The Bottom Line
Pros
- "Where's All The Freedom"
- "White Man Singin' The Blues"
- "Rebuild America First"
Cons
- None.
Description
- Eleven new tracks, most Merle originals, as well as songs by Roger Miller and Willie Nelson.
- Produced by the legendary Jimmy Bowen (returning after a ten-year retirement).
- Featuring Toby Keith in a duet on "Some of Us Fly."
Guide Review - Merle Haggard - Chicago Wind
Merle Haggard never fails to please. Somehow he seems to be getting better every year, turning out consistently grand music on his own terms and without pulling punches, never bending to the current fads or compromising a moment. As a result, every new album is uniquely Merle, and this latest offering in a long, amazing career is no exception. "Chicago Wind" blends gentle ballads, crisp honky-tonk, and sharp-spoken political commentary. Merle's vocals are as magnificent as ever, and he's sounding better than ever.Delivering true artistry bespeaks a legendary singer like Merle, who gives glimpses into his mind with every song, even those he didn't write, such as the deeply touching "I Still Can't Say Goodbye," which recalls the pain of a man who lost his father as a boy (as Merle did as well, he performs the old title song from the movie "Honky-Tonk Man" (which was Marty Robbins' last hit) with a deep intensity of feeling. He also presents a re-recording of the 1973 "White Man Singin' The Blues," his more mature vocals adding layers to the already rich tune.[p]Expertly produced by Jimmy Bowen, the Nashville mainstay who has produced everyone from Frank Sinatra to George Strait and 70 number one hits, "Chicago Wind" may never be played on mainstream radio (unless the presence of Toby Keith breaks down the "no one over 50" wall), but it's another instant classic for Mighty Merle. _z_countrymusic_z_);
