Strait Out of the Box [Box] by George Strait

Any time people discuss the greatest Country music singers of all time, George Strait should come to the top of the list. Despite all the changes the industry has undergone and the fact that Country music is beginning to sound more like rock and roll music, George Strait has held onto his traditional sound and maintained his popularity, something many of his idols (Hank Williams, George Jones) were not able to do. I could go on for days singing his praises: remaining true to his roots, his pure talent, down to earth nature, and most importantly producing great song after great song, but you wouldn't be reading this if you weren't already a George Strait fan. So I'll skip over all that and get to the heart of the matter.

This box set is composed of four CD's totaling seventy-two songs, all which span the time from when he first started out in 1975 to 1995 when the set was released. Of course all the good old songs which made him famous like "All my Ex's Live in Texas," "Ocean Front Property," and "Amarillo by Morning," are all on here, but they definitely do not carry the box set. George hand picked twenty of the non-single songs from his albums, which really makes this set appealing for true Strait fans who love songs like "80 Proof Bottle of Tear Stopper" and "Blame it on Mexico."
Make no mistake about it, this album is pure country and from start to finish you can't find a song that doesn't twang. However, new generation country fans should be aware that none of his more modern hits are in this box set. To get songs like "Carried Away," "Blue Clear Sky," and "Carrying Your Love With Me" listeners should get his newest album, "Latest, Greatest, Straitest Hits." While his new stuff isn't available in this box set, George Strait hasn't changed his musical style a bit since he first started out in the business with an independent label in Houston 25 years ago. So, if you really like his new stuff, then the chances are you'll love his old stuff even more. If you're a huge Strait fan like myself, then I'd strongly suggest getting this box set. It's simply a great value, considering CD's cost at least $12 new these days, this box set falls right in line costing around $45 for four CD's, and each CD is great from start to finish. Also, there was a previously unreleased duet George did with Frank Sinatra of "Fly Me to the Moon" which can't be found anywhere else and is worth the price of the box set just to hear two legendary vocalists few people could imagine perform together. Any true George Strait fan should already have this box set, and if you don't I'd strongly suggest getting it. If you need any more proof, just consider this fact, not only is Strait Out of the Box the greatest selling country box set of all time, but is the third greatest selling box set in any genre, behind only Led Zepplin and Pink Floyd, impressive company.

George Strait has been working in the industry for almost 25 years now. In all those years he's sung so many different songs, slow, fast, happy, and sad, he's done it all. But make no mistake about it once a Strait song comes on the radio, you'll know it, his voice true country style are unmistakable. Unfortunately he is part of a dying breed because it's becoming more difficult to distinguish between country and alternative music, but George isn't showing any signs of slowing down. His new single, "Go On," (released to radio stations now) is proof that George hasn't changed a bit. It's very reminiscent of "Easy Come Easy Go," and "You Know Me Better Than That," my only problem is waiting until the rest of the album is released in early December. As much success as he has found time after time and year after year, he as remained true to his roots. I had the opportunity to briefly speak with him once when he played a private concert for a friend at one of his friend's ranches and I can say that he is one of the most grounded people I have ever met. He still drives his Chevy truck, lives on a ranch, and does ads for country items like Wrangler jeans and Tractor Supply Company. There are few things which are a sure bet in life, but George Strait staying true to his country roots and influences is a bet I'll take every time. In my humble opinion, this fantastic box set is just one chapter in the unfinished story of the greatest country singer of all time.