Search - George Strait :: If You Ain't Lovin You Ain't Livin

Good offering starts to lose steam at end

Jonathan Lammert | 07/11/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This album was the last one from George before the hat act invasion of 1989 took place (Garth, Alan, Clint) and gets by mainly on its singles. The unreleased tracks are not as impressive as George's usually are. The title track, a classic by Faron Young, is given a great cover and is updated to the eighties' "new traditionalist" sound. Baby Blue has since taken its place as one of his fans' favorite lost love ballads. George sounds as if he's on the verge of tears and is barely holding it together. Famous Last Words carries the same theme, but uses a fresh point-of-view. Among the unreleased songs, Under These Conditions is the best, a sweeping honky tonk ballad which boasts a lot of heart. Bigger Man and Back to Bein' are also very well done. The album, however, does have three below average songs: Don't Mind, Is It That Time, and Let's Get Down. They lack the usual spit and polish that Strait songs usually boast, and bring down the album from the 5 star level. While the melodies are passable, the lyrics could have used another rewriting on certain phrases and wording."

"If You Ain't Lovin'"

Chris Cerenelli | Hubbard, OH | 12/15/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I think this is one of George's better albums. The 3 singles released from it all went number one, including my all-time favorite "Baby Blue". Also, I like the non-singles as well, especially "Bigger Man Than Me". This CD is a good representation of George at his best."

Another Winner

David Brown | East Meadow, New York United States | 04/24/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I cannot believe how negative some people are about this CD. The title track is one of George's best songs (Pay close attention to the lyrics), "Baby Blue", "Famous Last Words Of A Fool", and "Bigger Man Than Me" are country classics. "Lets Get Down To It" Is one of his most underrated songs (Perhaps only behind "Angel, Angelina" and "You Got That Ole Redneck Feelin Blue"). Is it as good as "Pure Country", "Something Special", and Beyond The Blue Neon"? No it isn't, but it is a quality CD, that should be a must for George fans."