Branded Man cover

Branded Man

Merle Haggard · 1967

32 min · 12 tracks · country

A poignant blend of traditional country sounds and deeply personal storytelling reflecting life's hardships.

Why this album works

This album is significant for its raw exploration of themes like hardship and regret, which resonated deeply with audiences, contributing to Haggard's rise in the country genre. It features the title track, which became a staple of his repertoire and showcases the struggles of a man marked by his past, further influencing the outlaw country movement that followed.
Best for
steady pacing through personal stories reflective moments of heartfelt introspection short tracks for quick listening
Context
In 1967, Merle Haggard was transitioning from his initial breakout success with 'Swinging Doors' to becoming a leading figure in the country music scene. 'Branded Man' was his fourth studio album, following the critically acclaimed 'I'm a Lonesome Fugitive,' and it solidified his reputation as a master storyteller rooted in personal experience.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Branded Man Standout 3:07
  • 2 Loneliness Is Eating Me Alive Standout 2:35
  • 3 Don’t Get Married 2:30
  • 4 Somewhere Between Standout 3:06
  • 5 You Don’t Have Very Far to Go 2:19
  • 6 Gone Crazy 2:03
  • 7 I Threw Away the Rose 3:21
  • 8 My Hands Are Tied 2:18
  • 9 Some of Us Never Learn 2:41
  • 10 Long Black Limousine 3:14
  • 11 Go Home 2:35
  • 12 I Made the Prison Band 2:29

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata