One of the seminal albums of outlaw country is Merle Haggard's 1968 album Mama Tried. This album perfectly captures the unadulterated passion, honesty, and storytelling that made Haggard one of the genre's best artists. In addition to establishing Haggard as a master composer, Mama Tried became a landmark in the history of country music with its fusion of honky-tonk, traditional country, and intensely personal lyrics.

The album's title tune, "Mama Tried," is a semi-autobiographical song that centres on a disobedient young man who defies his mother's advice and winds up behind bars. The song is based on Haggard's difficult upbringing; he was incarcerated at San Quentin before using music to change his life. "Mama Tried," which resonated with audiences through its themes of remorse and atonement, became one of Haggard's most famous songs because of its melancholic lyrics and twangy yet lively rhythm.

Mama Tried demonstrates Haggard's diversity while retaining the Bakersfield and honky-tonk sound that characterised much of his early work. While songs like "Little Ole Wine Drinker Me" trend towards a more laid-back, almost lounge-style country feel, songs like "Green Green Grass of Home" and "I Could Have Gone Right" encapsulate the spirit of traditional country storytelling. Few musicians could equal the realism that Haggard's smooth yet gritty vocals provide throughout the record.

Merle Haggard's status as a spokesman for the working class and outlaws was further cemented by the album's economic and critical success. One of his signature songs, "Mama Tried," was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and influenced a great number of rock and country musicians. For fans of vintage country music, the album is a must-listen because it demonstrates Haggard's ability to strike a balance between tenderness and grit.

More than just an album, Mama Tried is a landmark in the history of country music. It is considered one of Merle Haggard's greatest works due to its everlasting appeal, poignant performances, and brilliant songwriting. Mama Tried is an album that should be in your collection, regardless of how familiar you are with Haggard's work or how long you've been a country music listener.