George Strait — “Give It All We Got Tonight”

Songwriters: Mark Bright, Phil O’Donnell and Tim James

Like the smitten suitor he’s playing, George Strait doesn’t so much sing his new single as he does slowly sink into it. The tingly anticipation and excitement of new love (or lust) is palpable in the opening lines of “Give It All We Got Tonight,” tumbling out in breathless nuggets and building into classic Strait with a twist.

Like the artist himself, that twist is really more like a subtle tweak: Instead of putting the focus on his vocal performance, Strait plays mostly with phrasing, letting lines such as “July moonlight shines/Your pretty little head on my shoulder/Pull over on the side of the road/Oh my God, you’re something” fall out of his mouth as if they’re just popping into his head. The surprising, thoughtful roll-out of simple lyrics throughout the song keeps the song fresh and Strait engaged.

The rest of “Give It All We Got Tonight” meanders safely on from that great opening moment, as long-time Strait producer Tony Brown colors inside the lines with a supporting cast of piano, steel, fiddle, and quiet harmony. Those classic choices only make awkward echoes on the tail end of the chorus’ lyrics stand out as the lone forced piece of the song.

On the heels of his farewell tour announcement, “Give It All We Got Tonight” is a simple reminder of the charm and confidence that has carried Strait for more than three decades in country music – and the slight surprises that have kept him relevant all that time.