Love Is Everything

One reason George Strait is considered the flame-keeper of country music verities is the fact that he’s unafraid to leave his heart in a million pieces on the floor. That’s the scenario here on “Blue Melodies” and “I Just Can’t Go on Dying Like This,” where Strait nearly slips into some George Jones-influenced phrasing. Mournful tunes don’t dominate this album (just try to feel anything but chipper during “I Thought I Heard My Heart Sing”), but whether he’s crooning from the depths of sorrow or love’s lofty perch, sexagenarian Strait remains trad country’s most powerful champion.