Goin Home for Christmas
His is a voice of great depth, able to reflect growing pains and heartbreak with a slight crack in his otherwise manly voice. It is great testament to his interpretive powers that even when delivering a series of holiday songs Merle Haggard is able to make it something deeply touching and personal. This is an interesting collection that puts "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" up against a tale of deep economic woe ("If We Make It Through December"), while still managing to include several sentimental Christmas tales ("Bobby Wants a Puppy Dog for Christmas," "Grandma's Homemade Christmas Card"). Whether he's singing about hobos, prisoners, fugitives, or family, Haggard always keeps it real.--Rob O'Connor