The good times aren't over if you get this CD
Merle Haggard is a country innovator and one of the originators of the Bakersfield Sound. If you enjoy classic country then you can't miss this CD. The best tracks on this CD are: Are The Good Times Really Over, Pancho And Lefty and The Okie From Muskogee's Comin' Home. Mr. Haggard is one of the very greatest Americana singers; right up there with Johnny Cash, Waylan Jennings, Conway Twitty and Mr. Willie Nelson.

A Disappointment For Die-Hard Haggard Fans
I love Sony/Legacy's "Essential" series and was really looking forward to the day they released an Essential Merle Haggard. That day has come and I am very disappointed. Granted, Haggard wasn't with Epic for very long, but this collection seems to be lacking a number of songs that could've been included ("Natural High" for one). I was expecting a double disc, remastered and loaded with Merle's Epic hits (heck, they don't all have to be hits, either!). This sad little collection is good for the remastered sound, but little else for die-hard fans.