George Strait is undoubtedly one of the most revered country artists of his generation, with well-loved hits like "Troubadour," "The Man in Love With You," "Baby Blue," "It Just Comes Natural," "Easy Come Easy Go," "Blue Clear Sky," "The Chair," "Ocean Front Property," "Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind" and "Amarillo by Morning".
It should come as no surprise that he also has some of the all-time best love songs out there: as evidenced by how often they make it onto wedding song lists. His country songs are classics so there's a reason he has so many No. 1 hits.
Of course, the King of Country Music is so versatile that we could just as easily put together an anti-love song playlist, topped by "All My Ex's Live in Texas" and "Give It Away," or a song list about the love of God above, featuring "I Saw God Today" and "Love Without End, Amen."
Here are the 12 best George Strait love songs for your wedding reception.
Honorable mention songs: "River of Love," "One Night at a Time," "She'll Leave You With a Smile" and "Love is Everything"
12. "Love's Gonna Make It Alright"
A top-notch tune from Strait's 2011 album Here For a Good Time, "Love's Gonna Make It Alright" captures the sweetness of having someone waiting for you at home after a tedious day at the office.
11. "Write This Down"
This No. 1 from 1999 became Strait's biggest crossover hit, reaching No. 27 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. More vulnerable declarations of love in country songs are few and far between, if they're shared in desperation because she's thinking about leaving.
10. "Carrying Your Love With Me"
Written by Steve Bogard and Jeff Stevens, this Billboard chart-topper is considered one the best songs of the '90s, period.
Strait was nominated for Best Male Country Vocal Performance at the 1998 Grammy Awards for this song about a man who even though he has to leave home for long periods of time, still loves his significant other.
9. "I Cross My Heart"
One of the country star's greatest hits comes from the Pure Country soundtrack, with the music video for this No. 1 hit completely made up of footage from the film, which starred Strait in his acting debut alongside Lesley Ann Warren.
8. "You're Something Special To Me"
This twangy love tune peaked at No. 4 on the charts. Strait's as laid back and cool as ever as he sings about how his loved one made all his dreams come true.
7. "Carried Away"
His 30th No. 1 in 1996, "Carried Away" is a true romantic ballad. It was nominated for single of the year at the 1997 CMA Awards and really stands the test of the time. It's just that good.
According to Taste of Country, songwriters Steve Bogard and Jeff Stevens wanted to write a massively appealing love song: "We turned it into an all positive love song because it would appeal to a broader audience than a personal message would."
6. "You Look So Good In Love"
An '80s throwback from Strait and of course another No. 1 hit, "You Look So Good In Love" is just a timeless ballad. The song follows the narrator reflecting on how his ex looks happy with her new relationship and how he's sad he couldn't have made her that happy. Apparently, George made an official music video and had it removed from the air because he didn't like how it turned out.
5. "Right or Wrong"
Another '80s hit, I just love the upbeat rhythm of the song and the simple message in the lyrics. "Right or wrong, I'm still in love with you". It's just a sweet song that will make you smile. The tune was made famous by Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys and remains a western swing standard.
4. "I Just Want to Dance With You"
His 42nd No. 1 hit makes fans feel like he's singing to them on an island with a margarita in hand. The breezy vibes and delicate guitar make you want to dance, even if it's just in your living room. It's a John Prine co-write, featured on the 1998 album One Step at a Time.
3. "If You Ain't Lovin' (You Ain't Livin')"
This 1988 single was originally recorded by Nashville honky-tonk legend Faron Young. Much like the country classics recorded in the coming years by Alan Jackson, it proved Strait's old-school credibility while still suiting the sound of the time.
2. "Let's Fall to Pieces Together"
This 1984 tune follows the story of two people who have lost their loved ones who meet at a jukebox and decide to spend time together to take their minds off mourning. The song was yet another No. 1 for a reason. Not only is it incredibly catchy— it's the story of two people leaning on each other instead of being alone in their grief.
1. "Check Yes or No"
An obvious number one on this list, "Check Yes or No," topped the country charts for four weeks in 1996. It's a classic country love story following a boy and a girl from when they are in grade school and until he proposes. It's sweet, guaranteed to make you smile and will always be one of Strait's definitive songs.
This story was previously published on June 8, 2021 and written by Courtney Fox. It was updated and expanded on May 18, 2022 by Bobby Moore.
