Introduction
“Honky Tonk Time Machine,” released in 2019, isn’t just another album by the “King of Country Music,” George Strait. It’s a full-fledged journey back to the genre’s roots. This, Strait’s 30th studio album, is a love letter to the classic honky-tonk sound that propelled him to fame.
The album arrived after a six-year hiatus from releasing new music. Strait’s previous record, “Cold Beer Conversation,” hinted at a return to his traditional country style. “Honky Tonk Time Machine” solidified this shift.
The album’s title track perfectly encapsulates the experience. It speaks of a longing for the simpler times, where two-stepping and heartache fueled the nights in those honky-tonk bars.
Strait isn’t simply rehashing old themes. This album is a fresh take on a classic sound. He co-wrote most of the songs with his son, Bubba Strait, and long-time collaborator Dean Dillon. This blend of tradition and new perspective keeps the music vibrant.
But nostalgia isn’t the only ingredient. “Honky Tonk Time Machine” throws in a cover of Johnny Paycheck’s “Old Violin,” a reminder of Strait’s reverence for the genre’s legends.
So, if you’re looking to put on your dancing shoes and get swept away by the twang of a steel guitar, “Honky Tonk Time Machine” is your ticket to a time when country music was all about heartbreak, two-steps, and neon lights.