George Strait Always Never The Same CD

All tracks have been digitally mastered using HDCD technology.

Folks like to describe George Strait as "dependable"--buy his CD and you know you'll get a collection of high-quality country songs, all delivered in his inimitable style. But Strait has titled his 24th album ALWAYS NEVER THE SAME to underline the fact that his records aren't as predictable as they may seem. As the album proves, it's what Strait does within the confines of each release that makes the difference. As usual, he's turned to his favorite songwriters (Dean Dillon, Jeff Stevens, Jim Lauderdale, etc.) for material, but the songs capture a wide range of emotions, and his performance changes with each one.

The title track is an upbeat tune that recalls the Mavericks, while songs like "What Do You Say To That" and "One of You" are simple statements of devotion--one serious, one humorous. Strait gets downright sexy on "That's Where I Wanna Take Our Love" and positively heartbroken on "4 Minus 3 Equals Zero," a standout song about a man who can't grasp the fact that his family is being torn in two. On "That's the Truth," Strait's vocals are so choked with emotion that he sounds like he can barely get the words out. With ALWAYS NEVER THE SAME, Strait has done it again, but it's the way in which he does it that continues to surprise.

Recorded at Ocean Way and Sound Stage Studios, Nashville, Tennessee.

Personnel: George Strait (vocals); Steve Gibson, Brent Mason (acoustic & electric guitars); Randy Scruggs (acoustic guitar); Paul Franklin (steel guitar); Stuart Duncan (fiddle); Steve Nathan (piano, Wurlitzer piano); Glenn Worf (bass); Eddie Bayers (drums); Curtis Young, Liana Manis (background vocals); Nashville String Machine.

Entertainment Weekly (3/5/99, p.67) - "It's to his credit as a stylist that Strait can imbue even the most lightweight modern country material with the kind of grace that makes it soar at radio. But on his 24th album, Strait never forgets to prove his mettle with the honky-tonk masters..."
- Rating: B+
Q (6/99, p.112) - 4 Stars (out of 5) - "...Strait...is a fine melanchilist and droll swinger who still sounds fresh on his 24th album. ALWAYS NEVER THE SAME is reddles with coutnry wit...throbbing pain and hurt...and, from time to time, the zestful western bounce of his earlier work..."