Troubadour Reviews

• If you love your music Strait and to the point...this one delivers...

  
  By AM6SOTOKGRZGA on 2008-04-02
  I give this CD 5 stars because it is a wonderful CD. The previous CD of all-new songs, IT JUST COMES NATURAL, was hailed by lots of people as his greatest CD yet. I think this one ranks right up there with 1980's George Strait. Yes...you saw that right! 1980's George Strait...but by no means does that mean the songs are dated, it's just that there are plenty of songs that make any Strait fan remember that era in his career. Specifically the western-swing sing-a-long "West Texas Town". There are several songs on here that re-introduce the sounds of 'classic' George Strait...the toe-tapping Western swing style he's gotten away from in recent years. The song that has western swing written all over it is a song called "West Texas Town", a duet with singer/songwriter Dean Dillon. This is significant because Dean helped build the George Strait legend via the songs he wrote that George has recorded through the years. This particular CD contains 4 songs co-written by Dean Dillon...which that, too, is significant because in recent years he'd gotten away from recording Dean Dillon songs. Good traditional country sounds are heard in the bouncy "Make Her Fall in Love With Me Song". I am hoping "When You're in Love" becomes a single. When i heard the song start up on my CD it sounds like a country radio hit. The first single is "I Saw God Today" which is #4 on the country chart this week and it's track #6 on the CD. Track #12 just ended. The track #12 song is called "If Heartaches Were Horses". "It Was Me" is a mid-tempo, bouncy song. There is a second duet on this CD...i already mentioned the Dean Dillon duet called "West Texas Town"...this second duet from the CD is an almost spiritual-like ballad called "House of Cash" with Patty Loveless. The song is about the house of Cash...Johnny Cash, that is, and the belief that many feel was the reason it burned to the ground after Johnny's death. In case there are those who do not know, after June Carter Cash passed away, Johnny died within months...then, a couple months after his death, his legendary house on Hickory Lake in Tennessee burned to the ground after a deal had been made for it's sale to new owners. So, there are those who feel that was Johnny and June's way of saying "since we've both gone, so will our house.". So, "House of Cash" plays into that way of thinking. It's a great song...but i can't 'hear' it on the radio...it's too deep. "Give Me More Time" is a haunting song with a twist ending wrapped around the phrase "give me more time"...it's one of the four songs co-written by Dean Dillon. The CD kicks off with "Troubadour" which is a song tailor made for George in my opinion. A few songs go beyond what you'd think he would sing...for instance, "River of Love" and "Brothers of the Highway". In the case of "River of Love" it has that tropical flavor to it and a repetitious chorus. "Rollin, let's go rollin' on the River of Love; Rollin'...let's go rollin' on the River of Love...". While listening to the CD i was enjoying it and at the same time thinking which ones could make good singles on the radio after "I Saw God Today" runs it's course. "When You're in Love" gets my vote as a follow-up...then, "Make Her Fall in Love With Me Song" even though it has an unusual title. I would like to see his duet with Patty Loveless released as a single but it's hard to tell if it will. The duet with Dean Dillon would be great, too...plus it's uptempo...and it's great...and it makes one think of 1980's George Strait with the western-swing influence heard more. That is what i was making reference to earlier in this review...many of the songs will make one think of early George Strait and for those who are on the bandwagon wondering when George will get back to 'those' kinds of songs, this CD will be right up your alley.
  
  

• 'KING' GEORGE IN AN EXCITING, MASTERFUL COUNTRY SET

  
  By A2XOV3ZKGDK55G on 2008-04-01
  Five BIG Stars!! Award-winning country music legend and Hall of Famer George Strait spins up another winner with the CD "Troubadour. One of the biggest selling music artists alive, regardless of music genre, George uses his calm, tightly-controlled, well-modulated and exciting voice to tell great stories from purely wonderful lyrics and great country rhythms. On the heels of his award-winning It Just Comes Natural, George has created very interesting new material for us fans to enjoy. On this 12 track CD, he surveys a big slice of Americana, serving up two duets along the way, giving us his viewpoint on today's life, love, and events using beautiful ballads, laid-back barroom blues, and honky-tonk swingers.
  
  The 'Best of the Best' begin with the wonderful title track "Troubadour": a great song about a singer looking back and looking ahead, with Vince Gill harmonizing beautifully in the background. The first few words of "Troubadour" demonstrate the fact that master singers like Mr Strait make every nuanced note count: a singing seminar in one verse. "Brothers of the Highway" is a honky-tonk wonder that salutes big-rig truckers who play such a vital role in coast-to-coast transportation: the bridge is pure joy: 'sailin' for the settin' sun". (And it went straight to my iPod). "House of Cash" with Patti Loveless is a great tribute to the legendary Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, based on the fire that posthumously burned down their house. "Give Me More Time" is a great song about a spoken phrase that wraps around many current problems in America. "I Saw God Today" is a beautifully sung, heart-felt sentiment of finding God right here on earth in people, places, sights and one specific place. (Currently on the BillBoard top five, it also went straight to my iPod.) Dean Dillion's hard-swinging song "West Texas Town" is not about El Paso, but another nice place in the Lone Star State, with Dillion pushing this duet hard, fast, and swinging. BTW, Dillion collaborated on four songs of this songfest, adding further to his treasure chest of Strait songs. Into his third decade of great country music-making and record breaking sales, George Strait is the "Real Deal" and the undisputed "King". "Troubadour", his 35th recording, is flat-out great authentic and honest country music and it gets My Highest Recommendation. Five BIG Stars!!
  (This review of based on an iTunes download with digital booklet containing all lyrics.)
  
  

• The King of Country delivers, yet again! (track by track review)

  
  By A34C347XK58IOE on 2008-04-01
  It's April Fool's Day, folks, but the undisputed King of Country releases and delivers the best country music available! *proud smile* No joke! ; o ~
  
  The title track "Troubador" probably best reflects where George is at in this stage of his life, which more than likely, is why it kicks off the album, right? *smirk* "I was a young troubadour when I rode in on a song and I'll be an old troubadour when I'm gone."
  
  "Now It Was Me" is one of those song that reminds Strait fans why we love this man so much!! (As if we have ever forgotten!) I've listened to this song a few times already and every time I hear it, I envision a couple falling in love as they spin around one of those old dusty Texas dancehall floors I dream about visiting. *wink*
  
  In "Brothers Of The Highway", Strait tips his hat to an unappreciated group of folks . . . our hard workin' truck drivers. The song is very catchy and will no doubt have ya swaying in your seat. A real toe-tapper.
  
  Seems like George has caught "beach fever" in his "River Of Love"! *wink* I don't mind at all . . . for a little over 3 minutes folks like me livin' in Yankeedom can imagine we have our toes in the sand! Great song, but I'm not sure if I liked the background vocals. Who knows, they may grow on me. ;o)
  
  Now. Patty Loveless is one of country music's greatest female singer's EVER! That's just my opinion. ;o) So when I first read she was doing a duet on this album, I COULDN'T WAIT! "House of Cash" is a tribute to the late and great Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash and their home on Hickory Hill Lake in TN that sadly burned down in April of 2007. (Wow .. . . if THOSE walls could have talked . . .:o/ ) Somber and slightly haunting.
  
  Halfway through the CD is "I Saw God Today" which is Strait's current hit. This track will undoubtedly leave proud parents smiling, yours truly included. =)
  
  "Give Me More Time" left a painful lump in my throat. So beautiful ... love the cry of the steel guitar on this one.
  
  "When You're In Love" with it's beautiful melody is my second favorite track on the album. I just love everything about it and I feel good when I hear it! Coming in first is it's following track, "Make Her Fall In Love With Me Song". !!!Strait camp!!!, if you are reading this, this MUST MUST MUST be a single! Ya can't help but smile when you hear it. =))
  
  George delivers a lil' bit of Texas Swing in "West Texas Town" with some help from Dean Dillion. I know Dean has written several songs for George over the years but cannot remember which ones off the top of my head. Dig George's "aawww" at the end. *melt*
  
  "House With No Doors" is country ALL the way. A conversational song between Strait and a brokenhearted man.
  
  When my eyes scanned over the title tracks, the final track, "If Heartaches Where Horses" caught my eye. I predicted to myself it would be a good song, and it is. *nod*
  
  All in all, Strait fans will be left satisfied purchasing this album. I don't think it would be fair to compare it to any of his previous works, 'cause really ... It Just Comes Natural was George BRILLANT!!!!! But I purchased it with only knowing "I Saw God Today" and I am not disappointed.
  
  Enjoy!!
  
  
  

• Seeing god and feeling his presence

  
  By AQL13WF76ZQQJ on 2008-09-16
  This recent cd by George Strait features a song that has touched so dear to my heart called I Saw God Today. I remember when my daughters were born and seeing a miracle 3 times over, my life has been blessed by the good lord above and I appreciate everything he does for me and I surely thank him everyday. Thank you George for singing this song and putting it out there for me to find happiness of how my life has been.
  
  

• Worth Crowing About

  
  By A3EE0H0NWQ9QVL on 2008-08-03
  George Strait has filled up country radio for years. A tad more worthy than `Carrying Your Love with Me,' `Troubadour' gives fans plenty of reasons to buy his latest offering. Again featuring several fine songwriters and musicians, George gives us a quality album that covers most corners of country music.
  
  The title track is notable enough for it's autobiographical sketch provided by songwriter Marty Holmes. "I feel like Jesse James," he shares, and "I still feel twenty-five most of the time." Most of his songs chase after women at honky-tonk bars, too. "It Was Me" goes down easily enough, but on the playful "When You're in Love," George is the true troubadour with a terrific radio worthy song. "Make Her Fall in Love with Me Song" already seems like a honky-tonk jukebox classic, and "River of Love" showcases a C.D. accompaniment that's never been finer overall with an intricate (mandolin or ukulele) shining through. (It's a bit Jimmy Buffet influenced, so I go for the latter.)
  
  Leaning heavier, George sings the sincere, but less worthy "House of Cash," a tribute that needs no explanation. "West Texas Town" is a throwback to "All My Exes Live in Texas," except, if anything, it's more fun and better executed. "Brothers of the Highway" is intricate, and arguably his best offering.
  
  More than foolin' around, George gets serious with "I Saw God Today," a proper reflection with the words:
  
  "His fingerprints are everywhere./ I just slow down to stop and stare.
  Open my eyes and, man, I swear,/ I saw God today."
  
  The rest of the songs aren't bad, nothing so bad to mar. If you want to wait to hear these songs on the radio, that's okay, but commercial free, George Strait is worth your extra greenbacks.
  
  
• King George continues...
  By A2XZLC7FU3HUMP on 2008-04-02
  Such a great album. I really give this album 4 1/2 stars cause of the River Of Love background vocals...i love the song but when the bgvs come in your like umm why didnt he just sing it by himself. George is my favorite singer of all time in any genre. I grew up on his music...this cd is mostly flawless and perfect without the awkward bgvs on River Of Love. anyone agree?
  
  Buy This Now!!
  
  
• Troubadour by George Strait
  By A3C4IMTMD0R8RU on 2008-05-02
  Just great, the best because George Strait is the best. Never lets you down with any of his recordings.
  
  
• Strait and good
  By A386S6UMPVGMLO on 2008-05-09
  "Troubadour" is a good album, George Strait is in his usual good form for those who are country(Western) fans. This album isn't much different than most of his albums but is true George Strait style. I like the duets with Dean Dillon - West Texas Town, a little country swing, which i really like(I'm an old Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys fan) and the - House of Cash,
  with Patty Loveless. All In Aal I rated it a 4 only because it didn't have at least one or two more country swing titles. George Strait is, in my opinion, about the only individual right now who has a touch for country swing, and his choice of musicians have that same attitude about it.
  
  
• There's no stopping King George
  By A1DDJ2UMTIZ4YQ on 2008-04-01
  Just dowloaded the new album. Love every song. A "must have right now" for any true country music fan.
  
  
• It's King George what do you expect!
  By A2XIH0LXR9EEBA on 2008-04-10
  He's awesome again as usual - I haven't seen one thing this man puts out that is not perfection - he should defintely be heard on the radio more - this whole album is wonderful
  
  
• Wow!!
  By A2JCFAHYCTKBEK on 2008-04-20
  Excellent!!
  
  George Strait is the King and this work is no let down.
  
  Make her fall in love with me song....in my opinion...the best track on the CD!!
  
  
• Pure Strait country
  By ANAX9X08W4GKF on 2008-04-23
  Every cut on this album is pure Strait. Another great album by the King of Country Music. I only wish he had recorded House of Cash with someone other than Patty Loveless. Would have been perfect for George and Merle Haggard.
  
  
• my husband loves it
  By AWSNKOUZ8H1NM on 2008-04-25
  GOt this cd for my husband, he is a huge George Strait fan and he was very happy and has not been dispointed yet :)
  
  
• Troubadour
  By AMCLXPF4U9WZU on 2008-04-26
  George Strait's new album is over 5 stars to me. I think all the songs are great. My favorite is : I Saw God Today----says it all about what is important and how we miss it in our daily lives.
  Atta Boy George !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  
  
• Geo Strait
  By A2AZPH4095CCJT on 2008-04-26
  Standard country music. If you like George Strait and traditional country music you'll like this new album.
  
  
• King George
  By A30AWGK4L48XM8 on 2008-04-28
  Best CD to date. I wouldn't be surprised if they all went to #1.
  
  
• Just Get This CD!!!!!!!!
  By A1ZXSVBX5L4NHO on 2008-04-28
  Pure Country Music that I fell in love with. It doesn't get any better then Strait. Ordered ths w/o even hearing one song from the cd. George delivers as always.
  Just get it!!!!!
  
  
• It just keeps getting better
  By AV9XARIRDX98J on 2008-05-02
  If you love George Strait and his music, then in all likely hood you will enjoy his latest master piece. The lyrics, the music, the voice is just as good if not better today than it was 20 years ago. What an exceptional artist to listen to. Many songs that he sings seem to tell stories of lifes journies for many of us and Troubadour continues that trend.
  
  
• Trobadour
  By A2FZB588WYGZ40 on 2008-05-02
  A most welcome return to George Strait's quality style for which he is best known, brilliant!
  
  
• Ageless
  By A3LY1M5H44BHPD on 2008-05-03
  George Strait chooses wonderful songs, sings them in his wonderful style and delivers another set pleasurable listening. I hope he never stops singing.
  
  
• LOVE GEORGE STRAIT
  By A3376OQSHCTV1A on 2008-05-03
  I am every bit as pleased with this latest CD as I am with all of his recording. I have them all and I love every one of them. Nothing more I can say,as I am totally happy with Troubadour.
  
  
• Love it!
  By A2ZJ44P2S8W5W0 on 2008-05-04
  We love George's new CD, Troubadour, and we love the attention it's getting on XM Radio. Another great CD from a great singer.
  
  
• Troubadour
  By A3URHNRL4GUZ8W on 2008-05-05
  Good CD as usual. This CD is not as good as It Just Comes Natural, but it is still good to listen to.
  
  
• Troubadour
  By A7QQFN1NW3FJQ on 2008-05-05
  This is an excellent CD. A couple of the songs are really special. It's George Strait at his usual "best"!
  
  
• No One like George!
  By A1UO5OEKOR6JYU on 2008-05-05
  As usual, I wasn't disappointed. George Strait is the best. He can sing any type song and it turns out wonderful. I have been a fan for years and will continue to listen to the best country singer around.
  
  
• Once of his best
  By A2OPDH7BPBEESR on 2008-05-05
  For an artist who is consistently great with his product, I have found this particular album to be among his very best. Cut for cut, it is 100% pure Strait. Standout cuts for me included "House of Cash" a duet with Patty Loveless. the first single, "I Saw God Today", "Give Me More Time", "Make Her Fall In Love With Me Song", "Troubador", the title cut, "If Heartaches Were Hores", and "When You're In Love". In my opinion, it is his second best album EVER. My favorite is still "Beyond The Blue Neon," but this one is a close second. If you like traditional country music in general or George Strait in particular, pick it up. You won't regret it!
  
  
• Excellent
  By AXK50S8NZT5XQ on 2008-05-05
  If you're a fan of George Strait, then you'll love his newest CD "Troubador". I just received my copy. This is classic George, at his best. I'm extremely satisfied with it. Definately worth a buy.
  
  
• Another great album!
  By A2SS0IANHQ5MLE on 2008-05-08
  Another great album by a great country singer. I especially like "I Saw God Today, Brothers Of The Highway, & House With No Doors". Keep up the good work.
  
  
  
• Another Gem
  By A1RZKFBNCXQP1S on 2008-05-10
  Another Gem by George Strait. He continues to amaze. In all his years, he has yet to release a truly bad album. Some better than others and this is one of the "better than others" I was talking about. This is truly one of his very best. If you like good country music, or just good music in general, this is for you.
  
  
• No one can top George!!!!
  By AHW5F39I1XCRI on 2008-05-19
  I loved this album as well as all of George's past work.
  He is truly the greatest talent on the country music stage and no one
  can touch him. George continues to put out the best music in the business and I hope that he'll produce many more albums to come.
  Live on and prosper George so that we can all benefit!!!!
  
  

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