Description
George Strait – Ocean Front Property – Vinyl Record
Released on January 12, 1987, Ocean Front Property was George Strait’s seventh studio album, and by this point in his career, he had already established himself as one of country music’s most consistent and beloved artists. However, this album was a turning point—it became his first to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, proving that Strait was not just a star but a dominant force in the genre.
With its mix of traditional honky-tonk, Western swing, and smooth country ballads, Ocean Front Property is a quintessential 80s country album, featuring Strait’s signature blend of heartache, humor, and Texas charm. The title track became one of his most iconic songs, and the album solidified his status as the “King of Country.”
Like much of George Strait’s work, Ocean Front Property is rooted in neotraditional country, embracing the sounds of classic honky-tonk, Western swing, and smooth balladry. The album’s production is clean and straightforward, allowing Strait’s warm, effortless vocals to take center stage.
Lyrically, the album is filled with songs of love, heartbreak, regret, and resilience—recurring themes in Strait’s music. He delivers cheeky humor on the title track, deep sorrow on “All My Ex’s Live in Texas,” and pure romance on “Hot Burning Flames.” Whether he’s singing about love gone wrong or good times at a honky-tonk, Strait’s delivery is always smooth, understated, and deeply authentic.
Key Tracks and Highlights
1. “All My Ex’s Live in Texas”
One of George Strait’s most famous songs, this playful, up-tempo track tells the story of a man escaping his past relationships by moving to Tennessee. With its bouncy rhythm, Western swing influence, and witty lyrics, it became an instant classic.
2. “Someone’s Walkin’ Around Upstairs”
A slow-burning ballad with an eerie metaphor, this song explores the lingering pain of a broken relationship, comparing old memories to ghosts haunting a house.
3. “Am I Blue”
A soulful, steel-guitar-laden ballad, this song is drenched in heartache and longing, as Strait sings about a love lost. The song went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, proving Strait’s ability to turn pure emotion into a chart-topping hit.
4. “Ocean Front Property”
The title track and biggest hit from the album, this song is a masterclass in country irony. Strait sings about a man who insists he’s over his ex—so much so that he’s willing to sell you “ocean front property in Arizona” if you believe him. The clever metaphor and Strait’s smooth delivery make it one of his most beloved songs.
5. “Hot Burning Flames”
A romantic and passionate love song, this track brings a contrast to the heartbreak found elsewhere on the album. With lush instrumentation and a sweeping melody, it showcases Strait’s ability to effortlessly transition between heartache and romance.
6. “Without You Here”
A slow, melancholy ballad about the emptiness left behind when a loved one is gone, featuring gentle acoustic guitar and aching steel guitar lines.
7. “My Heart Won’t Wander Very Far From You”
A mid-tempo, heartfelt song about devotion, this track has a classic honky-tonk feel, reminding listeners of Strait’s ability to keep traditional country alive in the late 80s.
8. “Second Chances”
A song about regret and missed opportunities in love, this track features rich storytelling and Strait’s signature smooth vocals, making it another standout ballad.
9. “You Can’t Buy Your Way Out of the Blues”
A true honky-tonk song with barroom piano and twangy guitars, this track offers a lesson in heartbreak and how money can’t heal emotional wounds.
10. “I’m All Behind You Now”
The album closes with this bittersweet yet hopeful ballad, featuring a man who has finally come to terms with a failed relationship. It’s a quiet, reflective end to an album filled with both emotional highs and lows.
Upon its release, Ocean Front Property became George Strait’s first album to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, a testament to his rising dominance in country music. It was certified 2× Platinum, selling over 2 million copies—a huge achievement for a country album in the 1980s.
Critics praised Strait’s consistent, smooth delivery and ability to make traditional country sound fresh and relevant. While some saw the album as sticking to a formula, it was clear that Strait had perfected that formula better than anyone else.
Ocean Front Property wasn’t just a hit album—it was a defining moment in George Strait’s career. It proved that he could effortlessly dominate the country charts while staying true to his traditional Western swing and honky-tonk roots. The album’s success paved the way for Strait to become one of the biggest country artists of all time, influencing countless artists, including Alan Jackson, Clint Black, and Brooks & Dunn.
Songs like “Ocean Front Property” and “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” have remained staples in Strait’s live performances, and they continue to be fan favorites decades later. The album also helped cement Strait’s reputation as a consistent hitmaker, as he would go on to have 60 No. 1 hits, the most in country music history.
Today, Ocean Front Property is considered one of the best country albums of the 1980s, a must-listen for any country fan, and a perfect example of why George Strait is called the King of Country.
Ocean Front Property is a timeless country album, filled with clever songwriting, smooth melodies, and Strait’s effortless charm. Whether it’s the witty irony of the title track, the playful storytelling of “All My Ex’s Live in Texas,” or the heartfelt sorrow of “Am I Blue,” this album captures the full spectrum of emotions that define great country music.
For longtime fans of George Strait, Ocean Front Property is a classic that never gets old. For new listeners, it’s the perfect introduction to one of the greatest voices in country history. Either way, it’s an album that proves one thing: nobody does country music like George Strait.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
All My Ex’s Live In Texas
Someone’s Walkin’ Around Upstairs
Am I Blue
Ocean Front Property
Hot Burning Flames
Without You Here
My Heart Won’t Wander Very Far From You
Second Chances
You Can’t Buy Your Way Out Of The Blues
I’m All Behind You Now
