Strait Delivers Predictably Great Sound

“Blue Clear Sky,” George Strait, MCA

With each album, George Strait takes one step closer to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Like his previous releases, “Blue Clear Sky” varies little from the formula of his debut, 1981’s “Strait Country”: no-frills country with a penchant for two-steppers, Western swing tunes and old-fashioned waltzes.

His wry, understated baritone coats each carefully crafted song with the right combination of sensibility and sarcasm, giving credibility to every word he sings. The music is minimalist but not limited, relying on fiddles, steel, acoustic and electric guitars, pianos, bass and drums to create a full, forceful sound.

The soaring title cut is perfect springtime country; “Rockin’ in the Arms of Your Memory” is a classic tear-stained ballad; “Need I Say More” is a smoky cocktail-lounge love song worthy of Sinatra; “I Ain’t Never Seen No One Like You,” the album’s best track, proves Strait’s way with Western swing would make Bob Wills proud.

But spontaneity is not this Texan’s strength. Album after album, he delivers exactly what’s expected of him. Still, there’s something to be said for an artist who resists trends and sticks to a traditional course. On “Blue Clear Sky,” predictability sounds pretty good.

The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Mario Tarradell/Dallas Morning News