This BGO two-fer features two of Merle Haggard's Capitol albums from the early '70s. These are largely unheralded despite the fact that they are solid offerings from Hag. Of course, the title track of If We Make It Through December is one of his greatest singles, but there's much more here, too: "Uncle Lem," "New York City Blues," "A Shoulder to Cry On," "Dad's Old Fiddle," and "Come on into My Arms" reveal Haggard's more sentimental side, but that's not to say that these recordings are not powerful. They are, and the man was at the top of his game and remained that way into the 21st century.
It's Not Love (But It's Not Bad)/If We Make It Through December
Merle Haggard
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It's Not Love (But It's Not Bad)/If We Make It Through December Review
by Thom Jurek