or "committed Murder on Music Row." Every song on this album is country from start to finish. Yes, not every song is appropriate for line dancing, but most of George's best songs aren't. The steel guitar still takes center stage in the sad ballad "The Night's Just Right for Love" and the song "You're Stronger Than Me" is a real country hit that has a very similar melody to his old classic "Get Out of my Arms." Of course the radio single, "Go On" is sure to hit number one soon, and anyone who has heard it understands that it's a true country song. I'm a huge fan of George Strait, and am very pleased with the quality of this album, it's thoughtfully done, and seems to draw a sound similar to his older stuff. It's not his best album, but how is anyone ever going to top songs like "Amarillo by Morning" and "Ace in the Hole." This album falls right in line with all of his previous albums and should be considered by every serious country fan.

Is this Strait's best? No. But compared with most of the dreck out there in contemporary country, this is some outstanding stuff. Yes, Strait has gotten slicker over the years. Yes, there is a familiarity to much of the material. So what? These songs are good and solidly country with the exception of the AC leaning "She Took the Wind from his Sails." Did Morthland actually listen to this CD? Fiddles and Steel abound. "Home Improvement" and "You're Stronger than Me" are classic tunes with the nuanced vocals that only Strait could provide. These two songs alone are worth the price of this CD.