In a rare conversation around the release of his now-iconic Honky Tonk Time Machine album, George Strait shares his secret recipe for choosing songs for his projects.

Strait has built a reputation as not only being one of the most talented vocalists in the country music landscape, but also as having one of the best ears for hit songs in the industry.

Although not writing a great deal of his material, the ‘All My Ex's Live in Texas’ hitmaker has always been incredibly adept at choosing which tracks to include on his studio projects.

The proof is in the pudding, after all, with the Texas native still possessing the record for the most No. 1 hit singles by any artist in the history of music, with a staggering total of 60.

In the interview, Strait reveals his process for sifting the wheat from the chaff when it comes to deciding which tracks to cut, “When I'm looking for new songs for a record, it's impossible to know really if it's going to be a hit record or not, you just have to go with your gut. But I think mainly it's the melody that grabs me to start with”.

Strait adds, “I've always kind of been a melody guy, and the melody's what catches my ear and gets my attention, and I think that a great song has to have a great melody. You know, when you get a great melody, and then great lyrics, then you have a great song”.

And you can hear the fruits of this across Strait's catalogue, with one of the King of Country's most enduring traits being his penchant for songs that pivot around an infectious melody. Even his pared-down and vulnerable offerings, like ‘Nobody In His Right Mind Would've Left Her’, ‘I Just Can't Go On Dying Like This’ and ‘Desperately’, carry subtly enchanting melodies that elevate each song's heartfelt message.

It's why, while there are the obvious earworms like ’Blue Clear Sky’, ‘Check Yes or No’ and ‘Carrying Your Love With Me’, it's often the understated tracks like ‘I Can Still Make Cheyenne’, ‘Lead On’ and ‘The Chair’ that end up being hailed as fan-favourites. It's because they have melodies that don't try to grab you immediately - but after the third or fourth listen, rest assured it'll have you wrapped around its finger.

Strait remains the King of Country in many people's eyes, and while many modern-day titans like Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs have been mooted as potential successors, it feels like it's going to take a heck of a lot to take King George's throne.

Given how long Strait has remained one of the most respected figures in country music, with each new album drawing plaudits from fans and critics alike, and given how he tends to steer clear of interviews these days, it's fascinating to hear the ‘Troubadour’ chart-topper opening up about his creative approach here.