George Strait Album: “Something Special”

This is his best CD ("Beyond The Blue Neon" not far beyond), with everything on this CD being 5 out of 5 songs. It has "The Chair", which needs no explaination (If you are reading this review, you obviously like country, and you know it well), it also has "In Too Deep", which is a top 10 Strait song, "Haven't You Heard", and "Lefty's Gone" (BOTH of which need multiple playings to appreciate), all of which are on "Strait Out Of The Box"( I cannot stress this collection enough). Then there are the reasons to get it (If you don't it is even more important to get it), the title track "Something Special", which I love, and then there is "Dance Time In Texas", which is my favorite track on this CD (I only prefer "Living Well", "Ocean Front Property, and "You Know Me Better Than That" of all George songs). The rest of the tracks are flawless, and this CD is my answer to ANYONE who thinks George always does the same stuff. "Something Special" really is just that, the best Strait ever.

Well, one of the few criticisms you hear about George is that all of his albums sound the same. I might reluctantly concede to some point to this assertion, but I'll then respond "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." This album, however, contains four songs that represent some of the biggest changes-of-pace in style that George has ever done, all done to wonderful effect.

Haven't You Heard displays the same ol' "wife leaves husband for another man" line, but this time, the situation is related in a meeting between the Other man and the wife's son. This viewpoint is both original and satisfying. The Chair is one of those rarities in music - a hit song without a chorus. It illustrates a slick progression from a chance encounter to a blossoming romance. Dance Time In Texas, while being not a standout lyrically, showcases three different styles of music in its run, uptempo swing, waltz, and a standout Cotton-Eyed Joe. Finally, Lefty's Gone is a touchy, moving tribute to the late Lefty Frizzell.

Among the others, Something Special became an instant wedding song, and Last Time and Redneck Feelin' Blue are solid at their respecive styles. The only weak link is the ho-hum, below average Blue Is Not A Word.

Could not believe that only 2 singles were ever pulled from a great album like this. But yet again like some have said even though how great the songs are on this album they are a little bit on the darker side. This is as country as you will ever hear George Strait. Every single song is traditional country there is no pop country or any electric guitars used on this one. So many great songs on this one like You Sure got this ol redneck feelin blue, Leftys gone,In too Deep, Haven't you heard, Dance time in Texas, I've seen that look on me a thousand times,and I believe that that is basically nearly the whole album. The two singles were great but there are just too many songs ignored on a great album like this. This to me looks like his first all around great album with all 10 songs of great country. Much better than Does Fort Worth ever cross your mind.