We’ve got all the goods on George Strait's new album, Cowboys And Dreamers: Tracklist, Songwriters, And A Track-by-Track Review
Ya know, every George Strait album is the “album of the year” for a real fan. His records never fail ‘em – there’s usually always a mix of the honky-tonk revelry, good times between friends, the heartrending life lessons, and unconditional love that sustains. Sonically they’re always a cornucopia of trad-country-arrangement beauty, from Western swing to easy-breezy balladry to straight-ahead barroom romper. He does it all with style; that voice of his never seems to go out of it.
Now, it’s hard for me to be unbiased here, because I am a diehard Strait fan, but I think Cowboys and Dreamers (out September 6) would be a worthy contender for the #AOTY prize … the ultimate Grammy that all the pop fans fight over on behalf of their perspective idols.
In a year when country was in high fashion and the crossovers were plenty, I say why not urge the Grammy voters to recognize one of the guys who’s been doing the coolest thing all along? Cowboys and Dreamers might be just the record for that distinction, too. It’s a beaut.
I definitely won’t “spoil” too much for y’all before the LP comes out, but I will tell you a few things after hearing it through headphones, driving around with it in the truck, and tipping a couple back to it at the end of the day. Read on, and listen to three of the songs George has already shared. Are you a cowboy, a dreamer, or both?
Cowboys And Dreamers Track List
1. Three Drinks Behind
(Songwriters: Benjamin Gaither, Jeff Silvey and Kim Williams)
The scene is a bar where George fellowships his cares away. It has such a melody that you find yourself singing along by the second chorus.
Sister songs: Think the rhythm of “Love’s Gonna Make It Alright” and the collegial lyrical spirit of “Cold Beer Conversation.”
Listen for this: It’s got some supremely beautiful guitar refrains and high-toned instrumentation throughout. It’s a vibe. Set em up, Joe!
2. Cowboys And Dreamers
(Jessie Jo Dillon, Keith Gattis and Bubba Strait)
This one is the title track because, in a way, it’s the thesis of both the record and of George’s career. He worries less about fitting into any given moment than satisfying and building on his own creative lanes. He keeps his eyes on the road ahead. He lives and dies for the rush.
Sister songs: “Amarillo By Morning,” “I Can Still Make Cheyenne”
Listen for this: It becomes more and more anthemic by the second with its steady beat— it’s an instant Strait classic.
3. To The Moon
(Marty Brown and Steve Clark)
This one is giving me Don Williams simplicity — all the things that a man clings to in life pale in comparison to his one true love.
Sister songs: “Carrying Your Love With Me,” “I Cross My Heart”
Listen for this: The bluegrass elements at the end sweeten the whole affair.
4. MIA Down in MIA
(Adam Craig and Dean Dillon)
Strait can pull off these Buffett-style ditties every time, without a miss. Can’t you just see George under the palms, Código in hand?
Sister songs: “Código,” “Stars on the Water”
Listen for this: Man, Strait paints quite the relaxing scene in the last verse. Wait till you hear it.
5. Wish I Could Say
(Keith Gattis)
The late, great songwriter Gattis penned this Kristofferson-worthy ballad. And damn if George doesn’t slay that vocal…
Sister songs: “Drinking Champagne,” “Today My World Slipped Away”
Listen for this: Go for the storytelling, stay for the soulful organ solo and the way the fiddle weaves in and out with George’s perfect vocal tone.
6. Calling From The Car
(Bobby Braddock)
Genius! Lyrics about cellphones set to the the twangiest, traditional country style imaginable. The wordplay in this one is [chef’s kiss].
Sister songs: “All My Exes Live In Texas,” “Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind”
Listen for this: That cascading pedal steel and the twinkly piano. Anybody want a drink?
7. People Get Hurt Sometimes
(Jim Lauderdale, Kendell Marvel and Jimmy Ritchey)
The word that comes to mind is “swoon.” A song for a bittersweet slow dance.
Sister songs: “What’s Going On In Your World,” “She’ll Leave You With a Smile”
Listen for this: Strait always had an affinity for the Billy Sherrill strings and the countrypolitan elements, but just enough not to be cloying, right? This finds that perfect balance in the instruments.
8. Honky Tonk Hall Of Fame with Chris Stapleton
(Chris Stapleton, Jameson Clark and Timothy James)
These two men could have made us cry, made us go deep into thought. But they just want us to have fun. They out honky-tonk each other with aplomb. Musta been all those stadium dates.
Sister songs: “Hey Good Lookin’,” “Big Ball’s In Cowtown”
Listen for this: Notice how well they coordinate their vocal runs in the more challenging patches. Watch out, Mariah and Ariana!
9. The Little Things
(George Strait, Monty Criswell and Bubba Strait)
Seems like the perfect song for a father and son to help co-write — an ode to reconnecting with what matters.
Sister songs: “I Saw God Today,” “Love’s Gonna Make It Alright”
Listen for this: Just listen, and grab a tissue, maybe. I mean, he sings so earnestly about Merle and Momma in the chorus. I’ll let the other “little things” surprise you.
10. The Book
(George Strait, Dean Dillon, Jessie Jo Dillon and Bubba Strait)
Another meaningful tune benefiting from close-knit, family songwriting. One for the believers.
Sister songs: “Blue Clear Sky,” “Love Without End, Amen”
Listen for this: It might be the purest country arrangement on the record, and that’s saying a lot considering it’s George Strait. This one rolls along so beautifully – you’ll see. It’s cowboy gospel.
11. Rent
(Guy Clark and Keith Gattis)
If George’s spoken intro doesn’t choke you up, the song itself will. A character so real is written and sung stunningly within those verses.
Sister songs: “Give It Away,” “River of Love”
Listen for this: The backing vocals send this one soaring to new heights. Gorgeous and profound.
12. Waymore’s Blues
(Curtis Buck and Waylon Jennings)
It’s a cover and a goodun.
Sister songs: “Ace In The Hole,” “Heartland”
Listen for this: George finds the Waylon grit without copying, and the extended jams are perfect for the next to last track on a record.
13. The Journey Of Your Life
(Ronnie Bowman and Troy Jones)
It all comes back to those who came before us and lived to tell the tales, to teach the lessons. Another modern Strait motivator for the hard times.
Sister songs: “Troubadour,” “I Believe”
Listen for this: The ethereal vibes of this one, enhanced by rich strings, help to end the album in a reflective spot.
Can't get enough of the King of Country? Head to our special page Greatest Hits: The Eras of George Strait to find a massive playlist, photos, info about the eras of his artistry, past C&I cover stories, and much more!
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