New George Strait Album “Honky Tonk Time Machine” On The Way
George Strait has an album of new music on the way for the first time in four years, and it will be called Honky Tonk Time Machine. This was the country legend’s pronouncement from the stage of the T-Mobile arena in Las Vegas this weekend as he played a round of residency shows. Though we don’t have a release date yet, the new album is expected to be delivered in early 2019.
Along with the first studio track from the album called “Código” after a tequila company he’s invested in, the Las Vegas crowd also got treated to a couple other new songs, including a song called “God and Country Music,” and one called “Every Little Honky Tonk Bar” (see below).
“So I’m sittin’ around, me and Bubba [Strait’s son] and Dean Dillon writing, and I’m tired and it’s late,” Strait explains. “We’d written a couple of songs and I’m wanting to go to bed. ‘Anybody got anything else?’ And Bubba goes, ‘Whiskey is the gasoline that lights the fire that burns the bridge,’ We go, ‘What? Okay, we’ll write that.’ “
This weekend’s shows in Las Vegas were also the first public performances since George Strait lost his long time drummer Mike Kennedy in a car wreck in Tennessee on August 31st. “We had some tragedy that happened to us Labor Day weekend,” Strait said. “We lost our drummer of almost 30 years, Mike Kennedy. God bless him. We didn’t know how we were going to handle this.”
Mike Kennedy had been the drummer for the Ace in the Hole band since 1983. Kennedy’s replacement is well-known session drummer Lonnie Wilson. Along with playing drums on such iconic tracks as “Brand New Man” by Brooks & Dunn, “Time Marches On” by Tracey Lawrence, “I Swear” by John Michael Montgomery, and being named the Academy of Country Music’s Drummer of the Year in 2002 and 2004, Lonnie Wilson is also a well-respected songwriter. He’s written songs for Brooks & Dunn, Holly Dunn, Andy Griggs and others. He started his career as the lead single of the 80’s country band Bandana.
With the limited tour schedule George Strait has these days and the legacy in country music Lonnie Wilson brings, it’s a good fit. In 2019, George Strait plans to play a limited run of shows, including March 30th in Atlanta at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Buckeye Country Fest in Columbus Ohio in June, as well as the brand new Dickie’s Arena in Ft. Worth on November 22nd.
More information on the new album Honky Tonk Time Machine when it becomes available.
December 10, 2018 @ 9:27 am
Another Codigo name drop…
December 10, 2018 @ 9:36 am
Is Codigo officially the lead single for radio? Or was it just the first promotional upload on his socials?
December 10, 2018 @ 12:09 pm
Instead of sending a single to radio, Strait should send all the mainstream country radio stations in the country an 8×10 manila envelope. Inside will be a personally-autographed glossy photo of George Strait flipping the bird.
December 10, 2018 @ 2:43 pm
Good one Trigger
December 10, 2018 @ 2:54 pm
Lol. But I’m sure he is still capable of scoring a Top 25 hit on radio, if his label really pushed it. I wouldn’t say radio has banished him completely
December 11, 2018 @ 6:17 am
Trig ….
Wasn’t there at one time (mid to late 90’s) a radio station in Texas that played George Strait 24 hours a day?
December 12, 2018 @ 10:43 pm
Apparently I truly was born in the wrong generation. I would kill for that.
February 1, 2019 @ 1:28 pm
I’d say Código is the next 64th. Number #1 Single
December 27, 2018 @ 6:19 am
George Strait is not the type to “flip a bird”, GROW UP. I have heard a couple of the NEW country singers that sang great and released good songs BUT the problem is THE NEW COUNTRY SINGERS DON’T EVEN KNOW HOW TO DRESS COUNTRY!!!
George Strait & Alan Jackson should have worked something about that into their SOMETHING IS KILLING COUNTRY MUSIC DOWN ON MUSIC ROW.
Wishing the REAL COUNTRY MUSIC would come back, IT’S REAL!!!!!!
December 10, 2018 @ 9:44 am
This will be his 30th studio album as well. What an achievement!!
Sadly, I highly doubt he’ll ever have another #1 on radio… Wonder if it bothers him at all? He has his legacy, his fans. That’s all you need. But these old timers probably don’t realize that radio spins is not the only way to get your music heard these days. It must be harder for Strait or Alan Jackson to adhere to that formula.. Others like Stapleton, Musgraves are adjusted to expect little from radio, but a lot from their fans/streaming
December 10, 2018 @ 10:48 am
Strait seems like such an easygoing guy that I’m sure it bothers him more in terms of what that means for traditional country music than what it means for his own songs. He knows how successful his career has been and I think if it were a matter of passing the torch to other traditional country singers, the fact that his songs don’t see radio success anymore wouldn’t bother him. It’s the path country music has taken in general that probably eats away at him.
December 10, 2018 @ 3:32 pm
both AJ and George are KILLING IT on the live shows …..they draw insane crowds still and likely sell more merchandise at shows than ‘ radio guys’ do online . And remember …they have 30 years of product to show you ….not just one flash in the pan ‘ hit’ song.
” Don’t cry for us Nashville ‘ ……
December 10, 2018 @ 4:38 pm
When Loretta was on the road,she sold out music venues and theaters too,before the stroke hit.And,the good Lord willing,if she does go back on the road again,I have no doubt she will sell out venues again.
(I’m not saying she will or won’t be back on the road again.That Remains to be seen,and only the good Lord knows that.I’m just saying if she DOES go back on the road again she can sell out venues.That’s all.Only time will tell as to what happens).
I’ll go you one better than that Albert: “Don’t Cry For Us Radio”.JMO
December 14, 2018 @ 6:29 pm
Loretta Lynn is 86 years old. Stop with this fantasy that she’s going to be out on the road selling out venues. The fact that she’s an iconic artist does not make her a different species. She’s an 86-year-old woman who suffered a stroke. If she can make an occasional appearance as a guest on someone else’s show and perform a song or two, that would be wonderful.
December 16, 2018 @ 11:47 am
I know she suffered a stroke,but she can recover.
As far as her selling out venues,what I’m saying is this:I’m 54,and I have seen Loretta sell out venues,even before the stroke.And,this is only my opinion,but I’m saying IF she goes back on the road,then it’s my opinion she CAN sell out venues.That’s all I’m saying.
Also,I ask that you keep in mind,I did not say she would or would not go back on the road.I’m just saying IF she does.No one on earth knows if she will or she won’t.Just my opinion,but I make no apology for saying that.
As far as age,that’s the great thing about all us country music fans,we support our favorite stars because we love their singing and music,no matter how young or old the star is.Loretta will be my favorite singer forever,just as George Strait & Alan Jackson are two of my favorite male singers.That will never change.
I will,however,agree with the part that it would be wonderful if Loretta could guest on a show and perform a couple of songs.Who knows? Maybe that’s next.Time will tell.
December 10, 2018 @ 10:28 am
Hooray! A new album from George Strait! What a great way to kick off 2019!
December 10, 2018 @ 10:33 am
Best news all year.
December 10, 2018 @ 10:41 am
I was at the show on Friday. It could have been that I was on cloud nine in the moment but I felt the new songs he played were great. Codigo is a fun happy go lucky drinking song and “Every Little Honky Tonk Bar” was very good. I don’t get into the “Check Yes or No” era of George Strait, I’m much more of a 80s Strait fan. This new stuff is more early 90s Strait. I’m okay with that.
December 10, 2018 @ 12:15 pm
REAL Strait fans know his peak was 1982-1989 😉
December 10, 2018 @ 9:26 pm
Dude, the George Strait peak has never died; wake up!! Why do you think he’s called the “King of country music”!
December 11, 2018 @ 1:31 am
Nah. If you’re listening, his voice carried even his most mediocre songs to a level other country artists never could take them.
January 12, 2019 @ 11:18 am
60 number 1 singles at the age of 60 yrs old i really don’t think he peaked in the late 80s or early 90s no other artists has done what king George has done in any genre of music he is the definition of a living legend and he will always be the greatest entertainer that god will ever put on this earth
March 16, 2019 @ 8:14 am
I’d say 1982-1997 Strait From the Heart through Carrying Your Love With Me. The quality really started to go down after that, especially starting with The Road Less Traveled.
December 10, 2018 @ 11:34 am
Ha! George Strait is the undisputed King if country music. Does anyone still listen to Radio?????
Saw him at T-Mobile Arena last Friday. Totally awesome.
????
December 10, 2018 @ 12:35 pm
I was there as well and I was shocked at what an amazing show it was. I expected him to play it safe and mail it in by singing his “wholesome” hits and not having a lot of crowd interaction. He interacted with the crowd virtually after every song, he tested his vocal range and nailed it, and he sang some Merle and Tom Petty. The best part to me was, he played all the stuff that’s been ingrained in me since I was a small child. Unwound, The Chair, Ocean Front Property, etc. It’s a contender for my favorite concert of all time. I’m still riding high from it.
December 10, 2018 @ 4:45 pm
Speaking only for myself,I only listen to Country stations that play George’s songs,as well as Loretta & Alan Jackson songs.The so called Country stations that won’t,I won’t have anything to do with.
WSM still plays a lot of songs by Loretta,George & Alan,I’m glad to say.
December 10, 2018 @ 11:36 am
I wrote a song called Carbon Copy Cowboy. Think it would be perfect for George. How do I get his folks to listen to it? ????
December 10, 2018 @ 2:59 pm
A George Strait meet and greet in Vegas
December 11, 2018 @ 6:22 am
I’d guess a youtube video…. post it on his social media platforms. If it’s good it will catch wind.
December 11, 2018 @ 7:15 am
Is it to the tune of Coca Cola Cowboy?
December 10, 2018 @ 12:14 pm
Here’s all I’m hoping to get from this album:
1) No political grandstanding, agenda-pushing, or grandiose statements about social issues or whatever. Just straight-up country about having a good time/heartbreak/drinking/whatever. Keep it simple.
2) TIGHT instrumentals. “Codigo” may be nothing more than a tequila ad set to Texas swing but I’m choosing that over whatever Kane Brown and Dan + Shay are pumping out 24/7/365.
3) NO features. Just the man himself, unless it’s a duet with Alan Jackson or some other person on his level. Don’t make the mistake Tracy Lawrence made and chase clout by doing a whole album with modern stars (I love TL but that album was a baaaaaddd choice).
December 10, 2018 @ 12:38 pm
He did get slightly political at his concert, talking about standing for the flag. Not sure if that’s a foreshadow of an agenda on his album.
December 10, 2018 @ 2:37 pm
It’s sad that standing for the flag is “political” these days
December 10, 2018 @ 3:11 pm
I totally agree.
December 10, 2018 @ 7:07 pm
George has mentioned standing for our flag in other shows. God Bless Him Always as well as all the Cowboys who respect the Flag. During NFR, all the respect and wonderful All American Good Values can be seen and heard. George and the Cowboys and all the fans enjoy these great Values all year Round, day in , day out 🙂
December 10, 2018 @ 8:53 pm
Yeah I wouldn’t expect George or 90% of his audience to feel any other way. He served our country and is an old school Texan. I don’t think it’s too controversial of a statement. It’s not like he said anything inflammatory about the NFL. He stated his viewpoint in a positive light. He’s a class act.
December 10, 2018 @ 3:09 pm
Speaking of Strait, I have a question. How come back in the 80s and 90s, country artists put out a new album every year (like a 10 to 12 month timespan). George put out like 10 studio albums each decade in 80s and 90s. Plus he toured each year. What a crazy schedule…
I feel like in the future, it will be nearly impossible for an artist to put out 30 albums (not including Greatest hits or Christmas) during their career. But this is George’s 30th album.
Nowadays its a solid 2 year wait in between albums. Maybe the quickest being 18 months.. but still.
December 11, 2018 @ 7:33 am
it’s a business thing.
a year on, a year off.
The idea is probably that the major movers think that waiting too long will lose market share and fan-base to newer artists/trends and not waiting long enough won’t maximize the sales of each individual album.
That’s why so many filler songs are crap.
Because they’re hurried out to always have enough material for an album every other year.
Used to be that new albums came when the material was ready, not the material was prepared for the album.
Flamekeeper does about every three years but I think they missed a cycle recently.
An album is a product these days and not a work of art.
Concept albums are out of favor.
Pretty soon we’ll see a million pop “Country” albums lining the shelves at Goodwill and nobody will buy them because they were two or three singles and a dozen lame filler songs from an artist that nobody ever knew by name like Brett Eldredge or Walker Hayes.
We won’t be seeing another “Kind of Blue” or “Sketches of Spain”
December 11, 2018 @ 8:44 am
Back then, it didn’t take singles an entire year to climb the charts. It would typically only take 8-12 weeks to hit #1. Artists could have 3-5 singles on the charts within a year and labels would need more material. If an artist is lucky enough today to even get a full album…a lot of artists are only getting EPs or digital singles…but typically only 2-3 singles are released and that could be in the span of 2-3 years.
The 80s + 90s definitely had some blockbuster albums during the era that spanned several years….records like Martina McBride’s “Evolution” that went triple platinum and released 6 top 10 hits from late 97-99….Mary Chapin Carpenter’s “Come On, Come On” had 7 singles all reaching #15 or higher….among so many others. It was such a good time for the mainstream country and I definitely miss that album era.
December 10, 2018 @ 3:25 pm
I’ve always wondered what a duets album between George and Alan would be like. Kind of makes me think of Merle and George Jones A Taste Of Yesterdays Wine album
December 10, 2018 @ 5:39 pm
It would be a solid C(c)ountry album, with less dynamic vocals.
December 10, 2018 @ 7:55 pm
“It’s 5 o’clock somewhere… In Texas (Yeah Baby)”
A duet between Alan Jackson, George Strait, and Florida Georgia Line
December 12, 2018 @ 6:03 pm
????????????
December 10, 2018 @ 3:28 pm
Wow. Am I being “slightly political” when I honor the flag of this great country?
And all this time I thought I was being patriotic and doing what I thought a good citizen should.
God bless George Strait for “standing up” for our flag and God bless America.
????
P. S. Not to mention his work with our wounded veterans and helping to provide homes for them and their families.
December 10, 2018 @ 4:40 pm
Can hardly wait!!!
December 10, 2018 @ 5:14 pm
Awesome news – I followed George before he was “George” – small articles would pop up (there was no internet in those days) and I would devour every one of them. For today’s artists, I am a Scotty McCreery fan but will always have George as my #1. I will have to buy this album. I do have all his other ones.
December 10, 2018 @ 6:29 pm
Can’t wait for this one. I heard it’s also going to include a cover of my favorite Johnny Paycheck song, “Old Violin.”
December 11, 2018 @ 7:19 am
that alone would make me buy it
December 11, 2018 @ 5:32 am
Sounds like a great way to start the year! Loved Cold Beer Conversation, it’s become one of my absolute favorites from him.
December 11, 2018 @ 11:22 pm
It’s hard to have number one hits when you don’t tour. We will see what happens here but really the whole point of radio is to promote tours. I wouldn’t blame them. You might see a quick up and down out of respect but that’s it. That will be the last one to chart.
December 12, 2018 @ 10:35 am
Kind Of Blue….Sketches of Spain.
Those are outstanding if not really groundbreaking…
For some really mindblowing albums check out Miles’s Holy Trinity of early 70s releases, “Bitches Brew”, “Jack Johnson” and “On The Corner”.
Stunning.
December 12, 2018 @ 1:19 pm
Not only is George the King, but Codigo 1530 is a darn good tequila. Don’t waste it on margaritas; it’s for sippin.’
December 12, 2018 @ 4:54 pm
I DO blame radio.Not all radio,but the majority of radio across the US & Canada.
When you call many of these stations,many of the DJ’s & program directors will use an excuse given to them by a radio consultant to get off of the hook with the listener who called to request a certain song.
Thank God for the few country stations across the US & Canada that DO play what the listners want to hear.I listen to a few of those kind of stations myself.But there are VERY FEW stations that play what we the fans want to hear.And,the stations that won’t play what I want to hear,I won’t listen to,or patronize some of their advertisers with my business.Just my opinion,and I respect other opinions too.