This is a Random Album Generator.
One album a day.
From the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

Pieces Of The Sky

Emmylou Harris

1975

Pieces Of The Sky
Album Summary

Pieces of the Sky is the second studio album by American country music artist Emmylou Harris, released in February 1975 through Reprise. Although she had released the obscure folk-styled Gliding Bird five years earlier, Pieces of the Sky became the album that launched Harris's career and is widely considered to be her début. In those intervening years she forged a musical relationship with Gram Parsons that altered the musical direction of her career. The album includes Harris's first high-charting Billboard country hit, the #4 "If I Could Only Win Your Love," and the relatively low-charting #73 "Too Far Gone" (originally a 1967 hit for Tammy Wynette). The overall song selection was varied and showed early on how eclectic Harris's musical tastes were. In addition to her own "Boulder to Birmingham" (written for Gram Parsons, who had died the previous year), she included the Merle Haggard classic "The Bottle Let Me Down," The Beatles' "For No One," and Dolly Parton's "Coat of Many Colors." (Parton, in turn, covered "Boulder to Birmingham" on her 1976 album All I Can Do.) On Shel Silverstein's "Queen Of The Silver Dollar," Harris's longtime friend and vocal collaborator, Linda Ronstadt, sings harmony. Pieces of the Sky rose as far as the #7 spot on the Billboard country albums chart. Pieces of the Sky was included in Robert Dimery's 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

Wikipedia

Rating

3.09

Votes

12416

Genres

  • Country
  • Folk
  • Singer Songwriter

Reviews

Like a review? Give it a thumb up to help us display relevant reviews!
Sort by: Top Date
Jul 07 2021
View Author
4

I’m beginning to realize I don’t dislike country. I dislike the modern hybridization of pop and country.

👍
Dec 03 2021
View Author
5

Emmylou Harris is somehow an underrated country legend. When it's all said and done, she'll forever be on the Mount Rushmore of female country artists, along with Loretta Lynne, Tammy Wynette, and Dolly Parton. None of those country legends have a voice like Emmylou Harris. And the puzzling thing is that it seemingly took years for Nashville to truly embrace her. She'd consistently put out album after album, all of them great, but the early knock on Emmylou was that she never wrote her own songs. This, her debut country album, is mainly covers, including one from the aforementioned Dolly and even a deep cut from The Beatles. But the real gem from this album is the one song Emmylou wrote, and it became her signature song. "Boulder To Birmingham" is one of the greatest sad songs ever put on record, and it wrecks me every time I hear it. Just listen to the words of "Boulder To Birmingham". You feel the pain and sorrow she has over losing her mentor Gram Parsons. She can't understand why he's gone, and more importantly, she can't fathom why no one else feels like she does over his death. Emmylou's tastes were clearly too eclectic and ahead of her time for Nashville (and there may have been some hesitancy to fully embrace her because of her previous association with Parsons, another vanguard in their opinion). But Emmylou focused on keeping the spirit of Gram Parsons alive. She'd solidify her legacy (and write many more great songs) on future albums, but this one clearly puts her on the map. Props for getting former Eagle and Flying Burrito Brother Bernie Leadon, along with many other musicians in Parsons' orbit, to play on this gem of an album. To my ears, Emmylou is the true First Lady of Country Music.

👍
May 12 2022
View Author
5

Damn, I knew her, kind of, but it hasn't really hit me until now how breathtaking her voice is. She really communicates a depth of emotion. I'm tempted to complain that she didn't write most of these songs, but in a way it's interesting that she does write some, yet chooses to record others' music. It's like admitting, there are songwriters as good or better than me, so why not sing their songs instead? And the one she wrote (Boulder to Birmingham) is a stunner.

👍
Mar 25 2021
View Author
5

The alt country queen! I love Emmylou, but this genre is hit or miss for people. Personally I love it, so this is a 5 star for me.

👍
Nov 03 2022
View Author
5

I know several of the songs on this album - but performed by other artists. Emmylou Harris does them justice. I love the variety on this album. Favorite songs include Boulder to Birmingham, For No One, and Queen of the Silver Dollar. But the whole album is really a pleasure.

👍
Mar 21 2021
View Author
4

Feels like the heart of Americana, thoroughly enjoyed this surprise of an album

👍
Jun 23 2021
View Author
4

This was great. Country can be a bit hit and miss and I can't listen to it for too long but I really liked this album. Although it's got a few covers on it, it's not a covers album but Emmylou Harris only has a writing credit for one song. Interesting stuff.

👍
Feb 26 2022
View Author
5

Baby brought me in out off the highway Made me put my money in the bank, bank Straightened out my crooked way of thinking Made it purely pleasure when I drank - bluebird wine

👍
Mar 31 2021
View Author
4

Such a beautiful voice, great lyrics

👍
Jul 21 2023
View Author
3

My favorite voice in country music, just exquisite. I know her work with others more than her own albums, so this was a welcome find. Some beautiful songs esp. Boulder To Birmingham and the Beatles cover. No doubt the wonderful Dylan album "Desire" is on this list, but if not it's a required listen if you love her voice as much as I do.

👍
Jul 19 2024
View Author
4

Most of the songs here are either standards turned into country songs, country covers or some covers outside of country origin. But that does not mean her versions are bad. Quite the opposite actually as her voice is absolutely gorgeous and multiple renditions are improved versions of the originals. The album features lush arrangements and instruments that take inspiration from all around the country world (USA). One thing is certain though: Some songs are absolutely incredible and top-tier country song while others are very lackluster and boring. The album opens with 'Bluebird Wine', a very nice up-beat Bluegrass song that showcases her voice and ability to perform. I think you could not have choosen a better intro for this album as it really puts you in a mood for some country. The instruments also work great, especially the banjo. The follow up 'Too Far Gone' is much calmer and laid back, mainly focusing on a sentimental piano and guitar playing. It stands in big contrast to the opener without leaving you desiring more of what made Track 1. Another big highlight on the album. 'If I Could Only Win Your Love' is a duet with Herb Pedersen who complements Emmylou's vocals very well. The harmonies just work and his voice is perfect for the song. I also really enjoy the acoustic guitar solo. The only song she wrote herself was 'Boulder to Birmingham' and it's kind of sad that she didn't write more as this is without a doubt a great country song. Her vocal performance is incredible, as is the build-up tension and the chorus. Side A closes with 'Before Believing' and this is kind of the point where the album slowly looses its greatness. The song feels much less genuine or forced and it is also way to long. It does end the first half pretty fittingly but it does it in a way where you miss the greatness of the start very fast. It is not a bad song... it's just that I don't care for it at all as it isn't carrying a lot of emotional weight or interest with it. 'Bottle Let Me Down' is opening the second half with a very Honky Tonk sounding instrumental and I mean the subject matter is alcohol... which is as Honky Tonk as it gets. It's an alright song, nothing too crazy but a little bit more interesting than the song before. A similar problem has 'Sleepless Nights': not bad, it just doesn't matter much. Neither to me nor the structure of the album. The greatness of the start does return with the next two songs. 'Coat of Many Colors', which was a legendary Dolly Parton song, is a really good rendition of that song and a much more contemporary piece than its predecessors. The Beatles cover 'For No One', originally off of Revolver, is much different in its structure than the original classic but she delivers it in a beautiful and outstanding way. While it does not get close to the original, it is one of the best songs on this album. Especially the strings add so much to this one. The closing track 'Queen of the Silver Dollar' is much less perfect. Way too long, the build-up is weird and doesn't really work. The chorus is groovy though but that makes the rest feel very weak and uninteresting. It's better than some of the rest on here but it isn't in the stronger half. favourites: Bluebird Wine, Boulder to Birmingham, For No One, Too Far Gone, If I Could Only Win Your Love least favourites: Sleepless Nights, Before Believing, Queen of the Silver Dollar Rating: light to decent 8 https://rateyourmusic.com/~Emil_ph for more ratings, reviews and takes

👍
Nov 05 2021
View Author
4

Beautiful voice, modern-ish country, amazing and emotional ballads (Boulder obviously, but also others), excellent Beatles cover. Very good album.

👍
Jul 26 2024
View Author
3

I can’t write another review of a country record that focuses on my inability to connect with country music. It wasn’t something I wasn’t raised with and I’ve never really had many people in my life that were country music fans. I’m 43, and not to diminish our propensity as humans to grow and change, but I don’t see country music ever being an art form that really engages me. Emmylou Harris’ “Pieces of the Sky”, while more enjoyable than most of the country records I’ve heard - and maybe not as “overtly” country, if that makes sense, doesn’t really change that for me. It was good, very good even, but it didn’t grab me and make me want more. Conversely, I haven’t been able to stop listening to the song “Starry Eyes” by The Records. My god, what a song…pure power pop excellence. I guess that’s where I’m at these days.

👍
Oct 06 2023
View Author
3

"Pieces of the Sky" by Emmylou Harris is a country music classic that showcases her angelic voice and talent as an interpreter of songs. Released in 1975, it marks her debut solo album and the beginning of a storied career. Tracks like "Bluebird Wine" and "Boulder to Birmingham" are notable for their emotional depth and Harris's haunting vocals. The album's production, led by Brian Ahern, is polished and tasteful, with a mix of traditional country and folk influences. While "Pieces of the Sky" is an impressive debut, it doesn't quite reach the same heights as some of Harris's later work. Some listeners might find it a bit uneven, with a mix of original compositions and covers. However, it's a foundational album that laid the groundwork for her subsequent success in the country and folk genres, earning it a solid 3/5 rating.

👍
Oct 23 2024
View Author
5

You know how cats look when they’re basking in the warm sun shining through a window and it seems like all their bones melted away into a puddle of bliss? That’s me listening to Emmylou.

👍
Jul 21 2023
View Author
3

I bought this on recommendation a few years ago and never got round to listening to it. The sound of the record is exquisite and, to my ears, unusual: there’s so much going on, it often is a wall of sound, , but one where you can easily make out each individual element. The songs are frequently beautiful, but oppressively tasteful. Harris’s voice is outstanding, perfect and distinctive, the experience of hearing her sing these covers is like watching an exceptional actor play a classic role. Lovely, but not haunting. Unfairly, Souled American’s handful of skeletal covers jump to mind as the victorious counter argument. After writing that I listened to their take on “Little Bessie, and let faint terror in. I’m not asking for a Lo-fi slowcore Emmylou Harris album, but some grit and flaw would have lifted this record up. S, this morning I saw a brown bear on the way to the nursery - O shouted “DAHG!”

👍
Dec 20 2024
View Author
5

"Well, you really got me this time And the hardest part is knowing I'll survive"

👍
Dec 11 2024
View Author
5

What a beautiful voice. I'm not a die-hard country fan but this is what I think of when I think of 'real' country music, great storytelling. Highlights are Before Believing, Sleepless Nights & Bluebird Wine.

👍
Nov 22 2024
View Author
5

The steel guitar only detracts a little from this masterpeice. Incredible honest storytelling over beautiful well executed music.

👍
Oct 31 2024
View Author
5

fuck es isch wie wenn fleetwood mac chli meh country und ich ha gern country fuck ich ha gern oyeah. too far gone isch gad sehr cheesy aber es hittet en spot. mit de slide gitarre und ihri stimm isch jo hammmer. boulder to birmingham au suuper de shit isch soo schön ufgnoh. tomight the bittle let me down seehr country standard. aber ebe guet. coat of many colors het d dolly scho tschuttet. und die version isch etz nöd irgendwie viel besser aber de song isch halt super. ha no denkt ich kenn for no one. duh isch beatles. huuuere schöööön d gitarrelicks ufff. boooh meeega nice. und s gitarresolo hooopala wie geil. bin seeehr nöch amne füfi. super super schöne hammer gspielte country mega geili songs mega tasty alles.

👍
Oct 09 2024
View Author
5

It's mostly covers, but wow they are well done. The emotion in her voice is pure. I'm always a sucker for "Coat of Many Colors" too.

👍
Oct 07 2024
View Author
5

Thank god they didn’t stack another stinker on me after Ryan Adams

👍
Oct 07 2024
View Author
5

Absolutely loved it. Was vaguely aware of her before, but will absolutely give her more of a listen to. This album is why I love this process. Finding gems like this.

👍
Aug 15 2024
View Author
5

I really liked the album, it was nice soft country music that was very calming. I especially liked Bluebird Wine, Boulder to Birmingham, Sleepless Nights and California Cotton Fields.

👍
Aug 08 2024
View Author
5

Awesome album. I listened to this on many a family road trip as a kid. Great covers from an incredible vocalist throughout. “Boulder to Birmingham” is one of the most beautiful, tender songs ever conceived. *****

👍
Jul 04 2024
View Author
5

Instant classics on almost every track. Harris find traditional music and weaves in into country and the emerging folk-rock scene to creat Americana.

👍
Jun 26 2024
View Author
5

Wow, what an amazing work of art! I was vaguely familiar with Emmylou Harris as that folksy country singer with the amazing high glass-like smooth voice, but I hadn't really heard much of her music before this. Every track was amazing to listen to, but I especially loved For No One -- one of the best covers I've ever heard of it. Emmylou's voice is like Dolly Parton crossed with Joni Mitchell for me, just really great! So good I had to listen to it twice. Five stars easily.

👍
May 22 2024
View Author
5

I didn't enjoy this as much as I thought I would, there's something about the instrumentation that doesn't support her voice quite as well as I would have liked but towards the back half of this it started to mold into something that I really enjoyed, very angelic. Also contains a cover of the best beatles song so automatically gets points lol

👍
May 17 2024
View Author
5

I love Emmylou. I wish she did more originals. She's done some iconic covers but also didn't have much to add to, for example, the Beatles original work. Bluebird Wine is a banger though.

👍
May 16 2024
View Author
5

Gorgeous voice, great arrangements, nice variety of fast fun songs and slower more emotional ballads. As good as country gets for me! 5/5.

👍
May 15 2024
View Author
5

i think if i had been a little more tortured today this would have made me cry

👍
May 03 2024
View Author
5

Guess I do like country. This got my attention right from Bluebird Wine and was pretty great. Emmylou has an awesome voice and i liked the music here a lot. I've heard a couple mid 70s country albums here and so far they've all been pretty good. My favorites here are Bluevird Wine, Gone Too Far, Bottle Let Me Down, and Hank and Lefty.

👍
Mar 15 2024
View Author
5

No one told me country could be this good.

👍
Feb 26 2024
View Author
5

Really enjoyed it. Like kind of sad, very good country music. 9/10

👍
Jan 31 2024
View Author
5

Great early post gram Parsons weepy country.

👍
Jan 24 2024
View Author
5

OMG I grew up on this album. My mother loved folk music and my dad like bluegrass. Emmylou is the perfect mix of both.

👍
Jan 17 2024
View Author
5

Song: Boulder to Birmingham Wow. This song is so stunning, and it nearly brought me to tears. Emmylou Harris's voice is absolutely beautiful, so pure and sweet, and she sings with so much emotion that I just got swept up in the song. I could listen to that on repeat for hours.

👍
Oct 25 2023
View Author
5

Well, damn. I'm diggin' rap AND country now? I can't find a single thing to criticize. I couldn't help but hear a little Dolly Parton, and then she goes and covers "Coat of Many Colors" to make me feel like I might know WTF I'm talking about. The Beatles' cover ranks among the best I've heard — not of that song specifically, but a general statement that she did an expert job translating the song and bringing something personal and new. Great arrangements, harmonies, instrumentation, playing... I mean, what else do you listen to music for?

👍
Oct 22 2023
View Author
5

Great! Cool covers. I especially liked For No one

👍
Sep 22 2023
View Author
5

country music is great and this proves it

👍
Sep 04 2023
View Author
5

Emmylou Harris' style of music is country folk. It sounds like a female John Denver. Her voice is beautiful. She does a fantastic job of covering Dolly Parton's song Coat of Many Colors. Overall, a fantastic album. Perfect for a lazy Sunday. Favourite songs: Queen of the Silver Dollar, Bluebird Wine, Bottle Let Me Down, Coat of Many Colors, Hank and Lefty, California Cotton Fields, Boulder to Birmingham, If I Could Only Win Your Love, Least favourite songs: Sleepless Nights, For No One 5/5

👍
Aug 17 2023
View Author
5

I love her voice so much. Most of these songs are covers but that doesn't bother me. Queen of The Silver Dollar is one of my favorite country songs. All in all I probably enjoy this at the 4 level, but its absolutely criminal that the current community rating is barely over 3. It needs a 5.

👍
Jul 03 2023
View Author
5

second emmylou harris album and wow i love country music again

👍
Jun 30 2023
View Author
5

Glorious, beautiful, soaring. 5 stars.

👍
Jun 21 2023
View Author
5

Wonderful country/bluegrass album. Great songs, great voice.

👍
Jun 08 2023
View Author
5

Hauntingly beautiful voice. ever ever heard of her and immediatly fell in love. country usually isn't my thing (minus ts debut or any dolly parton bc duh), but she made me realize that I actually do like the country-folk mixture she does.

👍
May 29 2023
View Author
5

Genuinely heartbreaking country ballads. Gorgeous arrangements. An incredibly talented singer.

👍
Feb 19 2023
View Author
5

Album: Pieces of the Sky Artist: Emmylou Harris Year: 1975 Album #: 72 (listened after album 274) first impressions: usually not super excited to listen to country but this sounds pretty surprisingly contemporary and not...crusty and whiny. after listening through: what an emotional and musical rollercoaster!! i'm exhausted but also excited to dig further into her catalog. post-reading reviews/wiki: curious what contemporary musicians will end up like Ms Harris 50 years from now, if any. recommended for: Dolly Parton fans

👍
Jan 23 2023
View Author
5

Sublime. Beautiful vocals, excellent playing, American music at its absolute finest.

👍
Nov 16 2022
View Author
5

Best Song: Boulders to Birmingham or Queen of the Silver Dollar. Timeless, beautiful voice. Great gospel/country/folk vocal melodies. I'm sure this album has been very influential to many female singer-songwriters.

👍
Nov 03 2022
View Author
5

Oh, I was needing this. Absolutely lovely, and sounding both old fashioned and very modern (both in good ways). It made me laugh ("Queen of the Silver Dollar") and cry ("Coat of Many Colors"). I love hearing a talented voice sing a wonderful variety of songs by amazing artists (Merle Haggard, Lennon-McCartney, Shel Silverstein, and Dolly Parton!) with backup by Linda Ronstadt! Speaking of Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt... I'm still waiting!

👍
Nov 03 2022
View Author
5

Here is the warm fuzzy blanket that I could have used yesterday!

👍
Sep 19 2022
View Author
5

One of my favourite country albums so far on this list. Harris’s voice gave goosebumps on at least a few occasions. September 19, 2022

👍
Apr 01 2022
View Author
5

Unreal vocals. Quintessential country music right here

👍
Aug 11 2021
View Author
5

I'm not a big country fan. However, I do like what I consider to be REAL country: not the countrified-rock crap that is put out today. Emmylou's voice is amazing, and this album was a gem from start to finish.

👍
Jun 19 2021
View Author
5

Emotional and honest, love the story telling and the vibe of the old school country

👍
Feb 18 2021
View Author
5

awesome album! I am a softy for good country music!

👍
Jun 23 2021
View Author
5

She does a good job covering Dolly Parton. (Unless it’s the other way round) either way I’m a fan. I love coat of many colours it’s my favourite Dolly song.

👍
Jan 27 2021
View Author
5

So good. My favourite we've had so far.

👍
Dec 15 2024
View Author
4

I’ve been transformed into a young farmer’s daughter who’s grown unhappy with her small town and longs for bigger things out of life. Seriously though, what ever happened to THIS Country (music…but also…)? When did the target audience grow tired of seeping melodies over heartbreaking lyrics and lush production in favor of “BBQ stains on my t shirt?”

👍
Dec 15 2024
View Author
4

Harris bridges traditional country and folk-rock sensibilities, her crystalline voice illuminating both classic covers and original gems with haunting grace.

👍
Dec 12 2024
View Author
4

Emmylou’s voice is pure and her phrasing is perfection. The song choices on Pieces of the Sky are not for me, but the album is excellent. Not only is she one of the best in country music, she’s as intelligent as she is beautiful. Her later work is some of her best.

👍
Dec 08 2024
View Author
4

The first song caught my attention, so far so good. Will listen to the rest later today. I liked the album!

👍
Nov 28 2024
View Author
4

Really liked this one a lot. I will be saving it and listening to it again in the future.

👍
Nov 20 2024
View Author
4

Country es quizá el género que evité siempre, aunque si explote a Parton y Kenny Rogers, Ktistoferson y algún otro famoso del momento, pero Emmylou me parece bastante diferente en sus diferentes temas. Buena sorpresa en esa voz y los arreglos musicales muy creativos. Excelente

👍
Nov 18 2024
View Author
4

The early records are closer straight-up country and work very well in that realm. Her voice was stronger and clearer at this time and just about prettier than anyone else. And she wasnt so inclined to the brittle-wavery sounds of the later (and slightly overproduced and oversung) records. This is more pristine and free-range sounding and its good thing the voice is so good because there's not a ton else going on here. "Sweet Old World" (by Emmylou's near double Lucinda Williams) is an all-time bittersweet song, appropriate for deathbed listening or in any moment where music's unique ability to provide solace needs to be called upon.

👍
Nov 15 2024
View Author
4

Straight up Country Americana with the sonorous voice of Emmylou - what’s not to like?

👍
Nov 13 2024
View Author
4

Nettes, abwechslungsreiches Folk Album….7/10

👍
Nov 13 2024
View Author
4

Beautiful singing and feels very authentic. Almost hard to give notes. It's a great country album. Listen to it. Appreciate what it is doing and understand that world some more.

👍
Nov 13 2024
View Author
4

She obviously has an amazing voice and vocal choices. She made every song her own. I did not care for the male vocalists that popped up on a couple of the tracks. A very listenable album that showcases country music nicely.

👍
Nov 04 2024
View Author
4

Classic country. I had originally thought "Too Far Gone" would be the Neil Young song, not the Tammy Wynette one. I enjoyed her cover of "For No One," I thought it was an interesting song to pick. "Coat Of Many Colors" was good, but I do not think it added anything to the Parton original. No Eagles pun, but listening to the album gave me a peaceful, easy feeling. It felt very stripped down, and I appreciated it a lot. Top songs: "For No One," "The Bottle Let Me Down," "Boulder To Birmingham"

👍
Nov 01 2024
View Author
4

God, she's amazing. She gives a masterclass in vocal emotion.

👍
Oct 31 2024
View Author
4

I really liked this. I can hear the influence such as for someone like Helena Deland. I did get fatigued by the end though…

👍
Oct 31 2024
View Author
4

Great voice and delivery. Decent material.

👍
Oct 31 2024
View Author
4

bluebird wine ischmer echli zu fest schnelle country aber sie singt megaaa mengisch ghörtmer au chli das jodel ding, wo d stimm halbe "überschlaht" di nächste 2 lieder sind suuuper, mega schön aber jz au nöd unnötig kitschig oder so ouh ich bin chli abglenkt gsi will ich über de scheiss TRUMP han müsse lese weg dem het jz für mich alles chli ähnlich tönt, mengisch chli meh country und mengisch chli weniger queen of the silver dollar isch so naja ok es isch aber schön wie d backgroundsängerin harmoniert mit ihre und s klavier outro isch so schön verspielt ich schwanke zwüscheme 3 undeme 4i

👍
Oct 30 2024
View Author
4

Such lovely melodies - and that Beatles re-make of For No One needs a warning for the emotionally-sensitive. Wowsers. Bonus star for a Shel Silverstein song credit. This album surprised me.

👍
Oct 06 2024
View Author
4

Where this excels as opposed to other country and western albums is that it explores the genre rather than fitting its niche. Emmylou has an exquisite voice, like other female country artists, but she really leans into the production value in this record and takes you to high peaks and sad lows. It’s beautiful and extravagant.

👍
Sep 22 2024
View Author
4

I was amazed at the vocals. Harmonized right through the key changes. Incredible voice.

👍
Sep 12 2024
View Author
4

Lovely country music. She is an absolutely delight on this.

👍
Sep 11 2024
View Author
4

Emmylou Harris has the voice of an angel - very similar to Dolly. I wonder if that's why Emmylou has managed to be more of an 'underground' country artist, in a sense. Interesting arrangement of covers and originals - no doubt a sensible choice for a major label debut album, but for me it holds the album at a 4/5 instead of a 5/5.

👍
Sep 02 2024
View Author
4

Probably like top 10 country singers of all-time

👍
Load more reviews