George Strait Album Series

[gonecountry]

Obviously an unpopular opinion, but I've gone back to Is It Already Time twice today and I don't think George sounds that good on this song. It was nails on the chalkboard to me for some reason.

I'm thinking You Know Me Better Than That for the win, we'll see...

[bboat11]

Haven't got a worry,

Haven't got a care.

Haven't got a thing to call my own.

Though I'm out of money,

I'm a millionaire.

I still have my home in San Antone!

5. "Home In San Antone"

Track #6

Runtime: 2:26

Songwriters: Floyd Jenkins



Total: 70
Average: 5.83
Std Dev: 1.70


Kanenrá:ke - 3
fearlessarrow - 4
.indulgecountry - 4
taylor is terrified - 5
castleoblivion26 - 5
bboat11 - 6
George Strait Junkie - 6
tim - 7
LBTrocks - 7
gardyfan - 7
gonecountry - 7
ClevelandRox - 9


Cody Wants Out...

SPOILER: Click to show

{Songs Remaining}
I’ve Convinced Everybody But Me
If I Know Me
The Chill Of An Early Fall
You Know Me Better Than That

[bboat11]

"Home In San Antone" bows out at #5. This song was not a top 5 contender at all, but managed to sneak up with the very final list thanks to Kanenrá:ke putting it at #3 and "Is It Already Time" at #9. IIAT was a bit more of a #5 contender, so it probably should have finished there instead, but it is what it is. "Home In San Antone" is a super catchy and short song that is perfectly designed for dancing! George is never shy to tell us how much he loves Texas, and this song is yet another from that wheelhouse. The majority of people seemed to like it well enough, with almost all of us having it right in the middle of our lists.

[bboat11]

I’m alright, I’m okay.

That’s what I always say

When they ask me how I’m doin’ without you.

I say I’m glad I’m free,

And if they all believe,

I’ve convinced everybody but me.

4. "I've Convinced Everybody But Me"

Track #2

Runtime: 3:21

Songwriters: Buddy Cannon, L. David Lewis, Kim Williams




Total: 63
Average: 5.25
Std Dev: 2.18


George Strait Junkie - 1
LBTrocks - 2
gonecountry - 4
Kanenrá:ke - 5
.indulgecountry - 5
ClevelandRox - 5
taylor is terrified - 6
castleoblivion26 - 6
tim - 6
fearlessarrow - 7
bboat11 - 7
gardyfan - 9


Cody Wants Out...

SPOILER: Click to show

{Songs Remaining}
If I Know Me
The Chill Of An Early Fall
You Know Me Better Than That

[bboat11]

Our final album track bows out at #4 with "I've Convinced Everybody But Me"! This song is catchy, and the hook is classic George. To me this one has always sounded a little dated and cheap though, so I was not expecting to see it clock in as our highest album track! But it is catchy, and this rankdown has given me a bit of a new appreciation for it.

It didn't get a lot of extreme love, as other than a #1 from George Strait Junkie and a #2 from LBTrocks, it got mostly all middling ranks, but the fact that most of those were in the 5-6 range helped it to stay ahead of the other album tracks.

[bboat11]

Here we are with the 3 big hits from the album!!! Let's see which one is our favorite

[bboat11]

Oh, how quick they slip away;

Here today and gone tomorrow.

Love and seasons never stay.

Bitter winds are sure to follow.

Now, there’s no doubt it’s gonna be cold out tonight.

I’ve shivered all day.

When I look in her eyes, needin’ to hold her so tight,

She just looks away.

Oh, she’ll swear that it’s true; he’s just someone she knew long ago.

But I’ll know that’s not all.

And I’ll begin to feel the chill of an early fall.

3. "The Chill Of An Early Fall"

Track #1

Runtime: 3:31

Songwriters: Green Daniel, Gretchen Peters

Placement in the Singles Rankdown: #60 out of 100





Total: 37
Average: 3.08
Std Dev: 1.68


Kanenrá:ke - 1
tim - 1
gonecountry - 2
taylor is terrified - 2
castleoblivion26 - 2
bboat11 - 2
fearlessarrow - 3
George Strait Junkie - 4
ClevelandRox - 4
LBTrocks - 5
gardyfan - 5
.indulgecountry - 6


Cody Wants Out...

SPOILER: Click to show

{Songs Remaining}
If I Know Me
You Know Me Better Than That

[bboat11]

The title track bows out at #3. This is one of those songs that only made it to #3 on Billboard, but is technically among his 60 #1s because of Mediabase or Gavin Reports or something :) This song has such a maudlin, melancholy vibe to it that is just perfect! It has always been pretty underrated on Pulse, so I'm not shocked to see it leaving now. It did awesome in this rankdown, all things considered! It finishes with pretty much HALF the point total of "I've Convinced Everybody But Me", and only 2 points shy of our #2 song :) It did not get a single ranking lower than #6, and that lone #6 was its only rank outside of the top 5. Yep, it's safe to say this one is a top 2 contender that just happens to be trapped on an album alongside too many other huge well-loved hits, a la Martina's "Wrong Again", Sara's "Perfect", Carrie's "Jesus Take The Wheel", etc!

[bboat11]

Baby, since you left me there’s somebody new.

She thinks I’m perfect, I swear.

She likes my body, my class, and my charm.

She says I’ve got a confident air.

She respects my ambition, thinks I’m talented too.

But she’s in love with an image; time is bound to see through.

2. "You Know Me Better Than That"

Track #4

Runtime: 3:04

Songwriters: Anna Lisa Graham, Tony Haselden

Placement in the Singles Rankdown: #19 out of 100





Total: 35
Average: 2.91
Std Dev: 1.56 (3rd smallest!)


gonecountry - 1
ClevelandRox - 1
LBTrocks - 1
George Strait Junkie - 2
tim - 3
castleoblivion26 - 3
bboat11 - 3
gardyfan - 3
.indulgecountry - 3
taylor is terrified - 4
fearlessarrow - 5
Kanenrá:ke - 6


Cody Wants Out...

---

But if I know me,

I’ll turn this car around.

I won’t get halfway through town,

And I’ll be sorry.

I’ll stop and call,

And you’ll say you’re sorry too.

And I’ll come runnin’ back to you

If I know me.

1. "If I Know Me"

Track #3

Runtime: 2:45

Songwriters: Pam Belford, Dean Dillon

Placement in the Singles Rankdown: #13 out of 100





Total: 26
Average: 2.17
Std Dev: 1.34 (2nd smallest!!)


castleoblivion26 - 1
bboat11 - 1
.indulgecountry - 1
taylor is terrified - 1
fearlessarrow - 1
ClevelandRox - 2
tim - 2
Kanenrá:ke - 2
LBTrocks - 3
George Strait Junkie - 3
gardyfan - 4
gonecountry - 5


Cody Wants Out...

[bboat11]

There it is! In the battle of the album's two Billboard #1s, "If I Know Me" comes out on top! Both of these were strong #1 contenders, with "If I Know Me's" run happening non-consecutively; it initially fell behind YKMBTT, but it made a decisive recovery allowing it to sail easily to victory.

Both of these are essential George Strait hits. YKMBTT is one of his more lighthearted and self-deprecating songs. I have always admired how George is able to portray an undesirable narrator with whimsy and charm, and make you root for him despite being an absolute tool 😂 This song might be kinda cheesy to some, but that certainly didn't hold it back any in this rankdown!

"If I Know Me" is one of those songs where you cannot help but stan for the lyrical perspective, imo. I mentioned recently in a rankdown (I don't remember which one though, lol) that I LOVE songs where both perspectives are shared as a couple is in the middle of a fight/breakup/leaving. That subject matter is RIPE for great songwriting ideas, and I never get tired of them. This one is one of the strongest, however. The verses where the narrator is speculating what his wife may be doing at home, knowing she's heartbroken and filled with regret for the things she said and by the fact that he's actually leaving, juxtaposed with the choruses where he reveals that if he knows himself he can't stand being away from her any longer and hates himself for causing her the anguish she is feeling, actually tells a pretty inspiring and convincing love story, imo. The fact that they both hate themselves for causing the other one anguish, while feeling like they deserve all the anguish that they brought on themselves as punishment for hurting the other, is high-key relationship goals, tbh! They may have fought, but the moment they tried to hurt each other they immediately were filled with anguish and regret, and were reminded why they love each other so much. That level of respect and understanding in a relationship is rare. So heartbreakingly happy

[fearlessarrow]

I'm not sure if I completely see what everyone sees in "You Know Me Better Than That" (I still like it but nowhere near #19 out of all George Strait singles where it finished in the singles RD...) so I'm happy "If I Know Me" pulled off the win!

Now bring on One Step At A Time results!

[bboat11]

Jul 3, 2020 16:30:19 GMT -5 fearlessarrow said:

I'm not sure if I completely see what everyone sees in "You Know Me Better Than That" (I still like it but nowhere near #19 out of all George Strait singles where it finished in the singles RD...) so I'm happy "If I Know Me" pulled off the win!

Now bring on One Step At A Time results!

[fearlessarrow]

Jul 3, 2020 16:33:09 GMT -5 bboat11 said:

Jul 3, 2020 16:30:19 GMT -5 fearlessarrow said:

I'm not sure if I completely see what everyone sees in "You Know Me Better Than That" (I still like it but nowhere near #19 out of all George Strait singles where it finished in the singles RD...) so I'm happy "If I Know Me" pulled off the win!

Now bring on One Step At A Time results!

[.indulgecountry]

"If I Know Me" was the only correct choice for #1 on this album! What a killer song.

[taylor is terrified]

Jul 3, 2020 16:50:07 GMT -5 fearlessarrow said:

Jul 3, 2020 16:33:09 GMT -5 bboat11 said:

You aren't hosting results tho...so are you the boss really? 

[fearlessarrow]

Jul 3, 2020 17:32:27 GMT -5 taylor is terrified said:

Jul 3, 2020 16:50:07 GMT -5 fearlessarrow said:

You aren't hosting results tho...so are you the boss really? 

No I'm the boss of bboat11 in general

[tim]

That was quite the easy top 5 to predict and glad to say I nailed it! I was pretty certain that "If I Know Me" was going to come out on top just based on how well it performed in George's artist rankdown, but I would've been happy with either outcome. "You Know Me Better Than That" has gone on to be a classic hit for George and it's one that I still hear very frequently on the radio. Interestingly enough, though, is that of all the times I've seen him in concert I don't think I've ever heard him perform this live. I can only assume that what makes this work so well for radio doesn't quite translate as well over into his live shows.

I had pretty much guessed that the best the title track could do would likely be top 3 and I'm glad that I didn't set my expectations any higher than that. This remains a go-to song for me and I agree with our host that in every practical sense this song really is a top 2 contender either way you look at it.

I had a great time revisiting this album and am looking forward to seeing what One Step AT A Time has in store for us!

[bboat11]

Jul 3, 2020 17:41:00 GMT -5 fearlessarrow said:

Jul 3, 2020 17:32:27 GMT -5 taylor is terrified said:

You aren't hosting results tho...so are you the boss really? 

No I'm the boss of bboat11 in general

Well boss, you better do a good job of hyping me up with the PMA voters this year, or else I'm gonna have to find me some new management! ;)

[fearlessarrow]

Jul 3, 2020 21:47:02 GMT -5 bboat11 said:

Jul 3, 2020 17:41:00 GMT -5 fearlessarrow said:

No I'm the boss of bboat11 in general

Well boss, you better do a good job of hyping me up with the PMA voters this year, or else I'm gonna have to find me some new management!

Girl you need to go promote in RT too you know

[tim]

For anyone interested The Tennessean did a write-up about “You Know Me Better Than That” (link here) a few years ago and gave some backstory to the song and why few songwriters wanted to help co-write because of the “fat” line. Apparently George loved it (he is known to have quite the sense of humor) and here is one of my favorite moments from one of the songwriters:

ALG: Well, as the song continued to develop, I started hearing George singing it. I knew that George had a great sense of humor and he loved surprise lines and cleverness. … When I met him at a certain point, I said, you know, “There were people that didn’t want to pitch that to you because they said, ‘Oh, George will never say that.’ ” George said, “I never know what I’m going to say half the time,” much less that was his favorite line.

That said, I think I’ve also seen George mention in previous interviews that had this song landed in his lap at any other time he probably wouldn’t record it...so guess he just happened to hear it at the right moment lol.

[bboat11]

One Step At A Time Rankdown: Results Time!

Final Participant List: (13)
1. tim
2. George Strait Junkie
3. bboat11
4. .indulgecountry
5. gardyfan
6. ClevelandRox
7. castleoblivion26
8. kw9461
9. LBTrocks
10. fearlessarrow
11. gonecountry
12. Kanenrá:ke
13. taylor is terrified


We're going to go ahead and get started!!! Sorry it's taken me so long. You can blame the holiday weekend Hopefully y'all had fun with your families too!

---

Questions to get us started:

1) What will be #1?

2) What will be #10?

3) Which songs belong in the top 5?

4) What song will be most polarizing? Least polarizing?

5) Which of the singles will place highest? Where will it place? (I Just Want To Dance With You, True, We Really Shouldn't Be Doing This)

6) Do any of the singles have a chance of missing the top 5?

7) What will be the highest-placing album track? Where will it place?

8) Which album tracks would you prefer to see do the best?

9) Any other thoughts/predictions?

[gonecountry]

Questions to get us started:

1) What will be #1? True

2) What will be #10? Remember the Alamo

3) Which songs belong in the top 5?

True
That's The Breaks
You Haven't Left Me Yet
One Step At A Time
Neon Row

4) What song will be most polarizing? Least polarizing? Most - no clue Least - True

5) Which of the singles will place highest? Where will it place? (I Just Want To Dance With You, True, We Really Shouldn't Be Doing This) True at #1

6) Do any of the singles have a chance of missing the top 5? IMO, the other two are not the typical high caliber singles. I'd be fine w/ either not making the top 5

7) What will be the highest-placing album track? Where will it place? That's the Breaks at 3

8) Which album tracks would you prefer to see do the best? That's The Breaks or You Haven't Left Me Yet

9) Any other thoughts/predictions? Who picked the album cover? Sheesh... An okay album, not one of my favorites by far

[tim]

1) What will be #1? “True”

2) What will be #10? I’d have to guess “Maria” if only because it seems like something that the majority wouldn’t care much for, but I hope I’m proven wrong!

3) Which songs belong in the top 5? Besides “True” I’d be totally shocked if the albums other two singles “I Just Want to Dance With You” and “We Really Shouldn’t Be Doing This” aren’t in the top 5. So that just leaves room for two album tracks of which I think it’ll be “Why Not Now” and “You Haven’t Left Me Yet”.

4) What song will be most polarizing? “Neon Row” Least polarizing? “True”

5) Which of the singles will place highest? Where will it place? “True” for the win

6) Do any of the singles have a chance of missing the top 5? “We Really Shouldn’t Be Doing This” would be the only one that could potentially miss the top 5, but I think thats highly unlikely.

7) What will be the highest-placing album track? Where will it place? My gut feeling says “Why Not Now” as it’s one of the biggest missed single opportunities from George’s 90s catalog. At a minimum I think it stands a good shot at coming inside the top 4 if not the top 3.

8) Which album tracks would you prefer to see do the best? I’d personally like to see “You Haven’t Left Me Yet” do well as it’s always been a standout track and one that almost became the 4th single from the album, but after testing the waters with it decided to move onto a new era.

9) Any other thoughts/predictions? Speaking of the album cover I think it’s the first and only time George has ever worn a t-shirt! I vaguely remember an interview he gave around the time the album came out and was joking around about wearing that on the cover. This is a solid album overall and I have some fond memories of playing it nonstop over the summer months of 1998, but for whatever reason I don’t often find myself revisiting this album as much as others.

[bboat11]

Y'all, I'm warning you now...these reveals are a damn mess...

[bboat11]

There’s a soft rain tappin’ on your window.

There’s a cool breeze blowin’ off the bay,

And a warm flame dancin’ with our shadows

To music playin’ far away.

I never meant to stay an hour.

I thought that I was passin’ through

Another town along the highway.

I never meant to fall for you.

10. "Maria"

Track #5

Runtime: 4:39

Songwriters: Robert Earl Keen



Total: 103
Average: 7.92
Std Dev: 1.55 (2nd smallest!!)


Kanenrá:ke - 4
fearlessarrow - 7
gonecountry - 7
taylor is terrified - 7
tim - 8
.indulgecountry - 8
ClevelandRox - 8
castleoblivion26 - 8
kw9461 - 8
gardyfan - 9
LBTrocks - 9
George Strait Junkie - 10
bboat11 - 10


Cody Wants Out...

SPOILER: Click to show

{Songs Remaining}
I Just Want To Dance With You
Neon Row
One Step At A Time
Remember The Alamo
That’s The Breaks
True
We Really Shouldn’t Be Doing This
Why Not Now
You Haven’t Left Me Yet

[bboat11]

Jul 7, 2020 16:45:44 GMT -5 bboat11 said:

Y'all, I'm warning you now...these reveals are a damn mess...

Well, not our last place. I'd say we got that one right!! "Maria" isn't BAD at all, but I have always found it to be kinda boring compared to the rest of this album. It definitely is a unique song for George's career, and will always feel important to me in that regard, but when listening to this album I just happen to enjoy everything else more.

[tim]

Welp, I did at least correctly guess what would come in last place. I had a feeling that Pulse wouldn't quite take to this song and even though it landed in my own bottom 3 I've always adored this song. Come to think of it I probably underranked this one by a couple of spots, but again there's nothing here on this album that I dislike.

[tim]

Also, "Maria" is one of the few songs that George has recorded by fellow Texan Robert Earl Keen (the other one being "West Texas Town").

[bboat11]

Also, I've gotta say, I am a bit surprised and disappointed by all the talk of not really liking this album!! George's string of late-90s albums starting with Blue Clear Sky is practically legendary for its quality, and this is very much a part of that string...

Blue Clear Sky, Carrying Your Love With Me, One Step At A Time, and Always Never The Same are all among the strongest albums of his career for most fans. The one that could maybe be left out is ANTS, but I just always include it because I personally love it so much... One Step At A Time, though, is not up for debate!!

[bboat11]

Up next, a song that somebody thought would be the highest album track!!!!!! 👀 👀 👀