What makes Hag by Merle Haggard and The Strangers notable?

'Hag' reached number one on the Billboard Country Albums chart, further establishing Haggard's influence within the genre. The album is noted for its introspective lyrics and has been recognized as a pivotal work in Haggard's discography, influencing countless artists in the country and Americana scenes. Released on April 22, 1971, 'Hag' was Merle Haggard's twelfth studio album and a critical point in his career following the success of 'Okie from Muskogee.' This album solidified his reputation as a leading figure in country music, showcasing his ability to blend personal narrative with broader social themes.

How many songs are on Hag?

Hag has 10 tracks, running approximately 26 minutes.

Hag

Merle Haggard and The Strangers · 1971

26 min · 10 tracks

A blend of heartfelt storytelling and traditional country instrumentation that captures the essence of 1970s Americana.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Soldier’s Last Letter — This track poignantly reflects on loss and sacrifice from a soldier's perspective, showcasing Haggard's storytelling prowess.
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I Can’t Be Myself — With its deep emotional resonance, this song explores feelings of loneliness and identity, encapsulating the album's thematic depth.
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The Farmer’s Daughter — This track combines nostalgia with vivid imagery, painting a picture of rural life and love that resonates with Haggard's roots.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 75% of albums we've rated

Hag showcases strong songwriting and traditional country sounds, solidifying Haggard's place in the genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a slow tempo ballad, setting a reflective tone that persists through several tracks before introducing more upbeat rhythms in the latter half.
Many songs feature traditional country instrumentation, including steel guitar and fiddle, which are prominent throughout the record.
Lyrically, the album explores themes of loss and introspection, with several tracks featuring storytelling elements that draw from personal experiences.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

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

1 Soldier’s Last Letter 2:11
2 Shelly’s Winter Love 3:18
3 Jesus, Take a Hold 2:15
4 I Can’t Be Myself 2:49
5 I’m a Good Loser 2:39
6 Sidewalks of Chicago 2:30
7 No Reason to Quit 2:31
8 If You’ve Got Time (to Say Goodbye) 2:49
9 The Farmer’s Daughter 2:54
10 I’ve Done It All 2:09

What to play next

Go back to

A Portrait of Merle Haggard

1969

Full Merle Haggard and The Strangers discography Artists like Merle Haggard and The Strangers

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata