Merle Haggard’s musical journey, from honky-tonk anthems to soul-searching ballads, resonates with authenticity and deep emotion. Over the decades, he remained a steadfast voice for the working class, capturing the essence of love, loss, and life’s complexities. This exploration delves into Haggard’s monumental legacy, aiming to rank the best Merle Haggard albums based on their impact and resonance.

Haggard’s discography reflects his profound connection with life’s diverse experiences and stands as a beacon in American music. His songs, deeply woven into the fabric of the nation’s culture, offer insights into the human condition. Today, as we assess the best Merle Haggard albums, we highlight his musical prowess and pay tribute to his enduring cultural influence.

Our journey through Haggard’s albums is more than a musical exploration; it’s an odyssey through the various stages of his life. Each album serves as a portal into different periods and emotions he encountered. As we rank the best Merle Haggard albums, we unveil the depth and breadth of his artistic legacy, solidifying his status as a timeless icon in music.

Merle Haggard Albums Ranked By Sales

• “Okie from Muskogee” (1969) – 1 million+
• “Pancho & Lefty” (with Willie Nelson) (1983) – 900,000+
• “Big City” (1981) – 800,000+
• “Mama Tried” (1968) – 750,000+
• “Back to the Barrooms” (1980) – 700,000+ (Note: These figures are approximate estimates and not official sales numbers.)

Merle Haggard Notable Live Performances

• Live at San Quentin Prison (1969)
• Austin City Limits debut (1978)
• Farm Aid IV performance with Willie Nelson (1990)
• Grand Ole Opry 50th Anniversary Celebration (2000)
• The Kennedy Center Honors performance (2010)

Merle Haggard Album Guests

• Bonnie Owens on “Just Between the Two of Us” (1966)
• The Strangers on “Okie from Muskogee” (1969) and “Fightin’ Side of Me” (1970)
• Willie Nelson on “Pancho & Lefty” (1983) and “Django and Jimmie” (2015)
• Albert E. Brumley, Jr. on “Two Old Friends” (2002)
• George Jones on “Kickin’ Out the Footlights…Again” (2006)

“Okie from Muskogee” (1969)

This album serves as a bold statement piece for Haggard, marking a significant turning point in his career. Its title track became an anthem for middle America during a time of cultural upheaval. This album is quintessential Merle – raw, honest, and unapologetic.

“Pancho & Lefty” (with Willie Nelson) (1983)

Collaborating with fellow country legend Willie Nelson, this album stands out as a milestone in country duet history. The title track is a storytelling masterpiece and showcases the combined prowess of two of country’s finest.

“Mama Tried” (1968)

Embracing his tumultuous past, Haggard weaves tales of youthful rebellion and regret. The title track, reflecting on his incarceration, is one of Haggard’s most enduring songs and remains a cornerstone of country music.

“Big City” (1981)

Inspired by life on the road and longing for simpler times, “Big City” showcases Haggard’s adeptness at capturing the collective feeling of an era. Its title track went on to become one of his most recognized hits.

“Back to the Barrooms” (1980)

A return to his honky-tonk roots, this album resonates with raw emotion, touching on themes of love, loss, and the solace found at the bottom of a bottle. It’s a testament to Haggard’s timeless appeal.

“Kern River” (1985)

Drenched in nostalgia, “Kern River” sees Haggard looking back at his Californian roots. With a mix of ballads and upbeat tracks, it remains one of his most introspective works.

Merle Haggard Albums – Complete List

• Strangers (1965)
• Just Between the Two of Us (with Bonnie Owens) (1966)
• Swinging Doors and The Bottle Let Me Down (1966)
• I’m a Lonesome Fugitive (1967)
• Branded Man (1967)
• Sing Me Back Home (1968)
• The Legend of Bonnie & Clyde (1968)
• Mama Tried (1968)
• Pride in What I Am (1969)
• Same Train, A Different Time (1969)
• A Portrait of Merle Haggard (1969)
• Okie from Muskogee (with The Strangers) (1969)
• Fightin’ Side of Me (with The Strangers) (1970)
• A Tribute to the Best Damn Fiddle Player in the World (1970)
• Hag (1971)
• Someday We’ll Look Back (1971)
• Let Me Tell You About a Song (1972)
• It’s Not Love (But It’s Not Bad) (1973)
• If We Make It Through December (1974)
• Merle Haggard Presents His 30th Album (1974)
• Keep Movin’ On (1975)
• It’s All in the Movies (1976)
• The Roots of My Raising (1976)
• My Love Affair with Trains (1976)
• Ramblin’ Fever (1977)
• A Working Man Can’t Get Nowhere Today (1977)
• I’m Always on a Mountain When I Fall (1978)
• Serving 190 Proof (1979)
• The Way I Am (1980)
• Back to the Barrooms (1980)
• Big City (1981)
• Going Where the Lonely Go (1982)
• Pancho & Lefty (with Willie Nelson) (1983)
• That’s the Way Love Goes (1983)
• It’s All in the Game (1984)
• Kern River (1985)
• Amber Waves of Grain (1985)
• A Friend in California (1986)
• Out Among the Stars (1986)
• Chill Factor (1987)
• 5:01 Blues (1989)
• Blue Jungle (1990)
• 1994 (1994)
• 1996 (1996)
• Two Old Friends (with Albert E. Brumley, Jr.) (2002)
• Like Never Before (2003)
• Unforgettable (2004)
• Chicago Wind (2005)
• Kickin’ Out the Footlights…Again (with George Jones) (2006)
• The Bluegrass Sessions (2007)
• I Am What I Am (2010)
• Working in Tennessee (2011)
• Django and Jimmie (with Willie Nelson) (2015)

Conclusion

The sheer magnitude of Merle Haggard’s discography is a testament to his relentless creativity and passion for storytelling. He stood as a pillar in country music, a genuine troubadour whose songs resonate across generations. For those looking to explore artists of similar stature and authenticity, consider delving into the works of Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, George Jones, Hank Williams Sr., and Kris Kristofferson.