Chill Factor was released in 1987 by Epic Records, again produced by Merle Haggard. This album continued the contemporary country sound line of its predecessor, with more modern arrangements and clean production.
The album includes the song 'Chill Factor', which became a minor hit on the country charts. The lyrics address typical Haggard themes such as heartbreak, loneliness, and life on the road, with his characteristic honesty.
Although not one of his best-selling albums, Chill Factor shows Haggard adapting to the changes in the music industry of the eighties. The cover features the artist in a leather jacket, reflecting a more modern image.