First Impressions: Merle Haggard, I Am What I Am

Merle Haggard

I Am What I am

Vanguard

Release Date: 4/20

1. I’ve Seen It Go Away

2. Pretty When It’s New

3. Oil Tanker Train

4. Live And Love Always

5. The Road To My Heart 

6. How Did You Find Me Here

7. We’re Falling In Love Again

8. Bad Actor

9. Down At The End Of The Road

10. A Stranger In The City

11. Mexican Band

12. I Am What I Am

First Impressions:

-This is Merle Haggard’s first album with Vanguard (first since 2007) and his 76^th [!!!!!] overall.  The country music legend co-produced the album with Lou Bradley and his backing band is The Strangers.    

-“Pretty When It’s New” is a mellow number.  Haggard’ vocals carry the tune, which in addition, has a nifty piano solo in the middle. 

-“Oil Tanker Train” features Haggard’s renowned storytelling talents.  The lyrics carry as much soul and imagery as some of his classics. 

- An up-tempo fiddle starts “Live And Love Always.”  The tone of the song feels at home in a honky-tonk saloon.  

-“Bad Actor” is a somber, introspective number that takes a look at the narrator’s life, presumably Haggard's.  His lyrics are most likely tied to his recent bouts with cancer and dealing with his own mortality. 

Key Tracks:

"Pretty When It’s New,” “Oil Tanker Train,” “Bad Actor,” “Down At The End Of The Road”

Predictions:

The ol’ California outlaw is back.  Haggard’s strong songwriting carries the album and for a 72-year-old who survived cancer, look for Haggard to perhaps make a run at Johnny Cash’s title as country’s most improbable comeback.