Introduction:
“It Ain’t Cool to Be Crazy About You” is a quintessential country hit by the legendary George Strait, a song that further cemented his status as a dominant force in traditional country music during the 1980s. This catchy and relatable tune was released in August 1986 as the second and final single from his album, #7. The song quickly climbed to the top of the country charts, becoming another signature track in Strait’s impressive string of successes. It firmly belongs to the Neotraditional Country genre, a style that George Strait largely pioneered, characterized by its authentic country instrumentation, straightforward lyrical themes, and a vocal delivery that is both smooth and deeply rooted in classic country sounds. Its achievements include becoming a number-one hit and contributing to a platinum-selling album, solidifying its place as a beloved classic in his extensive discography.
- Year Released: 1986 (August, as single)
- Album: #7
- Genre: Neotraditional Country
George Strait emerged in the early 1980s as a refreshing counterpoint to the more pop-oriented sounds that had begun to infiltrate country music. With his genuine cowboy image, unwavering commitment to honky-tonk and Western swing, and a focus on well-crafted songs, Strait quickly became a standard-bearer for traditional country. By 1986, he had already accumulated a string of hits, including his first number one, “Fool Hearted Memory.” The album #7, despite its numerical title suggesting it was his seventh studio album, was actually his sixth studio release, but his seventh overall album including his Greatest Hits compilation from 1985. Released on May 14, 1986, #7 continued Strait’s consistent output of quality country music, further solidifying his reputation for delivering authentic, no-frills country. The album was produced by Jimmy Bowen and George Strait himself, a partnership that yielded many of his early career successes.
“It Ain’t Cool to Be Crazy About You” was written by two highly respected songwriters in the country music community: Dean Dillon and Royce Porter. Dean Dillon, in particular, has been a long-time collaborator and one of the most prolific songwriters for George Strait, penning or co-penning dozens of his hits. Their partnership has been instrumental in shaping Strait’s sound and lyrical themes. The song’s lyrics explore the familiar territory of unrequited love or a love that has become overwhelming and perhaps uncool in the eyes of others. The narrator acknowledges an intense, almost obsessive affection for someone, recognizing that such devotion might not be seen as “cool” or socially acceptable. This self-awareness and vulnerability, combined with a touch of defiance in embracing one’s true feelings, gives the song its charm.
The lyrics convey a sense of being completely smitten, even if it goes against conventional wisdom: “They say it ain’t cool to be crazy about you / But I can’t help myself, I’m a fool about you / I don’t care what they say, I’m gonna love you anyway / ‘Cause it ain’t cool to be crazy about you.” This simple, direct language, delivered with Strait’s signature sincerity, makes the sentiment universally relatable. It speaks to anyone who has ever loved someone so deeply that external opinions become irrelevant.
Musically, “It Ain’t Cool to Be Crazy About You” features the classic George Strait sound that defined his 1980s output. It’s an upbeat, mid-tempo track driven by a strong rhythm section, prominent fiddle, and steel guitar. The instrumentation is traditional country at its finest, providing a solid, danceable backdrop without any unnecessary frills. Strait’s vocal performance is smooth and confident, delivering the lyrics with a relaxed charm that makes the listener believe every word. His ability to convey emotion through subtle inflections rather than vocal acrobatics is a hallmark of his style, and it’s perfectly showcased in this song. The production is clean and crisp, allowing the interplay of the instruments and Strait’s vocals to shine, creating a sound that was both classic and contemporary for its time.
Achievements:
“It Ain’t Cool to Be Crazy About You” was a significant success for George Strait, contributing to his growing legacy as a country music icon:
- Number One Single: The song became George Strait’s ninth number-one single on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 1986. This achievement was particularly notable as it was the second in a remarkable streak of eleven consecutive number-one singles for Strait, a feat that solidified his unparalleled dominance on country radio during that period.
- Platinum-Certified Album: As a key single, “It Ain’t Cool to Be Crazy About You” played a vital role in the commercial success of the album #7. The album itself reached No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Top Country Albums chart and was certified Platinum by the RIAA, indicating sales of over one million copies in the United States. Its success further cemented Strait’s position as a consistent album seller.
- Critical Acclaim: The song, and the #7 album, were generally well-received by critics. Reviewers often praised Strait’s continued commitment to traditional country sounds and the strong songwriting. “It Ain’t Cool to Be Crazy About You” was highlighted as a prime example of his ability to deliver catchy, relatable songs with an authentic country feel.
- Enduring Popularity: Decades after its release, “It Ain’t Cool to Be Crazy About You” remains a popular and recognizable song in George Strait’s catalog. It is a staple on classic country radio, a frequent request at his concerts, and a beloved track among his vast fanbase. Its timeless theme of passionate, unashamed love continues to resonate with listeners.
- Contribution to a Legendary Career: George Strait is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with more number-one singles than any other artist in country music history. “It Ain’t Cool to Be Crazy About You” is an integral part of the foundation of this legendary career, showcasing the consistent quality of his music and his ability to connect with audiences through heartfelt, traditional country songs. It stands as a testament to the power of simple, honest songwriting delivered by a true country music icon.