Merle Haggard: Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 CD

This intriguing best-of combines original recordings of some of Merle Haggard's best-known songs, like the semi-autobiographical "Mama Tried," the love-it-or-leave-it anthem "The Fighting Side of Me," and the workingman's lament "If We Make It Through December," with four impeccable 1990s re-recordings, including his classic prison songs "Sing Me Back Home" and "Branded Man."

During his ten years at Capitol Records, Merle Haggard recorded 24 number one country hits and a dozen other Top Ten hits. Those recordings, made between 1966 and 1976, established Haggard not only as one of country's most successful artists, but also as one of its most eloquent spokesmen for the hopes and fears of middle America. Curb's GREATEST HITS VOLUME 1 includes 10 of these hits, released during his first three years at Capitol. A companion disc, GREATEST HITS VOLUME 2, covers the rest of his Capitol tenure.

VOLUME 1 demonstrates the deftness with which Haggard mined his past to write beautiful and evocative songs: his childhood in migrant camps ("Hungry Eyes"), his wayward adolescence ("Mama Tried") and his years in prison ("Branded Man," "Sing Me Back Home"). Less often noted, but equally important, are Haggard's impressive skills as a singer and bandleader; all of these tracks feature stellar vocals and playing. As a result, VOLUME 1 is a solid introduction to the early career of one of country's all-time great artists.