George Strait Music:

If You Ain't Lovin' (You Ain't Livin') Track Listing:
1. If You Ain't Lovin' (You Ain't Livin')
2. Under These Conditions
3. Baby Blue
4. Don't Mind If I Do
5. Bigger Man Than Me
6. Famous Last Words of a Fool
7. It's Too Late Now
8. Is It That Time Again
9. Let's Get Down to It
10. Back to Bein' Me

Editorial Review:
While not one of his biggest sellers, this 1988 album is a fine representation of George Strait's new-traditionalist sound, which opened the door for the wave of "hat-acts" that took over country music in the early '90s. Tommy Collins's title track is a piece of vintage Bakersfield honky-tonk, while "Under These Conditions" and "Famous Last Words of a Fool" are barstool lamentations worthy of George Jones. Fiddler Johnny Gimble and pianist Floyd Domino lend an authentic Texas dance-hall kick to the Nashville rhythm section. --Rick Mitchell

If You Ain't Lovin' (You Ain't Livin') Reviews:
Quality of Music and songs
2007-07-30 - Quality of Music and songs good quality, this is why I Love George Strait songs

Another Winner
2004-04-24 - I cannot believe how negative some people are about this CD. The title track is one of George's best songs (Pay close attention to the lyrics), "Baby Blue", "Famous Last Words Of A Fool", and "Bigger Man Than Me" are country classics. "Lets Get Down To It" Is one of his most underrated songs (Perhaps only behind "Angel, Angelina" and "You Got That Ole Redneck Feelin Blue"). Is it as good as "Pure Country", "Something Special", and Beyond The Blue Neon"? No it isn't, but it is a quality CD, that should be a must for George fans.

Another impressive album
2001-08-20 - Once again on a string of great albums in his career this 1988 release is once again more great music from George Strait. The 3 singles are really good on this one such as If you ain't lovin then you ain't livin, Baby Blue and Famous last words of a fool. Of the unreleased tracks Under these conditions is very good, and so for Bigger man than me,and Back to Bein Me are great songs not to miss. It's to late now another good one. So many good songs here but there are some unfamilar type songs here that may take a few listens to like such as Don't Mind if I do, Lets get down to it,and Is it that time again they are good songs but not Usual George Strait material. Bottom line your creme of the crop song here is Under these conditions.

"If You Ain't Lovin'"
2000-12-15 - I think this is one of George's better albums. The 3 singles released from it all went number one, including my all-time favorite "Baby Blue". Also, I like the non-singles as well, especially "Bigger Man Than Me". This CD is a good representation of George at his best.

Good offering starts to lose steam at end
2000-07-11 - This album was the last one from George before the hat act invasion of 1989 took place (Garth, Alan, Clint) and gets by mainly on its singles. The unreleased tracks are not as impressive as George's usually are.

The title track, a classic by Faron Young, is given a great cover and is updated to the eighties' "new traditionalist" sound. Baby Blue has since taken its place as one of his fans' favorite lost love ballads. George sounds as if he's on the verge of tears and is barely holding it together. Famous Last Words carries the same theme, but uses a fresh point-of-view.

Among the unreleased songs, Under These Conditions is the best, a sweeping honky tonk ballad which boasts a lot of heart. Bigger Man and Back to Bein' are also very well done. The album, however, does have three below average songs: Don't Mind, Is It That Time, and Let's Get Down. They lack the usual spit and polish that Strait songs usually boast, and bring down the album from the 5 star level. While the melodies are passable, the lyrics could have used another rewriting on certain phrases and wording.