George Strait, the undisputed King of Country Music, returns to tell more tales of his favorite kinds of people, the Cowboys And Dreamers. Guests include Chris Stapleton.
George Strait is back after a four-year hiatus with his new album Cowboys And Dreamers. This collection of thirteen songs, including a duet with Chris Stapleton, marks his first new music since 2019’s Honky Tonk Time Machine. It also comes as Strait continues to dominate country music with a sold-out stadium tour. Cowboys And Dreamers is Strait's 31st studio album, cementing his reign as country music royalty. Produced by longtime friends Chuck Ainlay, Tony Brown, and Strait himself, the album captures the essence of a legend who has sold over 105 million albums and earned more than 60 major entertainment awards. With a record-breaking streak of Top 10 hits spanning over three decades, Strait’s legacy is unparalleled.
The album’s title track, written by Jessie Jo Dillon, Keith Gattis, and Strait’s son, Bubba, sets the tone. Strait reflects on his place in the ever-evolving world of country music, singing, "Some days I feel like the last of a dying breed, trying to find where I fit." It’s a poignant line from a man who has shaped the genre but now finds himself at a time when trends come and go. Yet, Strait’s music remains timeless, rooted in tradition while still pushing forward. Tracks like "I Wish I Could Say," written by the late Keith Gattis, offer a hopeful message, with lyrics like, "Wish I could tell you how the world ain’t ended, and how it’s all going to be okay." Strait's signature blend of honky-tonk and heartache is on full display, proving that he hasn’t lost his touch. It’s like the guy can do this in his sleep at this point.
Fans will also recognize three previously released songs - “Three Drinks Behind,” “MIA Down In MIA,” and “The Little Things” - that have already become staples of his live shows. But it’s the collaborations that truly elevate this record. The Chris Stapleton-assisted "Honky Tonk Hall Of Fame" is a standout, while Strait’s rendition of Waylon Jennings’ “Waymore’s Blues” pays tribute to one of his heroes. As Strait prepares to close out his 2024 tour with a monumental show at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium, the 37th installment of his "Strait to Vegas" residency, Cowboys And Dreamers feels like both a culmination and a new chapter. It’s the sound of a man who knows his place in history but isn’t content to rest on his laurels. With 33 platinum or multi-platinum albums to his name (only the Beatles and Elvis Presley have more certifications), Strait’s legacy is secure.