Retro Single Review: George Strait, "Ace in the Hole"

1989 | Peak: #1

A Western Swing spin on “The Gambler.”

Not much to say about it beyond that.  It bounces along pleasantly enough, and despite

the recycled life lessons, it still packs a little punch.

It also showcases Strait’s live sound better than most of his singles do, letting the band loose for a surprisingly long time, given the remarkably short 2:34 running time.

Fun fact: the B-side of the single was “Oh Me, Oh My, Sweet Baby”, which would be a top five hit for Diamond Rio a few years later.

Written by Dennis Adkins

Grade: B+

Next: Overnight Success

Previous: What’s Going on in  Your World

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkAnOetp2Bs

 

2 Comments

  1. Another fun fact: Even though co-producer Jimmy Bowen had allowed George Strait to use his road band (the Ace in the Hole band) for several tracks on this and Strait’s previous 2 albums, his road band didn’t go in the studio with George for this track. Former Bob Wills Playboy Johnny Gimble can be heard fiddling, though.

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