Introduction
“Ocean Front Property” is a neotraditional country song performed by George Strait, released in December 1986 as the lead single from his album of the same name. The track was co-written by Dean Dillon, Hank Cochran, and Royce Porter. It achieved significant success, reaching number one on both the United States and Canadian country charts.
Musically, the song features honky-tonk elements reminiscent of artists like Bob Wills and Lefty Frizzell. Critically acclaimed, it received an A grade from Country Universe, which praised Strait’s vocal delivery for maintaining the song’s heartfelt undertones despite its unconventional metaphor.
The lyrics present a clever twist on the classic notion of “selling oceanfront property in Arizona,” using it as a metaphor for insincerity in a relationship. This juxtaposition adds depth to the song, blending traditional country themes with a fresh perspective.
“Ocean Front Property” stands as a testament to George Strait’s ability to blend traditional country sounds with innovative storytelling, solidifying his status as a leading figure in neotraditional country music.