"HERE FOR A GOOD TIME" June 13, 2011 GEORGE STRAIT RELEASES HIS 89TH CAREER SINGLE TODAY Most Added Song At Country Radio This Week Nashville, TN – George Strait notches his second highest debut in his storied career on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart as “Here For A Good Time,” the first single from his upcoming album, lands at No. 29 on its official add date at radio. It is his highest debut since “I Saw God Today” debuted Top 20 in 2008.

“Here For A Good Time,” written by Strait, his son Bubba Strait and legendary songwriter Dean Dillon, is Strait’s 89th career single. The new album is scheduled for a fall release.

'I think this is the longest time, during my recording career, without anything new on the radio,” said Strait. “It’s good to be back and I want to thank country radio for their continued support. Have a great summer!”

With a career spanning more than 30 years, George Strait has the most number one singles of any artist in history including Elvis (57 to date inclusive of all charts). He has sold nearly 69 million records and with 33 different platinum or multi-platinum albums has the most RIAA platinum certifications in country music and the third in all genres, behind The Beatles and Elvis Presley. Strait was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

Strait’s last CD Twang debuted at #1 on The Billboard 200 chart and the Top Country Albums chart. This is the fourth time in Strait's career that a new release has debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart and the 13th time debuting at #1 on the Top Country Albums chart.

June 29, 2011 GEORGE STRAITS NEWEST SINGLE...HERE FOR A GOOD TIME,,, HIT SINGLE ALREADY SITTING AT NO. 20 ON THE CHARTS Nashville, TN – George Straits newest hit single “Here For A Good Time,” which is already sitting at No. 20 on the Billboard country singles chart after only three weeks, is available now at all digital retailers. The single was his highest debut since his 2008 smash “I Saw God Today” and was the most added single at radio for two straight weeks.

Go to http://bit.ly/GStraitGoodTime to purchase “Here For A Good Time.”

“Here For A Good Time,” written by Strait, his son Bubba Strait and Dean Dillon, is the first single and title track to his upcoming album scheduled to be released this year.

With a career spanning more than 30 years, George Strait has the most number one singles of any artist in history including Elvis (57 to date inclusive of all charts). He has sold nearly 69 million records and with 33 different platinum or multi-platinum albums has the most RIAA platinum certifications in country music and the third in all genres, behind The Beatles and Elvis Presley. Strait was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

Strait’s last CD Twang debuted at #1 on The Billboard 200 chart and the Top Country Albums chart. This is the fourth time in Strait's career that a new release has debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart and the 13th time debuting at #1 on the Top Country Albums chart. 

August 3, 2011 GEORGE STRAIT IS HERE FOR A GOOD TIME-NEW CD IS HERE SEPT. 6TH GeorgeStrait.com Offers Exclusive Album Pre-Order Package Nashville, TN (August 3, 2011) – The King of Country Music is releasing his 39th studio album, Here For A Good Time, on September 6th and there is one thing that’s perfectly clear - George Strait is having a really good time doing what he does best – making music. The Country Music Hall of Famer co-wrote seven of the album’s 11 tracks with his son Bubba and legendary songwriter Dean Dillon.

Strait co-produced the album with his long-time friend and legendary producer Tony Brown. It was recorded at Shrimpboat Sound Studio in Key West, FL - the same studio where Strait recorded his last three award-winning albums.

Starting today, GeorgeStrait.com is offering an exclusive album pre-order package that includes the full length Here For A Good Time CD, a limited edition T-Shirt, poster and instant download the single “Here For A Good Time” as well as a sweepstakes to enter for a chance to see George Strait on tour in 2012.

The title track “Here For A Good Time,” written by Strait, his son Bubba Strait and songwriter Dean Dillon, is Strait’s 89th career single and his second highest debut in his storied career on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Currently at No. 16 on both the Billboard and Mediabase charts after only eight weeks. This is his highest debut since “I Saw God Today” debuted Top 20 in 2008.

Here For A Good Time includes the following tracks:

1. Love’s Gonna Make It Alright Al Anderson / Chris Stapleton 2. Drinkin’ Man ` George Strait/Bubba Strait/Dean Dillon 3. Shame On Me George Strait/Bubba Strait 4. Poison Chuck Cannon/Allen Shamblin 5. Here For A Good Time George Strait/Bubba Strait/Dean Dillon 6. House Across The Bay George Strait/Bubba Strait/Dean Dillon 7. Lone Star Blues Gary Nicholson/Delbert McClinton 8. A Showman’s Life Jesse Winchester 9. Three Nails And A Cross George Strait/Bubba Strait/Dean Dillon/Bobby Boyd 10. Blue Marlin Blues George Strait/Bubba Strait/Dean Dillon 11. I’ll Always Remember You George Strait/Bubba Strait/Dean Dillon

Strait may have penned the lyrics “I ain’t here for a long time, I’m here for a good time” in his current single but his amazing career says otherwise.

With a career spanning more than 30 years, George Strait has the most number one singles of any artist in history including Elvis (57 to date inclusive of all charts). He has sold nearly 69 million records and with 33 different platinum or multi-platinum albums has the most RIAA platinum certifications in country music and the third in all genres, behind The Beatles and Elvis Presley. Strait was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

Strait’s last CD Twang debuted at #1 on The Billboard 200 chart and the Top Country Albums chart making it the fourth time in Strait's career that a new release has debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart and the 13th time debuting at #1 on the Top Country Albums chart. His current single, “Here For A Good Time” currently sits at #_ on the charts after only 8 weeks. Here For A Good Time is slated for release on September 6. 

August 30, 2011 George Strait - 'Here For a Good Time' CD Review by Frank Roberts.The Virginia-Pilot Even if you have to forgo a meal or two, buy George Strait’s 39th studio album, due out Sept. 6. Seven of the songs were penned by the performer along with son, Bubba, and Dean Dillon, and every one of them is a bright gem. Two concern life’s lessons. Look at the title of “Drinkin’ Man” and you think it’s another one of those songs, but this one unabashedly urges one and all to lay off the life-threatening booze. “Three Nails and a Cross” is a gospel piece equal to anything you will find in the hymnal of your friendly neighborhood church. Featuring Strait at his finest vocally, it’s an outstanding song of redemption. Outstanding songs abound, including the swingin’ “Blue Marlin Blues,” with Strait jammin’ and having a blast. It has a Bob Wills flavor, as does another jumper, “Lone Star Blues.” The title song is No. 12 on Billboard’s country charts. “Here for a Good Time” is an album his fans will appreciate.”

Sept 5, 2011 ~ Here For a Good Time Pre-Release party held at the Resort at Tapatio Springs, Boerne Texas.

Sept. 6, 011 George Strait Cracks Top 10 Yet Again; Close To Breaking Record by Wendy Geller in Our Country...Yahoo Music George Strait's 'Good Time' is just getting better. Okay, I realize that's a pretty bad play on words, but the truth of the matter is--Strait has just inched a bit closer to breaking a major country-music record with his latest single.

'Here For A Good Time' cracked the Billboard Country Songs chart top 10 this week, when the new single moved from No. 11 to No. 9. This marks Strait's 84th top 10 single on that particular chart--and makes him just shy of the current record-holder, the late Eddy Arnold, who racked up 92 over the course of his career.

According to Billboard, Strait's first top 10 song on their country chart was 'Unwound' in 1981. The industry publication notes that he's had at least one song in the top 10 on that chart every single year since. They don't call him the King of Country for nothin', folks!

King or not, however, he's still in second place to Arnold in terms of top 10s. However, Strait currently holds the record for most No. 1songs on the Country Songs chart--and, given that he does not appear to be retiring nor losing popularity, it's a fairly safe bet that if he keeps putting out records he'll eventually take the top 10 top slot from Arnold (who passed away in 2008).

If you're curious as to who tails Strait in the No. 3 slot for most top 10s on the Country Songs chart, it's George Jones--who comes even closer to Strait than Strait does to Arnold, with 78 hit tunes. 

Sept. 7, 2011 Review: Strait Still Going Strong on New Album By MICHAEL McCALL ...Associated Press Thirty years after his MCA Records debut, George Strait is making the most adventurous music of his career.  He still serves up the breadwinners — western swing, honky-tonk and smooth country ballads — that have made him one of the most enduring stars of all time. Yet, at age 59, he stretches out in his arrangements and themes in ways that challenge his remarkably pliant voice and that make statements he didn't dare in the past.

He's also writing more songs, a trend that started with his previous album 'Twang.' This time, Strait contributes seven songs, nearly doubling the number he's written in his career. He co-writes all of them, including the current hit — the wonderfully swinging 'Here For A Good Time' — with his son Bubba Strait; six of them include assistance from Strait's favorite writer, Dean Dillon.

The Texan assumes the role of an alcoholic on two moving ballads, 'Poison' and 'Drinkin' Man'; he also takes on gospel ('Three Nails And A Cross') and old-time rock 'n' roll ('Blue Marlin Blues'), and he tackles two daring covers (Delbert McClinton's classic 'Lone Star Blues' and Jesse Winchester's introspective 'A Showman's Life').

Strait has spent his career defying music industry conventions; as he starts his fourth decade as a star, he's proving that Nashville's focus on youth still has to make room for an old-timer who's making music as undeniably strong as ever.

CHECK OUT THIS TRACK: 'I'll Always Remember You,' written by Strait, his son and Dillon, is the most autobiographical song the veteran has recorded. A love letter to his fans, the traditional country ballad includes a recitation reflecting on how he never expected to enjoy the career he has —and as grateful as he is, he's not done yet.

George Strait Scores 84th Country Songs Top 10 by Gary Trust  |  September 05, 2011 12:45 EDT

George Strait climbs closer to Eddy Arnold's record for most top 10s in the 67-year history of Billboard's Country Songs chart, as "Here for a Good Time" rises 11-9. The song is Strait's 84th top 10 on the tally, a sum second only to Arnold's 92, which the late legend collected between 1945 and 1980.

Strait first reached the Country Songs top 10 with his introductory chart entry, "Unwound" (No. 6), in 1981. He has sent at least one song into the top bracket each year since.

"Good Time," which registered 24 million audience impressions, up 8%, in the chart's Aug. 29-Sept. 4 tracking week, according to Nielsen BDS, is the title cut from Strait's 39th studio album, due tomorrow (Sept. 6). The track is one of seven on the set that the King of Country co-wrote with his son Bubba and songwriter Dean Dillon. The album also sports a featured turn by Faith Hill on "A Showman's Life."

Should "Good Time" reach No. 1, Strait would add to his record for most toppers in the Country Songs chart's history. He has banked 44 leaders, having reigned most recently with "River of Love" in 2009.

Here is a look at the artists with the most Country Songs top 10s:

Total Top 10s, Artist 92, Eddy Arnold 84, George Strait 78, George Jones 75, Conway Twitty 71, Merle Haggard 59, Reba McEntire 57, Ernest Tubb 56, Red Foley 55, Dolly Parton 54, Waylon Jennings 54, Webb Pierce

Posted at 11:07 AM ET, 09/06/2011 Quick spins: George Strait, Asa, St. Vincent By Allison Stewart, Bill Friskics-Warren and David Malitz

George Strait

“Here For a Good Time”

Country’s best-known new traditionalist, Hall of Famer George Strait, has survived Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift and countless other genre scourges, adapting his sound only enough to survive. On his almost thoroughly excellent new disc (his 39th, all told), “Here for a Good Time,” he sticks to a familiar formula of sad songs and honky-tonk rave-ups, pathos and grit.

“Here for a Good Time” is populated by gentle, loping mid-tempo country songs that spotlight Strait’s boundless gift for sounding wistful and grave, contemplative and wry. He always sounds a little disappointed, as if he knows that you, the listener, could have done better if only you, the listener, had tried a little harder. It’s an approach codified on the ballad “Three Nails and a Cross,” partly about a frightened pregnant teen who finds religion: “She turns and sees that Bible laying by her bed / And she crumbles to her knees as she bows her head,” Strait sings, in a tone that suggests it’s about time.

Strait isn’t afraid to wring every last ounce of drama out of songs like the great road warrior ballad “A Showman’s Life,” which features nicely understated backing vocals by Faith Hill, or “Drinkin’ Man,” a dark, empathetic look at a lifelong alcoholic.  He wraps things up with “I’ll Always Remember You,” an ode to Strait’s career and fans that ends with a spoken-word thank-you to the folks. It’s dated beyond words, something you might find on one of those Conway Twitty albums advertised on late-night TV in 1972. In anyone else’s hands it would have been hopelessly drippy; in Strait’s, it’s old school.

— Allison Stewart

Recommended Tracks: “I’ll Always Remember You,” “A Showman’s Life”

Sept. 5, 2011 Highway Sirius CH 59 --  Here For A Good Time Weekend with George Strait Tonight 8:00 pm ET Listen to The Highway’s exclusive premier of George Strait’s new album, Here For A Good Time. Storme Warren sat down with King George himself to discuss his new album, the secrets to a successful marriage and becoming a grandpa! Listen all Labor Day weekend. (1 hr)

Listen Up: George Strait,  By Brian Mansfield, Elysa Gardner and Steve Jones, USA TODAY

George Strait, Here for a Good Time * * * ½ (out of four) COUNTRY

The country great may not be contemplating retirement, but his latest finds him uncharacteristically reflective, covering Jesse Winchester's A Showman's Life and directly addressing his fans in I'll Always Remember You. Still, after 30 years, Strait hasn't lost his touch for finding astonishing material like Drinkin' Man, which may have the scariest second line of any country song ever written. — Brian Mansfield

The LA Times Music Blog Album review: George Strait's 'Here for a Good Time' September 5, 2011 |  4:27 pm 

At 59 and with 38 studio albums under his belt, country kingpin George Strait has picked up the songwriting ball comparatively late in life, but he’s running with it full tilt.

On his previous outing, 2009’s "Twang," Strait and his son, Bubba, crafted three songs, unusual for a man who had previously relied overwhelmingly on songs from other writers. This time he’s co-written seven of the 11 songs, with a couple of noteworthy results.

"Drinkin’ Man" is a -- no pun intended -- sobering look at the steep price an alcoholic pays because of his disease, allowing Strait to grapple with a topic that carries the kind of weight he doesn’t often try to heft. In the closing track, " I’ll Remember You," he delivers a heartfelt look back at his 30-year career, tipping his Resistol hat to the fans who’ve supported him along the way. It undoubtedly will make for a big moment at his live shows.

Most of the rest of the material is classic Strait-style lite country, his eminently easygoing tenor effortlessly handling songs that skim the surface rather than plumb the depths of life. In doing so, at least he keeps the promise of the album’s title.

Here For a Good Time, Lon Helton Interview

Strait: Here for a Good Time

September 1, 2011

During the course of his forty year career, George Strait has consistently released an album every year.  But he took a break in 2010, so this latest album, “Here For a Good Time,” is his first in two years.  It picks up where “Twang” left off, featuring several songs written by Strait with his son Bubba and legenday tunesmith Dean Dillon.  George spoke with Country Countdown USA host Lon Helton about the new music.

George, you wrote 7 of the songs on this album, that’s more than you’ve ever written for an album.  What happened?  I didn’t write for the longest time.  I wrote early in my career, then I quit, and Bubba got me fired up about writing when he wanted to write, so we got 7 cuts on this record.

How’d he talk you into it?  He got started late in his college years, he wanted to learn to play the guitar, get involved in music, and it just progressed from there.  He wrote a few on the last record, and it got me fired up about writing.  So we wrote a little together, then I suggested we get Dean Dillon to help, and we’ve been doing it since.

Talk about the seven songs, starting with  “Drinkin’ Man:”  It is a tough tale, it’s just an idea I had, and drinkin’ gets a grip on some people, and they can’t let it go, they choose it over anything.

You threw me for a loop at the end: It shows the strength it has on you when you’re drinking that heavily.  Talk about  “Shame On Me:”  We wrote it several years ago, but I brought it out for this record.  Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.

The single, Here For a Good Time:  That came from an idea of Bubba’s. He came in with the line, “We’re not here for a long time, I’m just here for a good time.” 

House Across the Bay:    I’ve got a little place along the coast where we were staying at the time.  Dean has the smokin’ habit, so he was outside having a cigarette, and he says, “It’s cold here in the winter,” and we took it from there.

Three Nails and a Cross:   That was a song Dean and Bobby Boyd started in Nashville and brought it down here to finish.  It’s a beautiful song, I really like it.

Blue Marlin Blues:  That was an idea I got from fishing.  I’ve had those days when you don’t see anything, and you get those blue marlin blues.

I Will Always Remember You:  The last cut we wrote, and I wanted to say to the fans, I wanted them to know what they meant to me throughout my career. 

You say it’s not a farewell song, but it sounds like it, so why on this album?  Well we’re not here for a long time, so I wanted to say it while it was on my mind.  It’s not a farewell song by any means, I say that in the song, but I’d been wanting to write it, and I loved the way it turned out, it says everything I wanted to say.

This song has some recitation.  How did you feel about that?   I did that in “You Look So Good In Love,” and I wasn’t comfortable then, but I thought this was the right way to do it.

You can hear more of Lon’s conversation with George Strait when he co-hosts Country Countdown USA October 1-2.

George Strait’s new album, “Here For a Good Time,” will be released on Tuesday September 6th.

»   HERE FOR A GOOD TIME CD REVIEWS:

From Today's Country Magazine

The King of country music needs no introduction to anyone that has turned on a radio in the past 30 or so years. George Strait has released 89 singles, with an impressive 57 of them finding the #1 spot in his illustrious career and with the release of his brand new single and forthcoming album’s title track “Here For A Good Time” he is quickly finding his way up the charts again. So what more can Strait do in his career that will top what he has already done? Well, with this release, his 39th studio album, you will find something interesting in the liner notes as you will see that King George played co-writer on 7 of the album’s 11 tracks, rarely something you see from him. By recording once again in Key West with longtime producer Tony Brown, Strait has a feel good, toe-tapping touch to songs like “Blue Marlin Blues,” but more often than not relies on his Texas dancehall roots and ability to deliver a heart tugging ballad to pull you through this album. He gets your boots two-stepping around the dusty honky-tonks with songs like “Lonestar Blues” and waltzing with “Shame On Me,” but it is the ballad that keeps you listening. Songs like “House Across The Bay” pull at anyone that has played the game of love and lost leaving nothing but a memory to dwell on and songs like “I Will Always Remember You” and “A Showman’s Life” offer a glimpse into Strait’s thoughts on the entertainers lifestyle he has lived.  This album is a perfect combination of what Strait has done best throughout the years offering longtime fans what they’ve come to expect from him, but by writing a majority of the songs on the album, for the first time Strait gives you a piece of him as well.

»  Sept. 1; GAC Album Review: George Strait’s Here For A Good Time

What is it about George Strait that makes it so easy to pour your favorite beverage, press “Play” on the remote and nod along with every song? Thirty-nine studio albums in, it’s apparent that the 59-year-old Country Music Hall of Famer is as sharp as ever when it comes to crafting vivid story-songs that command the listener’s attention long after the album’s over. On Here For A Good Time, King George mixes lighthearted carpe diem with heartbreaking tragedy to create another “classic Strait” record.

George co-wrote seven of the album’s 11 songs, sharing most of the songwriting credits with son Bubba and writing partner Dean Dillon. This is the same lineup responsible for George’s Top 10 radio hit, “Living For The Night,” off his most recent record, Twang. The first single off the new album, title-track and current Top 15 radio song “Here For A Good Time,” is an optimistic, uptempo tune written by the trio that serves as a call to get up, get the party going and live like there’s no tomorrow. When I’m gone put it in stone, ‘He left nothing behind’/ I ain’t here for a long time/ I’m here for a good time, George sings with infectious energy. On “Blue Marlin Blues,” a tongue-in-cheek tale about being unable to haul in that elusive catch, a funky vocal melody is paired with traditional country instrumentation as George reels off, Seven hours later we still ain’t caught a thing/ Mood on this boat sure has changed. George’s smooth voice is at ease as he twists and turns through the line with an engrossing and accessible rhythm.

The songs on Here For A Good Time lean mostly traditional with a heavy dose of twang. “Lone Star Blues” kicks off with fiery fiddle and popping percussion before throwing in shout-outs to Texas landmarks like the famous Billy Bob’s Texas honky tonk in Fort Worth. I lost my wrist watch and my boots shootin’ dice with a dude from Houston, George sings, taking the listener on a lively, hard luck tour of Texas. The neo-traditional “Shame On Me,” with weeping pedal steel guitar, sounds like the jukebox soundtrack to a night spent alone at the local watering hole. I thought I won your heart, but you were still in love with him, George sings with quintessential honky tonk aching.

The album’s most powerful songs are those that deal with the darkest themes. “Drinkin’ Man,” (written by G. Strait, B. Strait and Dillon) is a poignant look at a life of alcoholism. The storytelling is nothing less than gripping as it begins with a 14-year-old getting drunk in the morning. Over soft acoustic picking, open guitar chords and dramatic percussion, George lays it all out there, I look into the mirror/ Bottle in my hand/ I’d like to pour it out/ I just don’t think I can, while he presents snapshots from the character’s life. “Poison,” atmospheric with reverb-heavy guitars, discusses the various vices to which we can all succumb. Here, George sings with a hint of despair, You can learn to love anything, even a bird in a cage’ll sing a song.

The album’s closing song,  “I’ll Always Remember You,” is a heartfelt, open letter to his fans. It’s the most strikingly reflective song on the collection as it looks specifically at George’s storied career. I’m not saying I’m through by any means, he sings on the ballad, but the humble sentiment that he understands all his fans have given him is clear. After 30 years, George’s finest “Thank You” back to them is his steady devotion to his craft and ability to provide the level of quality his fans expect.

George Strait: Here For a Good Time By Jewly Hight September 7th, 2011 at 10:20 am

George Strait Here For a Good Time (MCA Nashville) Rating: ★★★½☆

George Strait’s been comfortable in the role of song interpreter for three decades. For all that time he’s been selecting sturdy, traditional-leaning country compositions by, say, Dean Dillon or Jim Lauderdale and giving those numbers an easygoing, straight-and-true delivery. But who’s to say Strait can’t decide it’s time to turn singer/songwriter, even this late in the game?

After 37 studio albums worth of songs written by other folks, he wrote a few with his pro-rodeoing/songwriter son Bubba Strait and Dillon for 2009’s Twang. On Here For A Good Time, the father-son-and-Dillon co-writes are in the majority—seven of the 11 tracks. Contributing all that songwriting is something new for the elder Strait, but the songs themselves don’t amount to a radical departure for one of country music’s steadiest figures. One of them, “I’ll Always Remember You,” even commemorates the other side of the longevity equation: the 30-year faithfulness of his audience.

The new album gets its name from a sanguine, swinging original that’s as good as any good times song you’ll hear on contemporary country radio, and better than most. Strait’s sense of humor also comes through in his wonderfully wry cover of Delbert McClinton’s hard luck honky-tonker “Lone Star Blues.” On the other hand, “Blue Marlin Blues,” which arrives a few tracks later, is just plain hokey.

No matter what the album title reads, the bad, or at least pensive, times on this Strait set outnumber the good. But from a song quality perspective, that turns out not to be a bad thing at all. “Drinkin’ Man” and “Shame on Me” are back-to-back originals, the former a ballad that offers an unflinching account of addiction and the latter a top-notch two-step confession of a bruised heart. Strait follows those with a slow-burning reading of “Poison,” a well-crafted reflection on self-destructiveness by Chuck Cannon and Allen Shamblin.

But nothing on Here For A Good Time rings truer than Strait’s cover of Jesse Winchester’s road-weary chestnut “A Showman’s Life.” There’s no fuss to his performance. He leans into the most desperate lines and nearly lets his voice crack, all in the service of the thing he’s always been best at—making a heavyweight song hit home.

Rolling His 39th Studio Album Finds Him Not Slowing Down September 8, 2011; Written by Chet Flippo

(NASHVILLE SKYLINE is a column by CMT/CMT.com Editorial Director Chet Flippo.)

George Strait's 39th studio album, Here for a Good Time, has just been released. It is as good as anything he has ever recorded. Please discuss amongst you.

The man is a phenomenon. He almost never moves onstage during a concert. No swinging from the rafters like Garth Brooks for him. If George were to move around any less, you might be tempted to check his breathing with a hand mirror held in front of his nostrils to make sure he was still in the land of the living.

No matter. There is probably no country artist more loved and admired after all these many years. And for good reason. He has more No. 1 hits than any country artist in history. His list of achievements and awards would take up pages.

But the important thing for me is that the man stands for good, solid, no-nonsense, no-frills, fundamental country music. He remains the Plymouth Rock of country music. Trends come, trends go. There stands George, ever unchanged and unchanging.

I'm sure most people reading this have never seen a Gary Cooper movie. His movies may probably best explain the appeal of George Strait. Cooper was unmatched in portraying the chisel-jawed marshal who tamed the lawless frontier town through his sheer will. Cooper was not the loud-talking showoff that John Wayne often played in his Westerns. Cooper was the strong, silent, good-guy who was admired by the men and adored by the women. And he loved children and animals.

If you're truly a country fan, do yourself a favor and seek out Cooper's movie High Noon. You'll see just what I'm talking about. It's a totally understated but powerful performance. Cooper was equally strong and effective as a peaceful Quaker in the film Friendly Persuasion. But High Noon is where Cooper portrays Strait.

Anyway, think George Strait when you can finally get to see Gary Cooper.

Cooper let his determination and his six-shooter do his talking. And George Strait lets his songs do his talking.

A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to conduct a two-hour interview with Strait in San Antonio. I have since been told this was a phenomenal achievement. I don't know about that. I do know I greatly enjoyed the time with George, and I learned a few new things about him.

In person, he very much comes across as a latter-day Gary Cooper -- soft-spoken, not given to long discourses on anything. A man of few words.

He was remarkably open about his career, discussing its arc and his reasons for what he has done over his long career, about his choices and his songs. He's very careful and deliberate in making his musical decisions.

He does not talk much about his personal life, and I understand that. He and his wife Norma underwent a terrible tragedy with the death of their young daughter, and they don't talk about that. Understandably.

He will talk about the fact that most of his friends in the San Antonio area, where they live, have nothing to do with the music business. He and they all love to ride horses and rodeo and fish and hunt and play golf. Strait said he virtually never picked up a guitar at home or even thought about music until his son Bubba (also known as George Strait Jr.) starting showing an interest in learning guitar and progressed into becoming a songwriter. Now they are partnering on writing songs together. Strait wrote much early on in his career, then as success came, he no longer wrote songs. Now he's back on board. He and Bubba have been co-writing songs at a torrid pace -- torrid for George, that is. They worked together on seven of the 11 songs on Here for a Good Time.

The only time I have ever heard him raise his voice a little bit and verge on criticizing anyone came when I asked him about the circumstances of his duet with Frank Sinatra. In the early '90s, Sinatra -- one of Strait's few musical idols -- sent word that he would like Strait to record a duet on a projected duets project. George was offered a short list of songs. He would have preferred "Luck Be a Lady Tonight" but settled for "Fly Me to the Moon." Sinatra was too busy to record with his duet partners in the same studio. So he recorded his vocals, and his prospective duet partners cut theirs and sent them in to be mixed. Strait did so with "Fly Me to the Moon" and sent it in.

He later learned -- not directly from Sinatra -- that Sinatra decided to drop "Fly Me to the Moon" from his album.

"That made me mad," Strait firmly told me. "I didn't like that at all."

Strait later included the duet on his four-CD boxed set, Strait Out of the Box, and that was the end of that.

My main realization in coming away from the interview is that George is essentially the Everyman of country music. He is very much both the artist creating the music and the music fan listening to and enjoying that music. He basically makes music for himself. His audience fortuitously shares his musical taste.

In the end, I think Strait's musical appeal is pretty simple. Everything he does, he does with grace. And he is a man you can trust, who also makes music you can trust. 

Strait still going strong on new album By MICHAEL McCALL For The Associated Press Published: Thursday, September 8, 2011 at 8:10 a.m. Last Modified: Thursday, September 8, 2011 at 8:10 a.m.

George Strait, "Here for a Good Time" (MCA Nashville)

Thirty years after his MCA Records debut, George Strait is making the most adventurous music of his career.

He still serves up the breadwinners - western swing, honky-tonk and smooth country ballads - that have made him one of the most enduring stars of all time. Yet, at age 59, he stretches out in his arrangements and themes in ways that challenge his remarkably pliant voice and that make statements he didn't dare in the past.

He's also writing more songs, a trend that started with his previous album "Twang." This time, Strait contributes seven songs, nearly doubling the number he's written in his career. He co-writes all of them, including the current hit - the wonderfully swinging "Here For A Good Time" - with his son Bubba Strait; six of them include assistance from Strait's favorite writer, Dean Dillon.

The Texan assumes the role of an alcoholic on two moving ballads, "Poison" and "Drinkin' Man"; he also takes on gospel ("Three Nails And A Cross") and old-time rock 'n' roll ("Blue Marlin Blues"), and he tackles two daring covers (Delbert McClinton's classic "Lone Star Blues" and Jesse Winchester's introspective "A Showman's Life").

Strait has spent his career defying music industry conventions; as he starts his fourth decade as a star, he's proving that Nashville's focus on youth still has to make room for an old-timer who's making music as undeniably strong as ever.

CHECK OUT THIS TRACK: "I'll Always Remember You," written by Strait, his son and Dillon, is the most autobiographical song the veteran has recorded. A love letter to his fans, the traditional country ballad includes a recitation reflecting on how he never expected to enjoy the career he has - and as grateful as he is, he's not done yet.

Strait-up country George Strait's 'Here for a Good Time' should make the year-end Top 10

  Don Chance Special to the Times Record News   Posted September 9, 2011 at 12:08 p.m.

I peruse the Billboard country music charts occasionally.

Not often, because I don't want to fall into the trap of commenting strictly on what's hot at the moment, and effectively ignoring good, deserving country music that doesn't — and never will — show up on the mainstream charts. What always occurs to me is that the names in the Top 40 hardly ever seem to change all that much. Oh, they change, but it's such a slow, drawn-out process that I'd need a pie graph, or something, to understand the trends.

So I decided a long time ago that it doesn't especially matter who is on the charts, or why they're there. Good country music is good country music no matter if it appears on any charts or not, and lame music calling itself country is lame music no matter how many charts it tops.

So let's talk about some good country music!

'HERE FOR A GOOD TIME'

BY GEORGE STRAIT

It's a pleasure to comment on the new George Strait album, "Here for a Good Time."

It is without a doubt the best and most countrified country album I've heard all year, and I'll be really surprised if "Here for a Good Time" doesn't end up in the No. 1 spot on my year-end Top Ten country albums for 2011.

Why?

Easy.

Kicking off with the classic Strait-style mid-tempo country dancer "Love's Gonna Make it Alright," the legendary artist makes an undeniably clear statement that the George Strait who first attracted so many millions of fans, and racked up so many No. 1 chart hits, is back. And he's better than ever.

He proves it by going on to a starkly honest ballad about the heartbreak of lifelong alcoholism with the haunting "Drinkin' Man." "Poison," in the No. 4 slot in the set, also follows a similar theme about addictions with lines like "You can learn to love anything, trade your heart and soul for a ball and chain "

But most of the set is more upbeat and up-tempo, which is only right for an album entitled "Here for a Good Time." In fact, the title track — the first single from the album — says it all with the line "I'm not here for a long time, I'm here for a good time!"

"Shame on Me," an infectious country jukebox dance floor shuffle, also is guaranteed to lift a few spirits, as is "Blue Marlin Blues."

There are two incredibly introspective songs, though, that I suspect will be fan favorites even if they don't become chart hits.

"A Showman's Life" deals with the sometimes harsh reality of the entertainer's life between shows. Yes, it reminds us, there's money, women, good times and plenty of hedonistic distractions in the life of a successful showman, but nothing comes without an ultimate price.

And a tender thank-you note to the longtime fans, "I'll Always Remember You" recounts Strait's 30 successful years on top, and acknowledges that life would be far different for him without the staunch support of those fans.

Sure, George Strait has released a few albums that weren't as strong as others, and it was my job to point that out when I discovered it.

But, honestly, "Here for a Good Time" is as close to a perfect country album as I've ever heard, and I hope it keeps his name at the top of everyone's charts.

Music Review: George Strait still going strong on deliciously diverse new disc

Posted: Sunday, September 11, 2011 12:00 am

By MICHAEL McCALL, For The Associated Press |

Thirty years after his MCA Records debut, George Strait is making the most adventurous music of his career.

He still serves up the breadwinners - western swing, honky-tonk and smooth country ballads - that have made him one of the most enduring stars of all time. Yet, at age 59, he stretches out in his arrangements and themes in ways that challenge his remarkably pliant voice and make statements he didn't dare in the past.

He's also writing more songs, a trend that started with his previous album "Twang." This time, Strait contributes seven songs, nearly doubling the number he's written in his career. He co-writes all of them, including the current hit - the wonderfully swinging "Here For A Good Time" - with his son Bubba Strait; six of them include assistance from Strait's favorite writer, Dean Dillon.

The Texan assumes the role of an alcoholic on two moving ballads, "Poison" and "Drinkin' Man"; he also takes on gospel ("Three Nails And A Cross") and old-time rock 'n' roll ("Blue Marlin Blues"), and he tackles two daring covers (Delbert McClinton's classic "Lone Star Blues" and Jesse Winchester's introspective "A Showman's Life").

Strait has spent his career defying music industry conventions; as he starts his fourth decade as a star, he's proving Nashville's focus on youth still has to make room for an old-timer who's making music as undeniably strong as ever.

Check out this track: "I'll Always Remember You," written by Strait, his son and Dillon, is the most autobiographical song the veteran has recorded. A love letter to his fans, the traditional country ballad includes a recitation reflecting on how he never expected to enjoy the career he has -and as grateful as he is, he's not done yet.

'Here for a Good Time'

George Strait

MCA Nashville

STRAIT TO THE TOP AGAIN AND AGAIN STILL AFTER 30 SOLID YEARS George Strait Lands His 24th Number One Country Album and 84th Top 10 Hit This Week Nashville, TN ­ September 13, 2011 ­ If a talented country music artist is lucky, they have a hit song or two on the radio. If luckier, they might have a number one selling album sometime in their career. Accomplishing this feat multiple times and becoming a mainstay in the music business is something the elite few enjoy. But there is only one artist who has had 84 out of 89 radio singles make it to Top 10 (57 to Number One) and 24 albums at the number one position on Billboard¹s Country Music Album Chart ­ George Strait.

Strait continues to defy the odds, live up to the royal praise and deliver what only ³King George² can do. His newly released album, Here For A Good Time, debuted at Number One on the Billboard Country Album Charts this week (his 3rd number one album debut in a row) and #3 on Billboard Top 200 Chart (behind Lil Wayne & Adele) with first week sales of 91,414.

The title track ³Here For A Good Time,² written by Strait, his son Bubba Strait and songwriter Dean Dillon, is Strait¹s 89th career single and sits at Number 8th this week on the Billboard and Mediabase/Country Aircheck charts. This marks his 84th Top 10 radio hit and continues the unbelievable streak of having all but 5 singles in George Strait¹s entire 30-year career reach the Top 10 mark (those five landed Top 20).

³Strait knows how to pick a song and tell a storyŠ² reports The Salt Lake Tribune, ³This album shows why Strait continues to be one of the top-selling recording artists in any genre.²

³Obviously with each new album, Strait proves he's not living off the heat from those first initial hits,² says Houston Chronicle.

³Strait hasn't lost his touch for finding astonishing material...² says USA Today. ³Strait has spent his career defying music industry conventions,² reports Associated Press.

³This album is a musical statement from the man whose name it bears. It is a name that means sincerity, honesty and class. George Strait is a name that completely defines the word Œcountry music.¹² ­ Maverick magazine

Strait once again co-produced this album with his long-time friend and legendary producer Tony Brown at Shrimpboat Sound Studio in Key West, FL - the same studio where Strait recorded his last three award-winning albums. The Country Music Hall of Famer co-wrote seven of the album¹s 11 tracks with his son Bubba and legendary songwriter Dean Dillon.

With a career spanning more than 30 years, George Strait has the most number one singles of any artist in history including Elvis (57 to date inclusive of all charts). He has sold nearly 69 million records and with 33 different platinum or multi-platinum albums has the most RIAA platinum certifications in country music and the third in all genres, behind The Beatles and Elvis Presley. Strait was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

October 18th, 2011 GEORGE STRAIT EARNS HIS 58th NUMBER ONE SINGLE WITH "HERE FOR A GOOD TIME!" George Strait scores His First Number One As A Songwriter Nashville, TN – George Strait notches his 58th number one single with “Here For A Good Time” – a song he co-wrote with his son Bubba and legendary songwriter Dean Dillon. This also marks his first number one as a songwriter (an accomplishment he proudly shares with his son).

George Strait has the most number one singles of any artist in history including Elvis (58 to date inclusive of all charts). He has had 84 out of 89 radio singles make it to Top 10 (73 of them Top 5 hits). The Texas native has sold nearly 69 million records and with 33 different platinum or multi-platinum albums has the most RIAA platinum certifications in country music and the third in all genres, behind The Beatles and Elvis Presley. Strait was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

His CD Here For A Good Time debuted at #1 on the Top Country Albums chart and #3 on The Billboard 200 (behind Lil Wayne and Adele). Here For A Good Time is Strait’s eighth consecutive studio album to debut at #1 on the Top Country Album chart and his 24th overall #1 album.

»  GEORGE STRAIT RECEIVES GRAMMY NOMINATION FOR BEST COUNTRY ALBUM

The 2012 Nomination Marks Strait’s 4th Album in a Row to be Grammy Nominated Nashville, TN – December 2, 2011 -- Nominations for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards® (www.grammy.com) were announced this week by The Recording Academy® and reflected an eclectic mix of the best and brightest in music over the past year, as determined by the voting members of The Academy. Superstar George Strait received a Grammy nod for Best Country Album for his recent release HERE FOR A GOOD TIME. This marks his 4th album in a row to be nominated for the prestigious Grammy award.

Strait’s 39th studio album HERE FOR A GOOD TIME received rave reviews and is his eighth consecutive studio album to debut at #1 on the Top Country Album chart and his 24th overall #1 album. His CD also debuted at #3 on The Billboard 200 (behind Lil Wayne and Adele).

The title track “Here For A Good Time,” written by Strait, his son Bubba Strait and songwriter Dean Dillon, is his 58th number one single. This also marks Strait’s first number one as a songwriter (an accomplishment he proudly shares with his son). His current single “Love’s Gonna Make It Alright” is currently at #32 on Mediabase and #28 on Billboard radio charts.

The 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held on 'GRAMMY Sunday,' Feb. 12, 2012, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and once again will be broadcast live in high-definition TV and 5.1 surround sound on CBS from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). 

Country Aircheck January 30, 2012

George Strait opened his 2012 tour Friday in Lafayette, LA, supported by Martina McBride. KMDL MD Stephanie Crist was there. “It was obvious they were excited about kicking off the tour in Lafayette,” she reports. “Both George and Martina mentioned that a huge amount of thought goes into where the tour kicks off. The production was a square stage in the middle of the arena, giving fans a 360-degree view, and among the highlights was George’s cover of ‘Folsom Prison Blues.’ Backstage, both artists dined on Cajun fare. George brought a king cake and Martina brought po’boys.” Crist also notes that the Cajundome is also where Martina launched her first tour, opening for Garth Brooks in 1992.

January 31, 2012:  The second single from this album, "Love's Gonna Make It Alright,"  is now Number Ten on the charts!

By the end of March, before the ACM Awards, this was George's 59th Number One Single, while he was still 59 years old. 

SETLIST FOR 2012 

ENCORE  SELECTIONS: »    Sunday March 4th; 

George Strait makes it worth the wait By TIMOTHY FINN, The Kansas City Star

Saturday night's performance by George Strait at the Sprint Center was a concert rescheduled from Feb. 25, when Strait sang two songs and then left the stage because of illness.

One week after he sent a huge crowd home after two songs, George Strait returned to the Sprint Center and validated more than 17,000 fans’ decision to come back and try again. For nearly two hours, he and his Ace in the Hole Band delivered nearly two and a half dozen songs, giving another big, rowdy crowd plenty to sing along to and plenty to cheer about.

Strait was initially scheduled to perform on Feb. 25. After a opening set by Martina McBride, he took the stage with his band, sang a couple of songs, apologized for his hoarse voice and told the near capacity crowd he needed to take a rain check. He promised he’d return seven days later — same time, same place. And he did, bringing McBride along with him again for another one-hour set.

The arena looked slightly less full than it was a week before, but not by much. And most fans were in their seats early to watch McBride show off one of the best voices in country music. She changed up her setlist from the previous week’s, adding a cover of “(I Never Promised You A) Rose Garden” in with her own hits.

After a short intermission, Strait, who turns 60 in May, reprised his entrance from a week earlier, and before he sang a note, he appeared fitter and happier. He opened with the same two songs, “Here for a Good Time” and ”I Gotta Get to You,” and his Texas baritone  sounded in usual form. His opener is the title track to his latest album, which he visited a few more times (“Love’s Gonna Make it Alright,” “Drinkin’ Man,” “I’ll Always Remember You”).

Otherwise, he delivered a typically solid George Strait show, drawing from a reservoir of songs that includes nearly five dozen No. 1 country hits. Some were famous covers, like “Take Me Back to Tulsa” and “Folsom Prison Blues,” one of four encores. Others were his own fabled songs, like “I Can Still Make Cheyenne,” “Amarillo By Morning,” “The Chair” and “All My Ex’s Live in Texas,” another closer.

The stage was a large square set in the middle of the arena floor, surrounded by fans who bought floor GA tickets. A microphone was situated at each corner, and Strait spent the show walking from one microphone to another, serenading fans in different quadrants of the floor and arena. He strummed an acoustic guitar on about a dozen or so songs.

As usual, his 11-piece band, including two background singers, was polished and precise, almost to the point of tedium. When you’re that good and you’ve played those songs so many times, it’s not hard to make what’s exceptional look easy.  But his fans seemed anything but heartbroken as they left the arena. Sometimes pleasure delayed is that much more satisfying.  

Setlist

Here for a Good Time; I Gotta Get to You; I Saw God Today; Check Yes or No; I Can Still Make Cheyenne; The Seashores of Old Mexico; Ocean Front Property; Run; Arkansas Dave; Drinkin’ Man; Take Me Back to Tulsa; Milk Cow Blues; Love’s Gonna Make It Alright; River of Love; Where Have I Been All My Life; Living for the Night; The Chair; Give It Away; The Breath You Take; Amarillo By Morning; I’ll Always Remember You; Troubadour; Unwound.  Encore:  Some Kind of Crazy; All My Ex’s; Folsom Prison Blues; The Cowboy Rides Away.

Scheduled for April 30th 2012 release:  "Drinkin' Man." Sadly, this single did not get enough airplay, and started dropping around #34 on Mediabase, end of July, 2012.  RETURN TO: