Basically, I would agree with all the positive comments that other reviewers have made about this album. The more I listen to this album, the more I like it.
Theresa Haggard's comments on the cd insert put it so well. She writes that Merle sings from life experience. I think that is why his music touches my heart which is unusual in the world of music; listening to his is a truly emotional experience.
One fact that no other reviewer mentions in their reviews is that Merle has written all the songs on this album except one. The album lists the wonderful song "Live and Love Always" as being "arranged by Merle Haggard." After a little research, I found that this song was sung by Hank and Audrey Williams on the "Health and Happiness Shows" in October of 1949. When they performed the song it was titled "I Want to Live and Love" and the song was written by Gene Sullivan and Wiley Walker in 1944. The Hank Williams version can be found on the box set "The Complete Hank Williams."

Wow, I have listened to this at 20 times since purchasing the day it came out on Amazon. If you changed the audio quality a bit, you'd think this was from 1969. That is a good thimg today considering what we have to listen to today on country radio (Taylor, Blake Shelton, Toby Keith, Keith Urban, etc). He's lived these songs many times over. My favorite track is the title track. They're all 5 star though.

I just got this album ( cd ) today , Dec. 17 ,2011 and I've listened to it . It's a very personal collection of songs written by Merle . Some I can relate to , while others are more about his life. This is one of those albums that will be classified as ' sentimental ' in Hag's life . I like it , and can probably listen to it now and then , but not one I can put on everyday . I love it that Hag is still doing these albums @ 74 yrs. old ! He's one of the best !!! Way to go !!

This was a birthday gift for my mom. It came in a timely manner. The CD case was cracked at the corner but the CD itself was fine.

This was my first, none "Greatest Hits", Merle Haggard album, and I can say it's not going to be my last. This is a great album from start to finish.

Even though he is in he 70's, he can still make and sing great songs. This is what country music should be, strong singing from the heart with great music to go with it... Not pop/rock with a fiddle and weird lyrics.

Merles memories are set deep in this album. He recalls childhood oil trains and life on the road and he ends it with the best song on the album... 'I am what I am' Im happy to have this album. Merle went and did it again!

I debated about ordering this CD after having read some of the other reviews. I am very happy that I decided to go ahead and get the CD anyway. I enjoy listening to Merle Haggard and I now have 5 of his CDs. This one is quite different than any of the previous ones. The first thing I noticed was the change in Merle's voice, after all he is much older now. The second big difference is the instumental music. It is absolutely wonderful!!! The instrumental music is much better than most of what was used on any of his earlier releases. Merle's voice and this new sound go together like peanut butter and chocolate--my two most favorite foods.

After listening to the CD several times, I played it for a friend of mine. She thought it was one of the best CDs she had ever heard. We both like classic country music. Today's country artist just do not have it. We love listening to Merle!!

There are some lengthy reviews of this collection of songs. They all pay compliments that the album deserves. In simple terms "Buy it and enjoy it".

I just received this CD about a week ago. Usually it takes a few listens for me to really appreciate new music, but I liked this album right away, and it's just getting better. The songs seem real honest. That's about the best way I can describe it. On some he could have done a few more takes, a note or two sounds off. But he didn't, and I think perhaps that is what the title is all about, "Here I am, flaws and all". Merle can sure tell a story in a song, and I've loved this guy since I was a long haired hippie kid playing Zeppelin and Deep Purple. Just a pure, honest, no fluff or frills set of songs from one of the best. Thanks Merle!

My Dad, Morris Bennett knew Merle Haggard for 30 years until he passed away in 2002. He also wrote the
liner notes on the album..... "My Love Affair with Trains".....(find it , its great!)
Merle's new CD is just about as good as it gets. No filler here. Just unbelivable songs which hit on every level.
Merle was a class act to my Dad and in 2011 he still is!!! Can not wait for more. See you on Tour!!!!