Troubadour  (Audio CD) 
by George Strait

Well into his third decade at the top, album # 37 for George Strait maintains the consistency and high quality that's marked the vast majority of his work from the start. Like Alan Jackson, he's has always been more comfortable in conventional country fiddle and steel guitar settings, and that's largely where he remains with Troubadour. Even the good-natured, Caribbean feel of "River of Love" is closer to vintage Strait than Jimmy Buffett. The more somber "House of Cash" is a duet with Patty Loveless. It tells the story of the tragic, 2007 fire that took the home of Johnny Cash, and reflects on what could not be obliterated by the flames. Strait reverts to classic, Lone Star State form with "Make Her Fall With Me Song," a honky tonk shuffle in the style of Ray Price or George Jones, while the gorgeous western swing-driven "That West Texas Town" is a duet with Dean Dillon. With Troubadour Strait avoids surprises, if only by virtue of his continuing skill working wonders within a time-honored style. --Rich Kienzle