Vintage Album Review – George Strait’s “Strait From The Heart”
There are only three men who have legitimate claim to being called “The King of Country Music.” For those who truly know their country music history, they understand that Roy Acuff might be the most rightful owner of the title. He set the table for country music and the Grand Ole Opry as a major American genre and a commercial enterprise, and more specifically he coined the term for himself, and was so self-assured about it that he engraved it into an album cover.
Hank Williams is probably the most-recognized King of Country for most fans, especially of the traditional variety. And it’s hard to put up a fight with them, even though Hank never held the title in his living years, and insisted that he personally be referred to as a folk singer.
And then there’s “King” George Strait. It flows so easily off the tongue, and his impact both commercially and critically on the genre was so deep and so protracted, it’s hard to argue with. Truth is all three probably deserve the crown for their respective eras, just like true monarchs who must relinquish the jewels when they retire, die, or are deposed.
One of the attributes that tie these three men together was they weren’t show boaters. Their style of country music was straight down the middle. “Do it vanilla boys,” is a quote attributed to Hank Williams, yet nobody would ever accuse Hank or his music of lacking any character. Yet that criticism has dogged George Strait a bit over his career, especially as more flashy performers like Garth Brooks showed up on the scene with pyrotechnics, and rock/pop sensibilities. Meanwhile George Strait remained steady as she goes, selling out arenas in multiple eras, and setting a record of 44 songs at #1 on the country charts.
But George Strait was not always King George. There was a time when he was struggling to amass crowds in central Texas venues like Gruene Hall and the Cheatham Street Warehouse. Just like the traditionalists of today, George Strait was a strange bird—young, hungry, idealistic, and wanting to make his mark on country music in his own way. Strait has been so stoic and successful for so many years, it’s hard to even picture the young Strait today out there barnstorming through honky-tonks, fresh out of the Army and agriculture college, trying to carve a niche out for himself.
George’s first record on MCA was no slouch either. Strait Country launched a Top 10 hit with “Unwound,” and proved Music Row’s bet on this young man from Texas country would be worth it. Though Straight would go on to set the standard for what mainstream country would sound like for years to come, his debut was full of old school Bakersfield influence and Texas honky tonk.
But his second record, Straight From The Heart, released on June 3rd, 1982 and recorded at the Music City Music Hall with producer Blake Mevis, is what would set one of the most legendary careers in country music in motion.
What is so striking about the album listening back to it after nearly 35 years of perspective is not just the big hits, the #1’s, and the now country standards that it contains. It’s the variety in Strait From The Heart that makes it the perfect study of where country music had been, where it was in the present tense, and where it would be going. It is a staunchly traditional country record with a lot of Texas flavor delivered by the fiddle. Yet you can hear a couple of places where the Countrypolitan influence still lingers, and where Conway Twitty’s take on country evidences itself in the lyrics—Conway being the man Strait would depose for the most #1’s in country later in his career. There is also Western Swing and Texas honky tonk, and even a small taste of more contemporary country pop in the Conway style of “The Steal of the Night” and “Lover in Disguise.”
But you must start singing the praises of Strait From The Heart by shining a big spotlight on the albums two #1’s: the instant classic and contender for one of the greatest country songs ever, “Fool Hearted Memory,” and the strange verses but infectious groove and mannerisms of the Guy Clark-penned “Heartbroke”—first recorded by Rodney Crowell and later recorded by Ricky Skaggs.
As strong as these tracks are, it’s a couple of other Top 10’s from the record that may prove to be the album’s most lasting contributions. Though possibly more adult contemporary than many traditionalist’s tastes, “Marina Del Rey” showed that George Strait could also sing and perform in a more romantic and sedated mood, even if the song resolves in its own version of heartbreak. Meanwhile the timeless and despondent “Amarillo By Morning” might be the perfect song to capture the true essence of loneliness ever recorded, while Strait’s voice may have never been stronger or on point for not just singing the verses, but placing himself square in the boots of the character, and making this ode to the rodeo life a permanent brand on country music’s legacy.
Even if Strait From The Heart isn’t a masterpiece, many of its songs are. And for the criticism that some Strait skeptics raise for not penning his own songs, the album includes a solo-written Strait song that may be the record’s hidden gem. The unapologetically Western Swing-flavored “I Can’t See Texas From Here” would have never held up as radio material, even in 1982. But is perfectly-written, and lovingly-executed by Strait. If you’re wondering how and why Strait’s friendship with Ray Benson of Asleep At The Wheel has lasted so long, listen to this song and you’ll understand why.
Strait From The Heart includes a little bit of cheese too. After all, it was the early 1980’s. The female answer chorus and some of the lines of “Lover in Disguise” and “Steal of the Night” would make fair discussion points relating to the misogyny of country music today. But just as much as it’s an incredibly-enjoyable album to listen to, it is also an important time piece, and that was part of country music during that period.
When in a listening rut, there is an entire world of music out there to discover, and the early discography of George Strait is not a bad place to start, even if you’re one of those who think he was too mainstream vanilla for your taste later in his career. Strait From The Heart holds its own against any other vintage release in country, launched an incredible career, and proves why George Strait deserves the recognition as one of country music’s three kings.
Two Guns Up.
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Andrew
August 4, 2016 @ 8:03 am
Great review and a great album, definitely one of my favorite. George Strait is really amazing; his musical quality has gone down quite a bit in recent years (especially his Love Is Everything Album) but still better than basically anything on radio today.
Jason Deason
August 4, 2016 @ 8:04 am
“Marina Del Rey” is the greatest song he ever recorded. IMHO
DimM
August 4, 2016 @ 8:09 am
Many number ones from Strait (50?) but “Amarillo By Morning” wasn’t one of them (#4). But i think it’s Strait’s signature song , one song i will listen to in the next 30 years.
Scotty J
August 4, 2016 @ 8:23 am
That Greatest Hits album he put out of his non #1 songs is better than 99% of other artists careers. ‘Unwound’, ‘If You’re Thinking You Want A Stranger’, ‘Marina Del Rey’. ‘Amarillo By Morning’, ‘The Cowboy Rides Away’ and on and on.
What an extraordinary career this man has had. We’ll probably never another like it.
Nancy
August 6, 2016 @ 8:43 am
60 number ones all charts….44 Billboard number ones.
Scotty J
August 4, 2016 @ 8:10 am
‘Marina Del Rey’ is of course one of the many Dean Dillon written songs that became Strait hits and I’d be hard pressed to find a better match of writer and singer than these two. Webb and Campbell maybe but for pure volume Dillon/Strait is hard to beat.
It’s interesting to me that the man has dozens of #1 hits and yet the song (Amarillo By Morning) generally considered his greatest song isn’t one of them only reaching #4.
Tom
August 4, 2016 @ 9:45 am
From a chart success perspective, I think “Amarillo By Morning” was about 10 years ahead of its time. If it had been released in the early ’90s when interest in rodeo and the western lifestyle was at its peak it might have set an all-time chart record. The presence of this song in his repertoire helped foster the “genuine cowboy” image that helped propel him to superstardom during that era.
Convict charli
August 4, 2016 @ 8:22 am
“Marina Del Rey”as well as “Miami, my Amy” and two other absolute standards of country music (which I forget the other two) were all written In a ten day span by dean Dillon.
I can’t say for me in my top five artists I would put King George in. If someone held a gun to my head and said you’re only listening to one artist the rest of your life, what’s your choice? It would be him. He has such a catalogue of hits. In concert it’s impossible to play them all and somebody will leave the place a little dissappointed.
Cody
August 4, 2016 @ 8:25 am
Great album, Honky Tonk Crazy is one of my favorites from it.
RobertS
August 4, 2016 @ 8:32 am
Another great article ! I got to visit a Hastings yesterday, and one of my purchases was a collection of Roy Acuff recordings. A great friend gave me the “Three Hanks” cassette last month. I’m visiting San Marcos right now, where it’s common to see posters and calendars and so forth of George Strait in restaurants. I’m a big fan of the western swing/Bob Wills type things, so that side of George’s work especially grabs me.
therealbobcephus
August 4, 2016 @ 8:53 am
Trigger, Can you please explain how Conway influenced country music. I’m curious. Maybe provide some examples too. The only Conway Twitty song I really really know is Hello Darling.
MH
August 4, 2016 @ 9:57 am
therealbobcephus,
Check out the following Twitty numbers:
Next In Line
To See My Angel Cry
Fifteen Years Ago
How Much More Can She Stand
She Needs Someone to Hold Her (When She Cries)
You Never Been This Far Before
I See The Want To In Your Eyes
Linda On My Mind
Stone cold country.
Lewis
August 4, 2016 @ 11:48 am
“To see my angel cry” just about sends chills down my spine every single time
FeedThemHogs
August 4, 2016 @ 12:13 pm
I would add (although I’ll admit its not stone cold country as is your list) but my personal favorite Conway number, Saturday Night Special. Every time I hear that I picture it going down with the old man from Pawn Stars behind the counter.
rusty beltway
August 4, 2016 @ 2:33 pm
I like the honky tonk Conway tunes like “Table in the Corner”, ” Walk Me to the Door”, “Image of Me”. And the duets with Loretta Lynn especially ” Love is Where You Find It.”
the pistolero
August 6, 2016 @ 11:50 am
And the duets with Loretta Lynn especially ” Love is Where You Find It.”
Pretty sure the name of that song is “After The Fire Is Gone.” Great song.
Dangles
August 4, 2016 @ 9:23 am
Best country singer there ever will be. My favourite album is either Ocean Front Property or Blue Clear Sky. Love the vintage album review.
Dan
August 4, 2016 @ 9:48 am
Great review, Trigger. In fact I think you should make this a semi-regular feature. It would be a blast to read your take on country albums of the past.
I also agree with your choice of the three kings of country music. The question is who will be #4?
And for what it’s worth, my favorite King George song is “Troubadour”.
Trigger
August 4, 2016 @ 10:00 am
Thanks Dan. It is a semi-regular feature, just too “semi” since I always get pulled away from posting more of them for various reasons. Hopefully I can make it more semi-regular in the future.
Justin C
August 4, 2016 @ 9:48 pm
One of these years (if you haven’t already) I’d like your opinion on Willie Nelson best album. Though I like red head stranger, I think Spirit was his best work!
Brett
August 4, 2016 @ 10:37 am
Agreed, very cool feature.
ElectricOutcast
August 4, 2016 @ 9:57 am
“His musical quality has gone down quite a bit in recent years (especially his Love Is Everything Album) but still better than basically anything on radio today.”
I do agree that album was a little weak but I thought he improved dramatically on “Cold Beer Conversation” that and my favorite record out of the 2000’s era goes to “It Just Comes Natural” I think it ranks right up there with this album.
But to really put my two cents in: A few years ago I was at a chat room with some friends of mine and a new person who was 16 years old living in San Antonio, Texas and had never heard “Amarillo by Morning” EVER! But most of my friends knew the song so we were just playing the song via YouTube and as soon as she told me that, I told her “My friend, you are hearing what is considered by many to be a masterpiece and a timeless classic.” She could see why though because she actually liked it on her first listen.
Andrew
August 4, 2016 @ 3:09 pm
Yes Cold Beer Conversation is better than Love Is Everything, but still not up to par with his earlier stuff..
the pistolero
August 4, 2016 @ 5:46 pm
It Just Comes Natural was my favorite Strait album of that decade as well. So many great songs on it. “Give It Away,” “She Told Me So,” “Wrapped,” and “Texas Cookin'” are my favorites. I really could have done without “How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls,” though.
I thought he topped it with 2011’s Here For A Good Time.. His rendition of “A Showman’s Life” was worth the price all by itself, and I also really liked “Shame On Me,” “Poison,” and “Lone Star Blues.”
Nadia Lockheart
August 5, 2016 @ 1:42 am
“Here For A Good Time” remains my favorite George Strait album released since the turn of the century.
“Drinkin’ Man” is definitely my favorite George Strait song released since 2000.
the pistolero
August 5, 2016 @ 3:40 am
“Here For A Good Time” remains my favorite George Strait album released since the turn of the century.
Mine as well. I remember thinking at the time that it was his best album since 1996’s Blue Clear Sky, and my opinion hasn’t changed since. I do like the two albums that came after it, though.
Zach Parise
August 5, 2016 @ 9:16 am
“Lone Star Blues” is a phenomenal song. Definitely one of his best I would say, even though he has too many great songs. I don’t understand the hate for “Love Is Everything”. It has done better than Cold Beer Conversation and there are so many good ones on there like “I Thought I Heard My Heart Sing”, “You Don’t Know What You’re Missing” and “Sitting On The Fence”.
the pistolero
August 6, 2016 @ 11:54 am
Love is Everything took a bit to grow on me, but I do like it. I didn’t care for “I Thought I Heard My Heart Sing,” but the other two songs you mentioned are favorites, along with the title track.
Smitty
August 7, 2016 @ 6:00 am
Was The Road Less Traveled released in the August, or late 90’s? I really liked it.
the pistolero
August 8, 2016 @ 6:39 pm
November 6, 2001, the day after my 24th birthday.
J Burke
August 4, 2016 @ 10:04 am
Interesting to visit RIAA site and see that George is listed as #11 in albums sold in the US. He is ahead of some artists you may have heard of…..Bruce Springsteen, Barbra Streisand, Aerosmith, Rolling Stones…Madonna.
BrandonWard
August 4, 2016 @ 10:06 am
Great review for, in my mind, what has to be one of the Top 10 albums of all time. I hope this review starts a trend of reviewing more albums from the past.
Country Music Minds
August 4, 2016 @ 10:51 am
Considering we don’t know much of your opinion on Strait outside of the “Cold Beer Conversation” review, I’m glad you did this. I too would also love to see more reviews from the past, although the work you do now is also highly appreciated! 🙂
My favorite Strait era is definitely the 80’s with the 90’s not far behind at all. Definitely a fantastic album that really paved the way for the neo-traditional resurgence.
Nadia Lockheart
August 5, 2016 @ 1:38 am
This year marks the 40th anniversary of “Wanted! The Outlaws”.
I think that would make for a fascinating vintage album review. Especially since it wasn’t exactly a proper studio album but more a supergroup effort to bring outlaw country into the mainstream.
It also was when “Golden Ring” was released. I read much about that in George Jones’ autobiography “I Lived to Tell it All”. I think that would make for a compelling vintage feature.
Country Music Minds
August 5, 2016 @ 5:56 am
Absolutely. I mean, it’s admittedly a pretty slow time for new releases at the moment and I myself have even considered a vintage review. Would definitely be cool to see but Trigger, once again the work you do now is already highly appreciated! 🙂
Dogit
August 4, 2016 @ 11:16 am
This album is what made me realize I knew nothing about country music or George Strait. I always liked his music. In 1999 at the age of 14, I bought this album for 5 bucks at k-mart. It changed my life. I bought every album he ever released. His album cuts are as good as his hits. My favorite song of all time is “Amirrillo by morning.” I always play “honky tonk crazy” for people. I always get ” who sings that”?
Thanks Trigger awesome album and awesome review!
I love Hank Williams and Bob Wills, but Strait is still the King!
norrie
August 4, 2016 @ 11:42 am
Nice review.I often delve into George’s back catalogue.They do stick to a basic formula but you know what your going to get which is well sung well played straight forward country music and in most cases 3 or 4 absolute belters.
I do see George as a bit of a guilty pleasure as I usually prefer artists a little bit more left field or “cool” but George hits all the right notes even if he does crease his jeans down the front !
Razor X
August 4, 2016 @ 1:14 pm
One of my all-time favorite albums.
Janice Brooks
August 4, 2016 @ 2:03 pm
My favorite is Beyond the Blue Neon. From “What’s Going On In Your World to Angelina
Number 8
August 4, 2016 @ 3:15 pm
Hands down my favorite of all time I have over 500 country records and I have to say I spin this one more than any other one Have you ever heard anyone say I don’t like George Strait Yeah I didn’t think so
Toby in AK
August 4, 2016 @ 3:59 pm
I use youtube a lot to find new music, adding recommendations to the “watch later” list and then they come up weeks later after I’ve forgotten them. It ends up being a surprise that way.
The first time I heard the live version of “Marina del rey” I was blown away. I’d only heard the studio version before and it was a little too pop for my taste. But performed live it had an entirely different flavor and it made me realize how beautiful the lyrics are. It’s now one of my favorite songs. Dean Dillon does the song differently and I like his versions too.
So many great songs on this album.
the pistolero
August 4, 2016 @ 6:06 pm
To repeat what damn near everyone else has said, this is a really cool feature, Trig, not to mention a great review of a great album. You summed up my own thoughts on it quite well.
Funny thing about it, though…Strait and Blake Mevis, the producer of this album, parted ways afterward because Mevis was pushing him further in the pop direction that was hinted at on this album. We were all probably the better for it, though, because I think that next album, Right or Wrong, was where he really hit his stride. “Let’s Fall To Pieces Together” is my favorite GS song to this day.
Jim
August 4, 2016 @ 8:45 pm
Great review! Amarillo by Morning always takes me to a special place, but I have to say ” that’s what I get” is an underrated classic.
Jim
August 4, 2016 @ 8:49 pm
My bad….”I’ve come to expect it from you”
Nadia Lockheart
August 5, 2016 @ 1:27 am
Great review, Trigger! =D
“Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind” would honestly be the George Strait album I most emotionally connect with and keep coming back to. But “Strait From The Heart” and “Something Special” definitely round up my top three.
“Strait Country” is enjoyable for what it is, but you can tell when listening to his catalog thoroughly that it sounded very much like a rough draft of what he was capable of. Also, one too many songs sounded more geared towards the Neil Diamond and Bertie Higgins crowd that Kenny Rogers was essentially appealing to at the time than something decidedly more straight-up country (“If You’re Thinking You Want A Stranger (There’s One Coming Home) one such example.)
But “Strait From The Heart” sounds comparatively fleshed out and realized. You can tell Strait grew leaps and bounds in confidence as a recording vocalist during that time as well.
I have to give a special shout-out to “The Only Thing I Have Left”. That actually marks one of his most evocative vocal performances on the album alongside “I Can’t See Texas From Here” and “Amarillo By Morning”. I don’t know: I listened to it growing up on my grandparents’ cassette player in their sunroom in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and I’ve always considered it an underrated gem.
I will agree, in retrospect, some of the lyrics smack as throwaways or a bit adolescent. We get a reference to a “tight blue jean honky tonk queen” in “Honky Tonk Crazy”, for instance. And “Steal For The Night” is actually kind of a cringe-inducing concept when you really think about it. But I think what provides a saving grace of sorts is just how damn enjoyable the instrumentation is from beginning to end.
You’ve got some great stompin’ bass rhythms on “Heartbreak”. You’ve got gorgeous piano providing Strait the breathing space his vocals need on “Marina Del Rey”. You’ve got some of that Buffett-esque Gulf Coast influence on “Steal of the Night”. And then with “A Fire You Can’t Put Out”, it’s like a communion of the western swing and countrypolitan flavors in one setting that’s an appropriate way to send the listener on one’s way.
So yeah: it’s a classic, and deservedly so in spite of the couple lyrical potholes I mentioned.
Don
August 5, 2016 @ 6:03 am
Fool Hearted Memory, man what a song.
Cooper
August 5, 2016 @ 6:27 am
They don’t call him The King for nothin’. George is the man.
Hefitz
August 5, 2016 @ 6:44 am
All this talk about “Amarillo By Morning” got old memories of honky tonks in and around Houston stirred up. Danced to that song originally when it was recorded and sung by Kelly Shoppa. His version was even played on the Houston radio stations. George recorded it and Kelly’s version got lost in the shuffle.
Great song.
Amanda
August 5, 2016 @ 6:52 am
I’ve been reading your site for awhile now, but never commented before. You’ve introduced me to a lot a great country music I never would’ve heard before, but oh man do I have a special place in my heart for George Strait. He is my moms favorite singer, so I grew up listening to his music. I can’t remember a time I haven’t listened to George, even when I was a teenager and went through my rebellious goth phase! Thanks for this review, it made my day!
Kevin H.
August 5, 2016 @ 10:08 am
No mention of Honky Tonk Crazy!? That’s my favorite song on the album.
Trigger
August 5, 2016 @ 1:55 pm
All the songs on the album are great. No disrespect meant to that one or the others not mentioned.
Strait Country 81
August 6, 2016 @ 12:18 am
Great Review!
The album is full of good stuff but have to give it to Amarillo By Morning as the best.
D. Wayne
August 6, 2016 @ 7:19 pm
Amarillo by Morning’s fiddle makes that song. The fiddle wails and cries of lonliness match the lyrics in a special way.
Joshua
August 7, 2016 @ 6:35 am
Amarillo by Morning was (in my opinion) bes recorded by Chris LeDoux.
I think Chris was one of the most underrated country/rodeo artists.
ElectricOutcast
August 7, 2016 @ 10:26 am
I actually got that version on my computer and I like to play both versions together, Chris’ first then George’s second and my humble opinion I think it makes the song itself a bigger masterpiece.
CM
August 7, 2016 @ 10:56 am
This is one of my favorite George Strait albums (“Does Fort Worth…” is definitely number 1 though). I’m glad you mentioned that he wrote “I Can’t See Texas From Here.” It so perfectly encapsulates George’s great spirit and gentle humor. I always wondered why he didn’t write more songs over the years.
And I know it must be an unconscious reflex of music writers to mention misogyny these days, but I do think we’re getting a bit nitpicky bringing it up here. “Lover in Disguise” is actually one that I always skip. But it’s because I think it sounds dated and boring, not because I find it offensive. And “The Steal of the Night” is just fun. Some of us work very hard so that we can wear tight jeans. Personally I’d be delighted if George Strait noticed said jeans and stole/saved me from a bad date. Lord knows I’ve admired his jeans over the years.
Tom R.
August 8, 2016 @ 5:16 pm
Nashville was finally able to push George Strait off modern country radio in recent years after years of trying but they will never be able to push his albums off the top of the charts. I’m pretty sure if he still wants to record fifteen years from now, those albums will sell – and big time. His career can’t be compared to any other no matter how great his predecessors were.
And sorry but Roy Acuff was never remotely the legitimate “king of country music” despite the nickname foisted on him by Dizzy Dean and promoted for decades by the Grand Ole Opry. What country press there was pre-1960 was too gentle too dispute this. The Opry may have made him their flagship artist in the late 1930’s but he As a recording artist, he never sold anywhere near the level or Jimmie Rodgers or Ernest Tubb, probably not even as much as Jimmie Davis. Nor did he have the influence of Bill Monroe. Jimmie Rodgers deserves the the third space with Williams and Strait as one of the three great pillars of country music even if music wasn’t called “country” at the time.
Mike
August 8, 2016 @ 9:37 pm
I didn’t know Strait’s version of Heartbroke was even a single, much less a number 1. That’s cool. Chris LeDoux recorded Amarillo By Morning before George, and it’s a great version. You can hear the hissing of the tape recorder. That song was written by Terry Stafford, and was a standard in honky tonks across Texas for years before George perfectly recorded it. There will never be another signature fiddle intro/outro that comes close to it.
Phil
September 19, 2022 @ 8:22 pm
Mike, that was the one thing that confused me about this otherwise fantastic review is that Heartbroke most definitely was neither a number 1, or a single by George because Ricky Skaggs had recorded it at the same time, and released it as a single before George had the chance.
RHP-997
August 9, 2016 @ 7:36 pm
What year did he takes his jeans to cleaners and ask for extra starch?
Trigger
August 9, 2016 @ 7:50 pm
Every year. He just never stopped when it stopped being cool.
RP
August 23, 2016 @ 5:58 pm
Right on the money! I still listen to this CD on occasion and the lesser known songs are still some of my favorites!
Chrissy
October 13, 2018 @ 10:03 pm
The first time I heard “Amarillo by Morning ” I was hooked on George Strait. I wanted to hear more.. Started listening to country music radio. I like George because he doesn’t run around on stage. But I like Kenny, tim because they are all over the stage