Sometimes, an artist does some of their strongest work when
the spotlight isn’t shining directly on them. By 1994, Merle Haggard was sort
off the radar – as far as mainstream Country Music went. It had been over four
years since he was represented in Billboard’s Top 40 with “If You Want To Be My
Woman.” The focus of the industry had clearly shifted to acts like Garth
Brooks, Vince Gill, and Brooks & Dunn. Of course, his influence was still
firmly implanted on the format, with all three of those artists – and others
like them – identifying the legend as one of their major influences.
That all being said, Haggard still had something to say as an
artist. That was mighty apparent on his release for the year, aptly titled 1994. Though “In My Next Life” barely dented
the singles chart, where it was played…the song made an impact. To my ears, it
was as good as anything he had put out since “Big City” or “Going Where The
Lonely Go.” The song – about a man who was approaching his later years who
still wanted to make his wife proud of him – was straight out of Haggard 101 –
Simple, heartfelt, and direct.
The same could be said of the rest of the album. Performances
such as “I Am An Island,” “Valentine,” and the wistful “Bye, Bye, Travellin’
Blues” would have been right at home on any Haggard disc from 1980 own. There
was also more of a playful side to the singer, as evidenced on “Set My Chickens
Free,” and for longtime fans who might have needed a little incentive to pick
the CD up, there was a remake of “Ramblin’ Fever,” his 1977 classic. (Got to
admit, kind of burned out on that one during my WDKN days just a little bit…but
still a classic!). To me, as a young programmer, 1994 was a lesson that an artist can still be viable no matter how
many years they have been recording music – and they don’t have to resort to
hooks or novelty songs to stay relevant.
1994 will be my
featured album on the June 17 edition of “Crazy Chucky’s Classic Country
Corner,” brought to you by Tennessee Properties. Next week, I’ll tell you about
one day I played hooky from school…..and twenty-seven years later, I’m glad I
did!
