The best Merle Haggard albums

20 records, ordered by how much we can tell you about each one — not by chart position.

  1. 1
    Working in Tennessee

    Working in Tennessee Start here

    2011

    A rich tapestry of traditional country sounds melds with personal storytelling, reflecting Haggard's enduring connection to working-class themes.

  2. 2
    Strangers

    Strangers

    1965

    A tapestry of heartfelt storytelling woven with traditional country instrumentation and Haggard's signature gravelly vocals.

  3. 3
    Unforgettable

    Unforgettable

    2004

    A tender collection of timeless standards infused with Haggard's signature storytelling and emotive vocal delivery.

  4. 4
    Out Among the Stars

    Out Among the Stars

    1986

    A reflective blend of traditional country sounds with poignant storytelling that captures the essence of Haggard's life experiences.

  5. 5
    A Friend In California

    A Friend In California

    1986

    A warm blend of traditional country melodies and heartfelt storytelling captures the essence of everyday life and longing.

  6. 6
    Chill Factor

    Chill Factor

    1987

    A reflective blend of traditional country sounds with introspective lyrics that echo the trials of love and life.

  7. 7
    1996

    1996

    1996

    A reflective blend of traditional country sounds with heartfelt storytelling, capturing the essence of life's struggles and joys.

  8. 8
    1994

    1994

    1994

    A reflective collection of traditional country sounds infused with storytelling and heartfelt emotion.

  9. 9
    Haggard Like Never Before

    Haggard Like Never Before

    2003

    A reflective blend of heartfelt storytelling and traditional country melodies that showcase Haggard's enduring vocal prowess and emotional depth.

  10. 10
    I Am What I Am

    I Am What I Am

    2010

    A reflective blend of traditional country storytelling and intimate melodies that capture the essence of life's complexities.

  11. 11
    Blue Jungle

    Blue Jungle

    1990

    A reflective blend of traditional country sounds intertwined with somber storytelling and introspective lyrics.

  12. 12
    The Way I Am

    The Way I Am

    1980

    A contemplative blend of traditional country sounds infused with heartfelt storytelling and an undercurrent of nostalgia.

  13. 13
    The Roots of My Raising

    The Roots of My Raising

    1976

    A blend of honky-tonk rhythms and heartfelt storytelling, steeped in traditional country sounds.

  14. 14
    Goin' Home for Christmas

    Goin' Home for Christmas

    1982

    A heartwarming collection of festive tunes blending traditional country elements with nostalgic storytelling and seasonal cheer.

  15. 15
    I'm Always on a Mountain When I Fall

    I'm Always on a Mountain When I Fall

    1978

    A heartfelt blend of traditional country storytelling and reflective balladry, underscored by Haggard's distinctive vocals.

  16. 16
    The Legend of Bonnie & Clyde

    The Legend of Bonnie & Clyde

    1968

    A rich tapestry of storytelling woven through traditional country melodies and heartfelt vocal delivery.

  17. 17
    The Bluegrass Sessions

    The Bluegrass Sessions

    2007

    A heartfelt blend of traditional bluegrass melodies woven with Haggard's signature storytelling and warm, gravelly vocals.

  18. 18
    Heart to Heart

    Heart to Heart

    1983

    A reflective blend of classic country storytelling woven with heartfelt melodies and rich vocal harmonies.

  19. 19
    It's All in the Game

    It's All in the Game

    1984

    A reflective blend of traditional country sounds and heartfelt storytelling that captures the essence of love and loss.

  20. 20
    Merle Haggard's Christmas Present

    Merle Haggard's Christmas Present

    A heartfelt collection of classic holiday tunes infused with Haggard's signature storytelling and warm, twangy instrumentation.