28 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY FEBRUARY 20-26, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com MUSIC While many artists struggle to cross over into new genres hoping to expand their audience, for Lyle Lovett it is just the way things are. “The kind of music I do, it’s certainly not pop music,” he says. “It doesn’t have that mass appeal. My music has always been sort of in-between categories. Most record stores put my records in the country music section, but sometimes others put my records in the pop or even the rock section. As long as it’s in the store somewhere, I’m OK with it.” In spite of a long career spanning four Grammys (two country and two pop), 12 albums, dozens of movie and TV credits and his 2012 induction into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, Lovett never really had a major hit song. He likes it that way. “I often joke that I’ve never been burdened by having an actual hit,” Lovett explains. “My records have sold enough to make the record company enough money to help me keep my job, but I’ve never had anything so firmly ingrained in the mind of the public that I’m expected to repeat it. It’s important to be just successful enough to be able to keep doing what you love.” The Texas poet has made a near religion out of his one-liner lyrics, like “Home is where my horse is,” and “I don’t love you any less, but I can’t love you anymore.” He opts for a down-toearth personal philosophy. “I’m really just trying to play music that I like to play and like to listen to,” Lovett says. “I just have to think if I like these different kinds of music, there are other people who aren’t so different from me. I’ve always thought that writing isn’t really that hard. It’s having a good idea that’s hard.” As much as he is known for his thoughtful lyrics and take on modern life, Lovett is no stranger to laugh-outloud often self-deprecating humor. “Look around and you will see/this world is full of creeps like me,” he sings. That he has not pursued a chart-topping song or tried to establish himself firmly in a genre is at the core of Lovett’s work—and life. “I’m really a very lucky man,” he points out. “I get to do the things I want most in life, like write songs and sing them for people and ride horses. I love my family. I love my home. I get to work with people I’ve admired my whole life. It’s a pretty good life.” Lyle Lovett 7:30pm Tuesday, Feb. 25. Sunset Center, San Carlos Street and 9th Avenue, Carmel. $88-$144. 620-2048, sunsetcenter.org. COURTESY LYLE LOVETT Lyle Style Through all the accolades, Lyle Lovett keeps doing what he loves best: playing songs for people. By Paul Fried “It’s really a lot easier to write about things that are problematic,” says Lyle Lovett. “Who wants to hear how happy you are?” Are you ready to break free from old patterns, build deeper connections, and rediscover your purpose? For over 35 years, Breakthrough Men’s Community has guided men toward lasting change through powerful, community-driven workshops. Spring 2025 Workshops – In-Person & Online In-person starts May 1 / Online starts May 7 Monterey, CA & Virtual Worldwide Financial aid available This is more than self-improvement —it’s a life-changing experience. Take the first step today. Registration closes soon! Sign up now at breakthroughformen.org Transform Your Life with Breakthrough Men’s Community
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