After nearly three decades, George Strait continues to remain a force to be reckoned with on the country music charts. Strait’s newest single, “Troubadour”, comes from the heart. As he has said in several interviews to promote the album of the same name, the song resonates deeply with him because he sees himself as a troubadour of sorts.
With subtle background vocals by Vince Gill, Strait provides a seemingly somber, yet accepting, outlook of the fate of a traveling singer: “Sometimes I feel like Jesse James/Still trying to make a name/Knowing nothings gonna change what I am/I was a young troubadour when I rode in on a song/and I’ll be an old troubadour when I’m gone.”
Unfortunately, while this song may very well be a personal anthem for Strait, the song still seems as though it’s lacking. The lyrics seem to be reaching for poignancy, Vince Gill’s voice (surprisingly) doesn’t blend well with Strait’s and the melody is less than inspiring.
Written by Monty Holmes & Leslie Satcher
Grade: B-
Listen: Troubadour
Buy: Troubadour
We know this strait song is gonna be a big hit for him. It is no surprise that his ‘title track’ is being released. It’s also a more ‘conventional’ single as was “I Saw God Today” compared with Strait’s last record single choices.
I’ll need to take issue with the description of this song as “lacking”. In the current state of country music, if this is lacking, then I’m dying to know a word that would fit anything that Taylor Swift or Rascal Flatts has released. And as for Vince Gill’s vocals not blending, I must just flatly disagree, and encourage you to give the song another few dozen listens. This track really grabbed my attention, along with “House of Cash” and stood apart as the best two tracks on a well made record.
The song is catchy, and I’ve caught myself humming the chorus numerious times. It was meant to be simple. Understated. It streches for nothing above what it is. I suppose that some of us have this drive to find the greater meaning of most any song that King George releases, and it’s easy to do. But this song is simply a reflection, fun and light, and yet another solid release by one of country’s best.
Mike,
I promise you that you can find quite a few choice words on this site describing Taylor Swift and Rascal Flatts, and they’re a lot more severe than “lacking.”
I think this song is rather plodding and lifeless. I agree with Leann here.
I greatly disagree with this review. To call this song “lacking” is like calling rap music country; it doesn’t make sense! This song is very catchy. I caught myself singing along to it after just a few listens. I think Vince Gill provides considerable background vocals on this single, and George’s heart-felt performance of the song sells it. This song is sure to be a favorite with fans and a huge radio single.
Grade: A
This is a great song. Another #1 hit for Mr. Strait. It is very catchy, I loved it from the first listen. A video is needed to complete the heart felt message to the fans. “lacking”!! the only thing Lacking is your review.
I’ve been a George Strait fan for over 20 years but his music of the last 10 years has been in decline. He seems to be slogging along. Does less than 30 tour dates a year while artists older then him do 2 and 3 times that. Though this is one of the cuts I like on his new cd. I can’t say that for the whole cd. It has it good moments has well as the weak ones.
Catchy is what I call Sugarland’s new song. What I call this song is boring and sleepy, just like his last three singles. Wake me up when he doesn’t put me to sleep.
I know George is god to some people but the man is a broken record. He hasnt changed at all which can be good but give us new material not material that makes us feel like we heard it all before.