Hag/ Someday We'll Look Back

 (14 customer reviews)

Hag was Merle's first album of original songs following the meteoric rise he experienced from the success of "Okie." Released in 1971, Hag found Merle straddling the new-found establishment success and anti-hippie sentiment of much of his audience with his naturally tolerant, introspective, egalitarian, and contrarian nature.

Given the rift in America at that time over race relations, poverty, civil rights, and the war in Vietnam, several songs on Hag seem to directly address these issues: the opener, a chilling cover of Ernie Tubbs' "Soldier's Last Letter," updates this classic against the backdrop of Vietnam. Given that we are again involved in a war with dubious meaning foisted upon us by leaders who have been less than candid, this song resonates as if it was written yesterday. "Sidewalks of Chicago" addresses homelessness and poverty, and "The Farmer's Daughter" is about tolerance and respect for others. The poignant "Jesus Take a Hold" asks for Jesus to intervene...Read more

Out of all the recently remastered/reissued Merle Haggard twofers, Hag/Someday We'll Look Back is the least characteristically "Bakersfield"-sounding one. It's not really heavy on those wicked steel guitar licks or the go-for-broke background singers that I love so well, but guess what?? It's great anyway! On these two records, Merle really stretches out his songwriting, drawing more from blues, jazz and folk than ever before and crafting the most personal and emotional songs he'd ever done.

The first album, Hag, probably has more of a conservative bent than the second, with the heartfelt "Soldier's Last Letter," the plea "Jesus, Take A Hold," and the tender "Farmer's Daughter." Throughout the album, Hag uses subtle textures (listen to the piano on "Shelly's Winter Love") to convey his subtly powerful songs. "Sidewalks of Chicago is another highlight with its hard living tale. Other highlights are the honky-tonkin' "I'm A Good Loser," the homage-paying yodel in "I...Read more

Merle Haggard did the great album in 1970. I was only 15 years old and living in Hico, Texas working on our family ranch! I had a portable 8 track player and would listen to Soldiers Last Letter and Shellys Winter Love! His voice was perfect at this time in history and when I found that the CD had finally been released I bought it. I still listen to it today, even though nearly 40 years have passed. A must for music lovers and country fans especially!!! If I could only own one of Hags albums, this is the one! Dana B.