George Strait has routinely been releasing amazing music for the past 3 decades, so it comes as no big surprise that this album is again loaded with pure country gems. So what more could he possibly add after all these years, and his slew of #1 hits? Well, for the first time since the debut of his long career, George co-wrote 3 songs on the CD -- and his son, Bubba Strait, also had a hand in writing 4 songs on the album. Both of them teamed up to help pen the first single, "Living For The Night", which is an amazing ballad. It's one of the strongest singles of 2009, and is quickly becoming yet another huge hit for his collection. The whole album was recorded in Key West, Florida -- and it seems to have a nice overall laid back feel to it.

The title track, "Twang", is an upbeat and catchy single, and is bound to be his next sure-fire #1 hit. It's a pure classic country song with lots of twang, done in unique George Strait style. The second track on the CD, "Where Have I Been All My Life", slows things down a bit -- and it features a great tune with strong lyrics. It was co-written by Sherrie Austin, who a few years ago had a couple top 30 singles of her own ("Never Been Kissed" and "Streets Of Heaven"). "Where Have I Been All My Life" is a great ballad which reflects back on all the things that we may have missed out on earlier in our life, and is definitely one of the highlights on the album. "Easy As You Go" is a nice laid back song, and "Arkansas Dave" is another interesting tune -- which was written solely by Bubba Strait. It's a very simple traditional storytelling song, which has the feel of classic music released a few decades ago...Johnny Cash would be proud! The last song on the album, "El Rey", will be quite a surprise to many who aren't expecting it. It's entirely sung in Spanish -- similar to Mexican mariachi style of music. It has to be one of the most unusual songs that George has ever recorded, and it's most likely a love or hate type of tune. One thing is for sure, it's definitely an unexpected end to the album!

To me, "The Breath You Take" is by far the stand out track on the album. It's a simple song, not overproduced, and it's just so strong and powerful. It's one of the best songs I've heard in a long time, and I'm sure this will be a blockbuster hit single. It is such an inspirational ballad, and I think it seems to have a "Song Of The Year" nomination written all over it. You really have to take a listen to this song -- even if it's the only tune that you hear. Overall, George sounds just as strong as he's ever been, and I would definitely recommend this album!

After nearly three decades of recording, more number-one singles than any other artist in history, a Country Music Hall of Fame induction, and creating the template for the perfect country music career, one could almost expect George Strait to phone in his albums and take it easy. After all, he probably could record a list of Texas cattle futures and earn another Album Of The Year nomination; he's just that good. However, Strait's 41st album, Twang, finds the most recent Artist of The Decade venturing into new territory. He takes risks, and he clearly has no intention of taking his last curtain call anytime soon.

For starters, Strait takes on the role of songwriter - something that hasn't happened since his second album, Strait From The Heart, in 1982 (the song was "I Can't See Texas From Here"). He collaborates with son Bubba and longtime Strait tunesmith Dean Dillon ("The Chair," and "Marina Del Rey," among dozens more). The result? Strait contributes to three songs that stand shoulder to shoulder with anything he's recorded before - most notably, the smooth and heartbreaking "Living For The Night," the album's first single. "He's Got That Something Special" is a country toe-tapper, defying the listener not to sing along. Father and son craft a classic barroom tearjerker, "Out Of Sight Out Of Mind," which is pure Strait, through and through. Bubba Strait also adds "Arkansas Dave," a murderous story song, reminiscent of material Marty Robbins and Johnny Cash would have recorded in the `70's.

Elsewhere, Dean Dillon, Jessie Jo Dillon and Casey Beathard's "The Breath You Take" provides the album's emotional cornerstone. Strait works his magic, taking a clichéd line like " Life's not the breath you take/But the moments that take your breath away" and skillfully makes it resonate. The song is one of the most beautiful to ever appear on a George Strait album, and it deserves to be a future single. The sure-fire second single is the roof-raising title track. Other fun moments include "Some Kind of Crazy" and "Hot Grease and Zydeco," which is sure to become a staple in Strait's live shows.

The album's biggest surprise is saved for last: "El Rey" is a Mexican folk song that he sings - quite convincingly - completely in Spanish. If the country music thing doesn't work out for him, Strait could easily have a career on the Tejano circuit. The title translates to "The King," and the last lines read: "A cowboy told me/You don't have to arrive first/but just know how to arrive." Appropriately, this sums up Strait's career thus far. His has been a journey of class, consistency and influence, with great humility.

The King, indeed.

The CD by George Strait is the best. All though, you can't go wrong on CD by George! The song titled "The Breath You Take" should be nominated for Song of The Year and Win! Hands Down! It's a beautiful song, the words have much to say to the listener and the music is as lyical and soothing. A song like this makes you stop in your tracks to listen. I heard it on the radio and could not get out of my car until the song was over, that's why I had to order the CD. The rest of the CD is great, it's definitely worth the purchase for years of enjoyment. My first purchase of a CD through Amazon, love the great service and follow ups!

George Strait is still the king of the country.¡What a record!.It is wonderfool.It is one of the best country music record that I have heard never.I can not stop to listen.And Strait performs "El Rey" song in a perfect spanish.He looks like Spaniard.I think that this record should be between your collection.You don't have any dude.

As usual another great CD from George Strait! This music on this CD is a lot livier than any of his other and has a different feel to it. I love the songs on it though. The only one I did not like was the last song which was sung all in Spanish, which I thought was unusual from the Strait man. It could have been left off and another great song added instead!