Released 15 years ago this October
Working in Tennessee
Merle Haggard · 2011
35 min · 11 tracks · country music
A rich tapestry of traditional country sounds melds with personal storytelling, reflecting Haggard's enduring connection to working-class themes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Working in Tennessee — The title track encapsulates the album's core theme of labor and identity, demonstrating Haggard's deep-seated appreciation for hard work and his roots.
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Cocaine Blues — This cover of a classic song highlights Haggard's storytelling prowess and ability to reinterpret narratives around addiction while staying true to his country roots.
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Workin’ Man Blues — A signature song that resonates with blue-collar workers, this track reinforces Haggard's long-standing connection to the working-class ethos prevalent throughout his career.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends traditional sounds with personal storytelling, showcasing Haggard's enduring style.
What we noticed
- Several tracks feature traditional instrumentation like steel guitar and fiddle, grounding the sound in classic country while addressing contemporary themes.
- The lyrics often reflect personal narratives and working-class experiences, with Haggard's vocal delivery conveying authenticity and emotional weight.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- working-class storytelling and themes
- light-hearted tracks for easy listening
- short songs for quick sessions
- for casual gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer longer immersive albums
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Showcases Haggard's continued relevance and connection to working-class themes.
- Career context
- By the time 'Working in Tennessee' was released in 2011, Merle Haggard was already a legendary figure in country music, having enjoyed decades of acclaim since his debut in the 1960s. This album came during a period where he continued to reflect on his roots and experiences, following his previous release, 'I Am What I Am' from 2004.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Waylon Jennings· Johnny Cash· George Jones
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Working in Tennessee 2:22
- 2 Down on the Houseboat 2:52
- 3 Cocaine Blues 3:19
- 4 What I Hate 3:52
- 5 Sometimes I Dream 2:45
- 6 Under the Bridge 3:03
- 7 Too Much Boogie Woogie 2:52
- 8 Truck Driver’s Blues 2:55
- 9 Laugh It Off 3:52
- 10 Workin’ Man Blues 4:09
- 11 Jackson 3:10
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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