Working in Tennessee Merle Haggard

About this Artist

• Biography

Editorial Reviews

Working in Tennessee, Merle Haggard's second album for Vanguard, plays a little slower and softer than 2010's I Am What I Am, a record where Hag gently dwelled on his mortality. There are times where his age crosses his mind -- particularly on 'Sometimes I Dream,' where he casually lists off things that aren't likely to pass his way again -- but generally, he's ready to 'Laugh It Off' as he gripes about what's playing on the radio, smokes a little dope, and enjoys playing a little bit of blues as he looks back to the past, even cutting a couple of old favorites ('Cocaine Blues,' 'Jackson') and a new version of 'Working Man Blues.' Hag never rushes things, never turns up the volume, his western swing now bearing a closer resemblance to the gentlemanly amiability of Hank Thompson instead of the wild, woolly Bob Wills. He's proceeding at the pace of a 74-year-old legend with nothing to prove, yet he's not resting on his laurels, he's just doing what he's always done: singing songs so expertly his virtuosity almost goes unnoticed. Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

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