George Strait's music has always been pretty dependable. He may have gotten schmaltzier over the years, but Strait never really abandoned the same neotraditionalist country style he started with. But what truly sets him apart from many of his peers is his effortless ability in finding and performing quality songs. Never flashy or too terribly exciting for that matter, his enduring popularity shows the importance consistently good songs can have in solidifying a lasting career.
Strait from the Heart was his second album, and it's about as good as 80's mainstream country music gets. It's fairly diverse, going from honky tonk to ballads and more countrypolitan faire with a natural ease. Even the seemingly obligatory Texas swing song ("I Can't See Texas from Here") isn't bad. I'm sad to report that the lifeless digital production that unfortunately plagues most 80's country is fully in place on this recording. But thankfully the quality of the songs and George's solid singing are able to rise above the often anonymous musical backing. After all, "Amarillo by Morning" is on this album. You CANNOT fuck with that song.
https://open.spotify.com/album/3NB2cmFq9nyhHSVz0Zv08t
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