What makes That's the Way Love Goes by Merle Haggard notable?

The title track, 'That's the Way Love Goes,' reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, solidifying Haggard's status in the genre. The album received positive critical reception and is noted for its lyrical depth, further influencing the direction of country music in the early 1980s, particularly in its focus on real-life emotional narratives. In 1983, Merle Haggard was in a rich period of creativity as he released 'That's the Way Love Goes,' which followed his earlier success with albums like 'Big City' in 1981. By this time, Haggard had established himself as a key figure in country music, exploring deeper emotional themes while maintaining his traditional sound. This album continued to showcase his prowess as both a singer and songwriter during a vibrant phase in his career.

Who is That's the Way Love Goes for?

That's the Way Love Goes works well if you're into steady pacing for reflective moments, heartfelt storytelling about love and intimate listening during solitude.

How many songs are on That's the Way Love Goes?

That's the Way Love Goes has 10 tracks, running approximately 32 minutes.

That's the Way Love Goes

Merle Haggard · 1983

32 min · 10 tracks · country music

A blend of heartfelt storytelling and melodic charm, embodying the essence of classic country music.

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Top tracks — play these first

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That's the Way Love Goes — This track encapsulates the album's theme of love's complexities with its poignant lyrics and memorable melody, becoming one of Haggard's signature songs.
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(I'm Gonna Paint Me) A Bed of Roses — Combining vivid imagery with sincerity, this song reflects Haggard's ability to express vulnerability while maintaining a classic country sound.
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What Am I Gonna Do (With the Rest of My Life) — This track showcases Haggard's introspective songwriting, diving into themes of love lost and searching for meaning after heartbreak.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production typical of Haggard's style, with solid craftsmanship and thematic cohesion.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of traditional country instrumentation, including steel guitar and fiddle, throughout its ten tracks.
Each song typically follows a verse-chorus structure, with Haggard's vocal delivery emphasizing storytelling.
The title track is positioned fourth in the sequence, serving as a pivotal moment that shifts the album's emotional tone.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady pacing for reflective moments
heartfelt storytelling about love
intimate listening during solitude
warm melodies for late nights

Maybe skip if you

seeking upbeat dance tracks
prefer instant musical gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — The title track's success solidified Haggard's status in country music.
Career context: In 1983, Merle Haggard was in a rich period of creativity as he released 'That's the Way Love Goes,' which followed his earlier success with albums like 'Big City' in 1981. By this time, Haggard had established himself as a key figure in country music, exploring deeper emotional themes while maintaining his traditional sound. This album continued to showcase his prowess as both a singer and songwriter during a vibrant phase in his career.
Stylistic neighbors: Waylon Jennings· Johnny Cash· George Jones