What makes If We Make It Through December by Merle Haggard notable?

The title track became one of Haggard's most enduring songs, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and resonating deeply with listeners facing economic challenges. The album is notable for its poignant themes of hope amid adversity, reflecting the socio-economic climate of the early 1970s that many Americans were experiencing. Released on October 27, 1973, 'If We Make It Through December' marked Merle Haggard's transition into a more introspective phase of his career, following the commercial success of earlier hits like 'Okie from Muskogee.' This album came at a time when Haggard was solidifying his reputation as a voice for the working class, capturing their struggles and resilience in a rapidly changing America.

How many songs are on If We Make It Through December?

If We Make It Through December has 2 tracks, running approximately 4 minutes.

Released 53 years ago this October

If We Make It Through December

Merle Haggard · 1973

4 min · 2 tracks · country music

A reflective journey through hardship, blending heartfelt storytelling with traditional country melodies and Haggard's signature vocal warmth.

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Top tracks — play these first

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If We Make It Through December — This title track encapsulates the emotional weight of uncertainty during difficult times, showcasing Haggard's ability to touch people’s lives through relatable storytelling.
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Bobby Wants a Puppy Dog for Christmas — This track adds a lighter contrast to the album's overall theme, illustrating Haggard's versatility in blending humor with his poignant narrative style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

Haggard's heartfelt narratives and traditional melodies create a strong sense of cohesion and craft throughout the album.

What we noticed

Several songs employ a classic verse-chorus structure, with lyrics that tell personal stories of hardship and resilience.
The instrumentation is consistent, primarily featuring acoustic guitar, piano, and traditional country elements, creating a cohesive sound across tracks.

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

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 If We Make It Through December 2:41
2 Bobby Wants a Puppy Dog for Christmas 2:11

What to play next

Listen next

Totally Instrumental With One Exception

1973

Go back to

Let Me Tell You About a Song

1972

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