Artemis Strategic Marketing's 2005 release 11 #1 Hits does not contain the original hit versions of any of these 11 well-known songs but instead contains latter-day re-recordings from Merle Haggard. While Merle does sound a little bit older, he doesn't sound bad, and even if the performances aren't inspired, they are professional, so this is never less than a pleasant listen. Nevertheless, there's little reason to get this budget-priced collection when there are so many better Hag compilation   [ read more ]

CD $6.63

One could easily get the impression, just perusing the front and back covers of this album, that it contains the original recordings of some of Merle Haggard's most popular recordings -- this is, as a sleeve note puts it, a "unique, chronological collection." In fact, 13 of the 16 tracks are re-recordings made by Haggard in October 1994; only "Big City," "Are the Good Times Really Over (I Wish a Buck Was Still Silver)," and "Going Where the Lonely Go," three of the 12 number one country hi   [ read more ]

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18 Rare Classics haphazardly compiles number one hits like "Kentucky Gambler" and "Grandma Harp" alongside obscure material like "Silver Wings" and "Here in Frisco." ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide

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After a four-year recording silence, he returns with his strongest record since 1981's Big City. The first single, "In My Next Life" (written by Max D. Barnes), is the latest entry in Haggard's incomparable registry of the unfulfilled dreams of the salt of the bitter earth. ~ Dan Cooper, All Music Guide

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In late 1995, Merle Haggard stood on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry House, acknowledging the music industry's ovation as he accepted his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. A few months later, however, his next album came out with no fanfare at all. His record company didn't send promotional copies to reviewers until the album had been out for nearly a month, and no advertising or promotion has been devoted to the music. The album artwork and cover reflect this lack of care: the title, {^1   [ read more ]

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CD $9.48

CD $12.33

For the money, you are not going to find a more definitive Greatest Hits by Merle Haggard. There are 20 cuts on this baby and all of 'em were bona fide hit singles that basically defined the man's well-earned reputation as a great poet of the working class -- not to mention as a country songwriter. Haggard's Epic period may not be here, nor anything from his MCA albums, but it hardly matters because this is one jam-packed set from top to bottom. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide

CD $16.13

A good budget-priced collection, 20 Hits Special Collection, Vol. 1 features most of Merle Haggard's biggest hits for Capitol, from "(My Friends Are Gonna Be) Strangers" and "Swingin' Doors" to "Everybody's Had the Blues." Though there are better, more thorough compilations on the market, 20 Hits Special Collection, Vol. 1 remains a good choice for the budget conscious. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

CD $7.58

Most of Merle Haggard's biggest hits for Capitol Records, classics like "Mama Tried," "Branded Man," "The Bottle Let Me Down," "The Fightin' Side of Me," "Okie from Muskogee," "Hungry Eyes," and "I'm a Lonesome Fugitive," are on the first hits volume, but there are still plenty of Haggard gems on this set, as well, including the brilliant "Today I Started Loving You Again," the wise and comforting "The Roots of My Raising," the poignant "Things Aren't Funny Anymore," t   [ read more ]

CD $9.48

CD $6.63

CD $16.13