George Strait – That’s My Kind Of Woman

Introduction:

“That’s My Kind Of Woman” is a delightful and quintessential George Strait track that perfectly encapsulates the charm, authenticity, and traditional country sound that has made him an enduring icon. While not released as a standalone single, this album cut from his 2006 album It Just Comes Natural is a fan favorite that reinforces Strait’s reputation as the “King of Country Music.” It embodies the relaxed, confident, and deeply country aesthetic that has defined his unparalleled career, showcasing his mastery of delivering heartfelt lyrics with an effortless, classic style. In an era where country music often flirted with pop sensibilities, Strait consistently remained true to his roots, and “That’s My Kind Of Woman” is a shining example of his unwavering commitment to the traditional sounds and themes that resonate with millions of fans worldwide. It’s a song that celebrates a specific kind of woman—one who appreciates the simple, genuine things in life, much like Strait’s music itself.

• Year Released: 2006
• Album: It Just Comes Natural
• Genre: Neotraditional Country / Honky-Tonk

“That’s My Kind Of Woman” was released in 2006 as an album track on George Strait’s twenty-fourth studio album, It Just Comes Natural. The album was officially released on October 3, 2006, by MCA Nashville. This period in Strait’s career was marked by continued commercial success and critical acclaim, even as he was preparing for his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame later that year. It Just Comes Natural was co-produced by George Strait himself, alongside his long-time collaborator Tony Brown. This partnership had been instrumental in crafting Strait’s consistent and authentic sound throughout his career, ensuring that his albums remained firmly rooted in traditional country music, even as the genre around him continued to evolve. The recording sessions for the album took place at various renowned studios in Nashville, Tennessee, including Ocean Way Nashville, Sound Stage Studios, Back Stage Studio, and Emerald Sound Studios, which contributed to its polished yet traditional sonic quality. The album was a testament to Strait’s enduring appeal and his ability to deliver fresh material while staying true to the classic country sound his fans adored.

The song “That’s My Kind Of Woman” was co-written by two respected Nashville songwriters: Dean Dillon and Tammy Hyler. Dean Dillon is a legendary figure in country music songwriting, having penned numerous hits for George Strait, including “The Chair,” “Ocean Front Property,” and “Easy Come, Easy Go.” His ability to craft lyrics that perfectly fit Strait’s persona and vocal style is well-documented, and “That’s My Kind Of Woman” is no exception. Tammy Hyler is also a notable songwriter in the country music scene, with a track record of successful compositions. Together, Dillon and Hyler created a song that beautifully describes a woman who embodies the simple, down-to-earth qualities that resonate with a traditional country audience. The lyrics paint a picture of a woman who appreciates genuine moments, prefers casual comfort over extravagance, and shares a deep connection with her partner. It’s a celebration of a relationship built on mutual understanding and shared values, delivered with Strait’s signature relaxed and sincere vocal performance. The song’s narrative is relatable and heartwarming, reflecting the kind of wholesome, authentic love that has been a recurring theme in Strait’s music.

Genre of Music:

“That’s My Kind Of Woman” firmly belongs to the Neotraditional Country and Honky-Tonk genres, which are the cornerstones of George Strait’s musical identity. He is widely credited with pioneering the neotraditional style in the 1980s, bringing a much-needed return to classic country sounds during a period dominated by country-pop crossovers.

• Traditional Instrumentation: The song features the classic instrumentation that defines traditional country music: prominent steel guitar, fiddle, acoustic guitar, and a steady, understated rhythm section. These elements create an authentic, organic sound that avoids modern production flourishes, keeping the focus on the melody and the storytelling.
• Honky-Tonk Influence: While a love song, “That’s My Kind Of Woman” carries the relaxed, rhythmic feel often associated with honky-tonk music. It’s the kind of song that could easily be heard playing in a Texas dancehall, encouraging slow dances and heartfelt moments.
• Authentic Vocal Delivery: George Strait’s vocal performance is central to the song’s genre classification. His smooth, unhurried baritone, delivered without vocal acrobatics or excessive embellishment, is the epitome of traditional country singing. He conveys the lyrics with a genuine warmth and sincerity that makes the listener believe every word.
• Relatable Lyrical Themes: The lyrics celebrate a simple, genuine love and a woman who embodies down-to-earth qualities. This focus on everyday life, relationships, and authentic experiences is a hallmark of traditional country songwriting, appealing to a broad audience who values sincerity over flash.
• Resistance to Crossover: George Strait’s entire career has been built on a steadfast commitment to traditional country. “That’s My Kind Of Woman” is a perfect example of this dedication; it doesn’t attempt to cross over into pop or other genres but instead leans into the classic country sound that his fanbase adores.

Achievements:

While “That’s My Kind Of Woman” was not released as a commercial single and therefore did not achieve individual chart positions, its significance is deeply intertwined with the immense success and critical acclaim of the album it belongs to, It Just Comes Natural, and its contribution to George Strait’s ongoing legacy:

• Contribution to a Number One Album: It Just Comes Natural was a massive commercial success, debuting at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Top Country Albums chart and reaching No. 3 on the all-genre Billboard 200. The album’s lead single, “Give It Away,” became Strait’s 41st number one hit, breaking Conway Twitty’s record for the most Billboard country number ones by an artist. The album itself was certified Platinum by the RIAA, signifying sales of over one million units. As an integral part of this highly successful album, “That’s My Kind Of Woman” reached a vast audience of Strait’s devoted fans.
• Grammy Nomination for Album: It Just Comes Natural was nominated for Best Country Album at the 2008 Grammy Awards, a testament to its overall quality and impact. This nomination reflects the high regard in which the album, and by extension its tracks like “That’s My Kind Of Woman,” were held by the music industry.
• Reinforcing Strait’s “King of Country” Status: Even as an album track, “That’s My Kind Of Woman” contributed to George Strait’s consistent output of high-quality, traditional country music. His unwavering commitment to his sound, exemplified by songs like this, is a key reason he is revered as the “King of Country Music” and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006 while still actively recording and touring.
• Fan Favorite and Album Highlight: For many of Strait’s loyal fans, album cuts are just as important as the singles. “That’s My Kind Of Woman” is often cited by fans as a standout track on It Just Comes Natural, appreciated for its relatable lyrics and classic Strait delivery. It’s a song that perfectly captures the essence of what listeners love about his music.
• Showcasing Songwriting Partnerships: The song highlights the enduring and successful songwriting partnership between George Strait and Dean Dillon, who has contributed to many of Strait’s most beloved songs. Even when not a single, the quality of these collaborations is evident.

In conclusion, George Strait’s “That’s My Kind Of Woman,” released in 2006 on his chart-topping album It Just Comes Natural, is a quintessential Neotraditional Country / Honky-Tonk track. Co-written by Dean Dillon and Tammy Hyler, this album cut perfectly embodies Strait’s authentic sound and his celebration of genuine love. While not a single, its presence on a Platinum-certified, Grammy-nominated album that debuted at No. 1 on the country charts solidifies its importance within his legendary discography, reinforcing his status as the “King of Country Music” and a steadfast champion of traditional country sounds.

Video:

Lyrics:

“That’s My Kind Of Woman”

She can drive a truck and rope and ride
She feels right at home right by my side
That’s my kind of woman
That’s my cup of tea
That’s my kind of woman
The girl I want for meShe’s got a pair of boots taht she just loves
And like me, likes Gus from Lonesome Dove
That’s my kind of woman
That’s my cup of tea
That’s my kind of woman
The one I want for meAfter all I’ve seen and all I’ve done
I know somewhere there is someone
Who’ll look my way and say
I want that one
That’s my kind of woman
That’s me to a “T”No matter what she wears she turns my head
On rainy days, I can’t pry her out of bed
Lord, I know the order’s pretty tall
But find me and that’ll be all

That’s my kind of woman
That’s me to a “T”
That’s my kind of woman
The girl I want for me

That’s my kind of woman
The girl I want for me
She can drive a truck and rope and ride