Reviews (page 5 of 8)
More Country! This has a coat of many colors cover which is funny since that was my second album on this site. Also a good beatles cover. Idk if these are all covers but they're all good. It doesn't do too much beyond being some good country, but it's good for what it is. 7/10
2.7 cause she butchered the beatles
It's always interesting in this project to get an artist's albums out of chronological order, and in this case her debut(esque) album is coming to me long after I listened to her 19th studio album ("Red Dirt Girl"). This album is definitely *much* more traditional-country-oriented than her later album, and while I can see how this helped her break out to country audiences, I didn't really find most of the songs all that compelling; my favorites were probably Rodney Crowell's "Bluebird wine", her ode to Gram Parsons in "From Boulder to Birmingham", and Shel Silverstein's "Queen of the silver dollar". (I also had high hopes for her covers of Dolly Parton's "Coat of many colors" and The Beatles' "To no one", but they kind of fell flat for me in very different ways; the former seemed too similar to the original, while the latter is a far more creative cover sound wise, but ends up sounding like so many other country laments in the process.) It's impressive how many connections to artists like Linda Ronstadt and Dolly Parton she'd already made by the time this album was made, and fun to think how those three would all collaborate many years later on "Trio", and I'm also impressed at the lineup of band members she and the producer arranged for the album (and some of them as part of her touring band).
I like her duets much better.
Beautiful. I am NOT a country music fan but her voice and songwriting is so beautiful
4.25
Admittedly I have to be in a certain mood to enjoy country music HOWEVER Emmylou has an amazing voice and I certainly found myself enjoying a fair bit of this album. Loved the choice of opening song with its upbeat instrumentals and Bottle Let Me Down was also a personal favourite. I am keen to hear more from her. Minus point for B**tles shit.
The Bush Administration's involvement with the Bin Laden family, particularly in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, has long been a subject of controversy. Despite the fact Osama bin Laden was the mastermind behind the attacks, members of his wealthy Saudi family—who had longstanding business ties with American elites, including the Bush family—were quickly and quietly flown out of the U.S. in the days following the tragedy, raising questions about preferential treatment. The trauma of 9/11 deeply impacted American culture, and country music became a key outlet for expressing grief, anger, and patriotism. Songs like Toby Keith’s Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue and Alan Jackson’s Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning) captured the national mood, often reinforcing pro-American and militaristic sentiments that aligned closely with the Bush Administration’s subsequent War on Terror. In this way, the political handling of 9/11 and its symbolic associations trickled down into popular culture, with country music serving as both a mirror and amplifier of the era’s nationalist fervor. This is what I wish country could have remained as, but alas, it couldn't. Beautiful songs by a beautiful singer. My Mum adores this album, and I can see why. I'm not exactly going to go as far as say this is good for many replays, personally, but I think Emmylou had a gift, and one she used well. I've saved a couple of tracks on here as the radio for them is GREAT.
Dolly Parton if she was a baddie and not a creature that belongs on r/bimboification This album is just fucking gorgeous. Within the first minute of the very first song I knew this was getting a 5. I love every bit of this thing. From he vocals, to the instrumentals, to the Dolly Parton imitation. Hell, I don't even really like this genre all too much and I thought this album was incredible. Absolutely no skips. I have fallen in love with Emmylou Harris in one listen. I hope there's more of her on 1001 albums because this was fantastic. Definitely going to be listening to more of her. Favourites: Bluebird Wine, Too Far Gone, Queen of the Silver Dollar, and EVERYTHING ELSE
A really great singing voice that really elevated what I feel would otherwise be a fairly straightforward album consisting mostly of different cover songs
sorry i dont like country or women
Crazy Clark’s version of Dolly Parton (positive) insofar as varying slightly in style with a barely noticeable difference in quality. Might be more apt to compare this artist to the Aldi version where the packaging and content is basically identical but just different enough to avoid a lawsuit.Perhaps lesser known than the queen herself but an undeniably enjoyable listen.
Loved the first few tracks and enjoyed the album as a whole, wasn't an unpleasant experience. But didn't find it particularly notable and would much prefer to listen to Crack the Skye by Mastodon. Fuck yeah. 6/10
This is an album that makes me want to pack a bag and a toothbrush and drive out west. I was enjoying the first track, swept off my feet by the second track but as soon as the pedal slide guitar hits (my one and only weakness in this world) during Before Believing I was totally rapt. Whenever you get to know someone and ask them what kind of music they're into and they respond with "oh, anything but rap and country", I'd like to strap them into a chair a la clockwork orange and force them to listen to this. It is always a very special treat when you hear a song that you like be covered in a better way. I love Merle Haggard but I think Emmylou Harris does something with The Bottle Let Me Down that he couldn't, he may have had the pisswreck street cred to pen and sing that song, but something about Harris' delivery elevates it. I hate to blaspheme, but the same is true for Coat of Many Colors, Dolly's version of this song means a lot to me personally and hearing it here moved me a lot. Every track here is masterfully performed with a lot of heart, I cannot fault this album at all except that a physical copy of it hasn't found its way to me yet. Highlights: All of it
This is what real-ass country music used to be, now it's all bros from the suburbs with a giant truck and an oversized hat.
Old style country. Fine
Awful taste, good execution. I have no idea if I'd ever heard any of these songs before in my life. If I hear them again, I don't know if I'll remember them when it happens.
Nice if you like country
A good singer but not quite my kind of music
Emmylou is really just fine - I find it hard to believe she drastically impacted musical history with her inability to break away from mid covers of better artists. OK but not impressive. 2/5
Ah lovely. I do enjoy not-shit country.
Beautiful old country music! I never get tired of this stuff.
A little too Jesus at times, but I dig this for what it is.
I think I've heard better from Emmylou. Still a solid album
This is a pretty good album. Nothing overly impressive, but it’s great if you’re into old-school traditional country with a folk edge. It’s easy to appreciate for its simplicity and authenticity.
I dunno, it just sounds like Lurleen Lumpkin to me.
If this website has shown me anything it's that "classic" country music is an amazing genre. This album is great.
Lemppari: Too Far Gone
Voice like a sunny day, resting on a hammock in the shade with a glass of freshly squeezed lemonade 🤌🏽
It was a really enjoyable listen, but it ran out of gas halfway through and at the end of the album I’m asking myself, what’s the point of this album being included? Sounds a lot like a lot of other country and folk and I’ve heard a lot more that does a lot more than this.
Gorgeous voice and amazing harmonies. ‘Too Far Gone’ and ‘Boulder to Birmingham’ are so rich and emotional. The album is overproduced with arrangements that detract from some of the songs. Fortunately, Emmylou Harris transcends these limitations of 1970s Nashville.
That voice...
Very nice
Forgot to write a note for this, going to need a relisten.
Wonderful
Previše američki za mene. Također izuzetno depresivno.
I have to be in the right mood for country, and apparently 7am on a Wednesday is not the right mood.
Meh.
Pretty chill country music that I have never heard before. Similar to Dolly Parton. She is a very talented singer and I can appreciate that but it's just not something that I would listen to again.
Solid album but not a standout. On the three side one a 3.5.
Pieces of the Sky showcases Emmylou Harris as a complete artist, revealing not only her stunning vocal ability but also her depth and sensitivity as a songwriter. The album moves confidently between traditional country, folk, and more contemporary influences, and in each setting she proves capable of crafting and interpreting songs with equal emotional power. Across the record, Harris’s originals stand comfortably alongside the covers, showing a strong melodic sense and a natural gift for storytelling that match the expressiveness of her voice. The result is a debut that feels fully formed, establishing her not just as one of the great singers in country music, but as a writer with a clear artistic vision and an unmistakable personal voice.
Her voice is so beautiful even if country isn’t my vibe.
Fine, bit goddy but fine for country
kinda stuff playing on your uncles garage radio that hasn't been turned off since 1981
Not much of a country fan, but I liked this. It's more like the old C&W that my dad listened to.
Her voice is GORGEOUS! Her lyrics and songwriting skills are GORGEOUS! This album as a whole gets a little sleepy sounding
Standout track: California Cotton Fields
Really good stuff, Coat of Many Colors still slaps
It was alright, not my favourite sort of country voice gets a bit grating after a while
The first track went real hard and then it was fine after.
It's interesting, I kind of expected to really enjoy this when I saw it was country, because I'm generally quite fond of the genre. But, I don't know, I guess the Dolly Parton-like country/folk doesn't really click with me. I didn't have a problem listening through the whole thing, it just didn't strike me as anything special and was pretty forgettable. I love Harris's tone and colour of voice, though.
This is a beautiful recording. I'll admit a fondness for Emmylou Harris, Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez. Amazing artists! I guess at the end of the day I appreciate originality and musicianship over everything else. This record has that in spades.
Beautiful set of pipes, felt like i was listening to dolly at times
twangy
Emmylou Harris has a great voice, and I can get into it on the more bluegrassy songs. But much of this is too country for me. Coming from 1975, though, this really seemed to set the tone for and inspire a lot of 80s and 90s country.
Emmylou has a voice that soothes the soul. I wish her musical tastes had been in something other than country, like folk. After almost 1050 albums, I can confidently conclude that I prefer female vocalists. And Emmylou has a great voice.
Her voice is incredible. Not my style of country, but, for what it is, 4 stars.
Nothing excites me about her
This album was personally not my favorite because of the artistic style but it was ok compared to those with a different interest of music.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1001 ALBUMS- # 34 Miss Emmylou woooo…who knew country music could sound this divine? 🎤🤩 Listening to these lovely tracks I was simply in awe of Harris’ serene vocal delivery and spirited performances. There is no mistaking the traditional toe-tapping southern bluegrass sound textures and although the album contains mostly covers of original songs by country stars of the day (ie. Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard) and even a Beatles track, Emmylou’s renditions really shine and are more than welcomed here. 🎧 Classic Track: Bluebird Wine 🎧 Deep Cut Gem: Before Believing 🎧 Personal Favorite: Boulder to Birmingham She may have been a singer-songwriter without the actual songwriting to her credit on this release, however the sole track she did pen (Boulder to Birmingham) highlights what the future would hold and is the emotional standout. 🖼️ Album Artwork: Subtly stunning Hit the Thumbs Up icon below if you enjoyed my take on the album :)
That sure was a country album
Beautiful vocals, right up my alley kind of country, pleasant surprises. This one i might need to buy for my collection.
Her voice is clear and sweet and raw.
Not bad. Not my cup of tea.
I love country music more than most, but this was just not good. I have been waiting for more country albums, but wanted Willie or Waylon or John Prine or Garth or something else. Just hard to get through this album
Perfectly enjoyable. I'd probably like it but on repeat listens.
Old school country with a sweet and gentle voice. Had heard of Emmylou Harris before, but probably wouldn't recognize a single song. It's hard to ignore the culture rift that was downstream from this, but I nonetheless really liked it!
not bad.
Without her nickel creek wouldn't have happened, but I'm still meh about her music.
This was a pretty good old school country album I've never really listened to Emmylou Harris but I wasn't completely against it!
She has a lovely voice but I dislike the music and arrangements. 'Eagles' are as 'Country' as I am prepared to go. This isn't for me. 2/5.
muito ruim foda-se
country né. a voz é bem bonita mas nhe
Not really my genre but pleasant and nice to listen to
A mellow country music record. Liked it more than I thought I would.
3.5
2.5
There’s a direct line between Emmylou and Adrienne Lenker
When the best songs on your album are covers, it’s not a good album ‼️
I tried to listen to this with an open mind. Emmylou Harris does have a very nice voice but it's not nice enough to overcome my dislike for country music. I'll give it 3 because if you are a country fan this is probably some classic 70's country music for you.
3 - good country western album. Al title slow at points
Good sad girl country, very similar voice to Dolly Parton, so their collaboration makes sense. I recon if you're not in a sad country mood this album is very samey and grating
Emmylou has a lovely voice, my wife compared her to Joni Mitchell. But I generally dislike country music and the backing to all these songs falls heavily in to that category. I found it quite annoying to listen to. The Beatles cover was slowed down, and the gaps were filled with things that I didn't want to hear. Nevermind.
7/10
Sweet album - good covers
I’m a bit surprised how much I enjoy this. Harris has a great voice, and she’s a pretty interesting guitarist, too. That gives her a Midas Touch ability to mold anything to her “signature style.” That’s also what makes this (mostly) glorified covers album actually interesting. While I wouldn’t say any of these songs surpass their original versions, she brings her own personality to them, even while they remain largely the same compositionally. She is always a value-add on every track here; I never wish I could switch to the original, because I’m enjoying listening to Emmylou Harris’ version. Not that I adore every song here, though. There’s a handful of tracks that are so saturated with ‘70s country clichés, they feel as dusty, grimy, and kitsch as the old clown portrait hanging in your grandparent’s house. I wouldn’t call them unlistenable, but I wouldn’t say I’m engaged when they’re on. Even though it’s only 2ish songs, it’s just enough to hold me back from fully embracing Pieces of the Sky. But the more unfortunate issue is how desperately I want to actually hear original material from Emmylou Harris, and how little I’m given. I’m not going to say that “Boulder to Birmingham” is the best song on an album with covers of a A+-tier Parton song and an A-tier Lennon-McCartney song, but like….debatably??? Between the lyrics, the message about her feelings around her mentor Gram Parsons, and the fucking emotional power of it, there’s an argument to be made. It’s so good and showcases how wonderful Harris is as a songwriter, and yet, it stands alone here. Maybe that adds to its power, but I can’t help wondering whether this would be an even better record if it had more of her songwriting front-and-center. Looking through her general discography, though, it seems like she never gets that opportunity. And while I know that country is a covers-centric genre, there’s a small “what could’ve been” moment to be found if you imagine Harris with a Parton-esque career. In general, though, Pieces of the Sky threads the folk-country needle with finesse and is a pleasant listen by a very talented musician. Its biggest fault is that it leaves me wanting more, which may be a feature, not a fault. So now I guess I’m going to have to check out Wrecking Ball after all these years.
a few good tunes
Emmylou you grabbed my attention and you held it for 42 minutes and for that, I commend you! Some stylistic things are keeping me from a high rating but all in all, this album was solid.
Chill country vibes
What a lovely voice. And some excellent covers. But I wish she had written more songs.
I love her voice and the arrangements were simple but perfect. I like this kind of country, fun selection of covers as well
A 3 from me, definitely got my ear in for country now. Too Far Gone was my fav and enjoyed hearing Boulder to Birmingham again
It's nice enough but realistically I'm not going to listen to it again
Hate country
Enjoyed this
As perfectly mid tier as it gets
first listen they just don't make country like the 70s anymore
This is a go to album for sitting out in the yard sipping a cold drink on a breezy spring day. Love it
Just about 10 albums ago I had Dolly's Coat Of Many Colors, and now I get to hear another iconic female country artist cover the incredible title track. I understand these songs are mostly covers though I only recognized one other, The Beatles' For No None. She approaches that song with such delicacy and forlorn weariness. And she wrote one hell of a song for her late mentor, Gram Parsons. Boulder to Burmingham is heartbreaking. Whether singing her own songs or someone else's, her voice is always lovely and so emotive. This has been a fantastic introduction to Emmylou; I quite like this album.
Shit
Much better than the other Emmylou Harris album.
This album was great. A solid 4.5/5.
Some fun country/blues-y love songs. Won't relisten but I enjoyed. Clearly very talented singer and these songs are the exact kind of thing I picture in my head if I were to describe my ideal kind of Country Music
I enjoyed her contribution to Gram Parsons' Grievous Angel album earlier on this list. I enjoyed her on her own album too. She's got a lovely voice that sounds good solo or harmonizing. The heartbreak country genre isn't my favorite though I teared up listening to her cover of Coat of Many Colors. The cover of the Beatles' For No One was interesting, but I didn't like as much - too slow. All in all, a pretty decent album.
Booring
Cute! I would rather listen to Emmylou than to an old country dude singing about his truck.
Quite interesting to directly compare Emmylou Harris to Dolly Parton and to themselves in "Trio". Although it is all very samey and country really isn't my genre. While I didn't dislike the music, the album does not deserve to be on this list because it is no different from any other classic country album.
its alright but not my favourite of genres
Sorry I can't do this. 1 star.
When I started this project, I eliminated the genre Country. Then had it put back in (thank you generator creator) . This was the first country album to come up. My view of country has nit changed. This was irritating and dull. Bottle Let me Down supports Elvis Costello needing to be on this list as his version shitkicks Emmylou's version.
The Good: We are given pieces of the sky! The Bad: Sometimes, the sky, is vast and even a piece is too much… The Ugly: When one starts choking on the pieces… To think that I worked for a company which made a signature guitar for this lady, and I never did bother listening to any of her music… So, now I have. And I can state that, though her voice is purdy to say the least, it is too much honk-ee-tonk for me. Should one have a little party, this could serve more than ample as background music though… So, straight down the middle, as I don’t want to pull the lady down. 3* Edited… all of a sudden Boulder to Birmingham starts playing… damnit. 4*
Very nice
Great listen.
Few songs in and I can already tell I am not into the sad country/folk stuff. Yeah definitely not my scene. Emmylou has a good voice, so this deserves at least a 2.
Fine, but not much to get excited about here. Low 3.
Its a point that I have made numerous times during this project, but real country music is awesome. The instruments and energy are incredible and you throw a great voice like this and you have me tapping my sole. Really good stuff. I don't know exactly when I would listen to this again, but I would be perfectly happy to do so.
Pretty solid country, great voice. High 3
Shoutout part of this album was recorded in Maryland! Pretty solid country, which still doesn't do much for me, but I enjoyed the Dolly and Beatles covers. Better than I expected.
For when I’m a heartbroken cowgirl
Beautiful country album as someone who's not typically big on country as a genre
Ugh where do I begin, incredible voice and incredible songwriting through and through. This is my first into to emmylou and I’m so excited to jump into more of her. I also feel like the songs in this album sound more modern than the 70s.
Voice of an angel
Queen Of The Silver Dollar struck me as the best of this collection, a toe-tappin’ happy singalong. It was good overall, I don’t mind a bit of Emmylou Harris in small-to-medium doses.
Aardig. Typisch.
This album is pretty good. Emmylou's voice is pretty and soulful, well suited to the songs collected here. The music is good across the board, nothing I'm super excited about but nothing that I dislike. This was worth hearing, and while it's unlikely I'll go out of my way to listen to it again I'm glad this gave me a reason to listen to it.
Just some classy country. Sounds like Dolly.
She has such a beautiful voice. Nice early CW.
Good
She has a beautiful voice. Not a big fan of country but she does her things right from what ive heard
Det är country sådär som country brukar låta. Efter ett tag så blir det ganska trist och enformigt. Så blev det denna gång också.
Låter rätt lik Dolly Parton i rösten. Annars är sån här, klassisk, country rätt medioker. Det är inte nödvändigtvis dåligt. Men rätt simpla melodier och sång som inte får mig att reagera. Det är bitvis vackert. Men utan oumph. Typ en trea.
Säger som på förra plattan, hon har en fantastisk röst men låtarna gör inte tillräckligt med mig för att det ska kunna bli mer än en trea.
I think I got an immediate crush on her voice on track one. Stunning. Plus a Merle Haggard cover and a Beatles cover? What a treat
The album opens with "Bluebird Wine," which is spirited and infectious. Unfortunately, while the rest of the album is well written and performed, they never return to that level of energy. Emmylou's voice is really impressive and fits the music, but after a while the whole mood becomes soporific.
Country to me is just the most dull music genre, where the songs sound so similar and the singing is pretty incomprehensible. So to me, this album was just boring from start to finish
Country
Good for what it is, but I just don’t like country.
Good voice but for me just fine overall. Enjoyed some of the country that spotify played afterwards more...
A few have nice instrumental openings - Bluebird Wine, Before Believing, And For No One is a nice song for the most part. Otherwise not really my thing
Liked this alot more than I thought. I'm excited to put it on on a few months again when it's warm out to do some yard work and have some lemonade
Quite liked 'Bottle Let Me Down' and 'Queen of the Silver Dollar'. Guess I like drinkin’ songs.
Favorite tracks: If I Could Only Win Your Love, Before Believing, For No One. This was so easy to listen to. Really enjoyed it. Good choice of covers, too. 4 stars.
This gal sounds like Stevie Nicks. I like Stevie Nicks. Therefore, I like this gal. Her vocal is clear, precise, and expressive, with just the perfect amount of country twang to let the listener know they're in for a classic all-American adventure. The slow, contemplative cover of the Beatles' For No One is excellent, nearly rivalling the original. I enjoy the use of strings to both separate itself from the Beatles' version and to keep with the lamenting orchestral theme that the Fab Four originally captured using a French horn. The opening track, Bluebird Wine, is another standout. Its high energy makes for a solid way to begin the album. I also like the thick, dramatic texturing done on Boulder to Birmingham with its shimmery combination of piano and drums added to several layered/harmonising vocals. Another cover on this album is Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors, which (coincidentally) is the title track of the album I listened to yesterday. This puts Pieces Of The Sky in an unfortunate position, Parton's version of the title track is better, though this version is fine too. Comparing Pieces Of The Sky (and other similar albums) against modern-day "country" records, there's a stark contrast. Sure, Cowboy Carter, Deeper Well, and The Tortured Poets Department are all passable, but there's so much less musicality, heart, and soul in them than in 20th-century releases like this one. I can't help but agree wholeheartedly with the top-rated review: "I’m beginning to realize I don’t dislike country. I dislike the modern hybridizations of pop and country." (Preach, man.) 4/5 Key tracks: Bluebird Wine, Boulder to Birmingham, For No One
I’ve never liked country and I probably never will. This album is not an exception.
Overproduced, overly sappy, but great voice, and decent band. 3 loves lost out of 5
Beautiful voice. This old school female country isn’t my thing.
not my style but I appreciate the artistry of the instrumentation and vocal harmonies. 7.3/10
не мое, но ничего плохого сказать не могу.
Not my genre, but a few good songs covered by Elvis Costello
Ok background music
Not appealing at all, first song was kinda meh but everything else was just sterile
Classic country. I could’ve listened to this again.
Þarna kemur kántrýið aftur og þetta er svona rólegt kántrý sem ég kem aldrei til með að muna eftir. Ég hef oft heyrt um Emmylou Harris en aldrei hlustað á hana þannig séð og mér finnst mjög ólíklegt að ég muni hlusta á hana aftur. Þetta er samt aðeins farið að vinna á og er pínu ljúft þannig að ég set þetta í þrjár stjörnur
A bit slow to start for my liking but picks up towards the end and is an enjoyable listen for the most part.
Det är Emmylou Harris, det är stämsång, det är fiol och pedalsteel-gitarr, det är bra. THIS IS COUNTRY MUSIC! 4 av 5
I don't think I'll ever like country, but this is about as close as I'll get to liking it
Americana country rock, her voice is pleasing, and many songs sounded familiar before I realised there are like 3 covers in this. I liked the fast-paced songs more, but overall was enjoyable. Stand-out: Bluebird Wine
Interesting that "Coat of Many Colors" now has appeared on this list twice. Harris is a talented musician, and I enjoyed this album.
She has a great voice, this genre is just not my cup of tea
No va
Awesome, great country
Wonderful songs and of course an amazing voice. I think Willie Nelson said “you’re either in love with Emmylou Harris or you’ve never met her.”
great voice
Nice country but it's just not my thing
I am not a country fan at all, but I loved this album. Emmylou Harris's voice is FANTASTIC. This album sounded great and had some very enjoyable songs. Her covers of "Coat of Many Colors" by Dolly Parton was awesome and made sense since both are country singers. Her covering "For No One" by THE BEATLES (One of my favorite Beatles songs at that) was awesome and such a shock Liked Songs: "Bluebird Wine" , "Too Far Gone" , "Boulder to Birmingham" , "Bottle Let Me Down" , "Sleepless Nights" , "Coat of Many Colors" , "For No One"
liked songs: the intro to Bluebird Wine Emmylou Harris has a very good voice. This is, objectively, a good album with good music. I really did want to like this, but the country/folk on this album is really not for me. 2.25
I didn't like it but I didn't hate it. ,albeit I even grew as a person for having listened to it.
Now that's real country music! Her voice is angelic, and the arrangements and lyrics are fantastic. I listened to it 3 times in a row and I was left wanting more! Incredible and wonderful! 5 stars!
***An ok album. Most tracks sound similar
country music, yikes
Die Stimme ist gut, die Songs haben mich aber nicht gepackt.
Yeah. OK. It's good. Typical of the time. Beautiful voice. Lots of covers.
A very strong album, front-to-back, with some beautiful and incredibly powerful moments. "Boulder to Birmingham" is simply one of the greatest songs ever written.
Not quite for me but OK
Chill 70s country. Good but not great
I liked it for what it is, just not my style in general
It was pretty nice! I don't know I'd go back to it with urgency, but a very pleasant listen :)
Generic
This is classic country and has a fair bit of covers as old country tends to have, but Harris has a great voice. This is very early in her career, but you can see why she became a star. I’ve had one other album by her, but was from the twilight of her career and left me wondering why such an album would be included, so I was very pleased by her debut outing.
i just kinda enjoyed it a lot, even tho i dont really care that much for the genre, gave me real fallout NV vibes not sure it is particularly significant tho MYM
Another staple of early country music, but just doesn't carry the same weight as Loretta Lynn.
I gave a 2 because the album was well-crafted, I'm sure. But this just isn't my genre. I have not yet developed an ear for serious country music but I'm working on it.
Bell voix, beaucoup de potentiel, mais rien d'accrocheur. 4/10
This is a pretty good album. Nothing overly impressive, but it’s great if you’re into old-school traditional country with a folk edge. It’s easy to appreciate for its simplicity and authenticity.
That voice!
Chill folksy album. Country
Boulder to Birmingham
The best version of something I don't like Although it's all covers? So what are we really doing here? For No One is beautiful Maybe a 3. Not important
Beautiful classic country, reminds me of home.
An enjoyable listen. She has a great voice. Particularly liked the task Before Believing which the album title come from.
Only familiar with Emmylou Harris due to her connections with Gram Parsons and her featuring on Dylan's, 'Desire'. Not heard much of her solo stuff and quite pleased that this has turned up. Despite there being a few covers on this album, Dolly Parton and Beatles, I like the vibe. It hangs together well and the covers blend in really well. Stand out track for me is, Too Far Gone. 4 stars.
I absolutely love Emmylou's early albums; her voice is nearly intoxicating. The only complaint I have is that some of the ballads can be a bit too maudlin
Harris has a great voice, no doubt. The musicians are first rate. Even the lyrics are good (Dolly Parton! Shel Silverstein!?) But this record just feels like it has no soul to me.
I liked her voice. The music wasn't my thing.
This was fine. Voice was good, I didn't care much about the songs themselves though. Overall, it was fine.
It's always nice when Emmylou shows up to like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or the Grammys to do some tribute cause he voice is great. This album is fine. I dunno, I'm just not really a country guy.
Not for me. 1/5
She has a really nice voice and I wish more albums had covers in the middle
Good singer all around Good music But nothing amazing its a good album objectively but never a 5 star one
Tender and quiet and sweet.
Not a fan on country music or twang, but given that it was an alright album. She has a nice voice and it was calm music.
Liked this a lot, proper artistry in writing and performance. The covers are great and bring an original take and Emmylous voice and playing is just beautiful.
Pretty good. Not really my thing but I can't deny the quality of playing and songwriting. Excellent cover of For No One by The Beatles.
I came really close to really liking Pieces of the Sky, but it just didn't land. Front to back it's super tight, textbook country album. It had a lot of moments I liked, but as a whole it kinda washed over me. I think her voice was too clean and pure for me. It's a great voice for this style, but I want more whiskey and cigarettes in my country singers. Album cover: (B+) Thats about as 1970's as its possible to look (i.e brown)
Snooze fest.
I enjoyed this album. I loved the opening song "Bluebird Wine", it had me tapping my foot. She has an awesome vocal performance. It's got big country band vibes and I love that. The album changes after that song and finds a much slower paced country singer-songwriter sound. I don't like that nearly as much and I got a little bored. She has a beautiful voice, but I can only hear soft instrumentals with a lady singing for so long. 6/10
Love to discover old school country music. Having never heard much of the infamous modern stuff, my limited experience with this genre has been really positive. Emmylou delivers here lovely performances, and the whole record sounds, at times, like you're attending a gig at the coolest bar in town.
I had to concentrate really hard with this album, because as soon as it started playing, my brain tried desperately to tune it out for me. It's the sort of music I would expect to hear when walking around a supermarket, innocuous, vacuous, sappy, and bland. I figured there might be something special here, to justify its inclusion on the list, but I was soon proven incorrect. It was so vanilla that I didn't even stop it playing when Spotify gave me two bonus tracks. I kind of noticed it was still going, but at this point I had let my brain filter it out, and had stopped caring. One star for something so dull that it hardly even counts as music.
Listened Before? N One of the greatest voices in country of all time. This album is too mellow for me but I really did like listening to her. Probably won't revisit this one. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Bluebird Wine
Not a huge fan of country music , but her voice is great. No songs stand out, but nothing is bad either. Overall a good album. 3/5 Probably won’t listen again
Ach Emmylou, ich chan mit country eifach absolut nüd ahfange. Ich han probiert mini chuehherde zemeztriibe, allne mexikanische Migrant*inne schuld zgeh, es pack chautabak durezchaue, 2 fläsche schlächte whisky trinke und mit minere Schrotflinte uf de Veranda sitze und rassistischti sprüch zmache zu jedem/jedere wo verbi chund und immerno findi country scheisse. Meh chani ned probiere. Da chani nur zwei inappropriati ahmachsprüch für mini viel zjung cousine am thanksgiving familiefest irgendwo imene Kentucky Outskirt inedrucke
Ihgstiege is album bin na recht fröhlich und ha mi uf neui artist entdecke gfreut aber isch denn doch sehr eitönig cöntry lastig wurde. Hype isch verfloge. Aber neduzen isch wiedermal desperate zum öpis schlechts oder öpis guets z becho. So dasi wiedermal e idee für es guet review han. 3 himmelstück vu mir
aah ich glaubs ich bin eifach kein country boy - oder ufjedefall kein winter country boy es git ja verschideni variante vo dem genre ih mim chopf und die sind mit verschidene szene verchnüpft es git de wild west country nitty gritty spitty in the thingy und es macht *pling* wemmers trifft swinging bardoors stuff und stinkendi bärtigi männer denn gits de "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" country wo sich eifach sehr starch uf de Mississippi bezieht mer schwitzt sich de arsch ab ih de humid wetterkonditione und tribt ufeme boot us baumstämm de Mississippi river durab oder liht sich zum schläfli unter eh trauerweide und bi dere musig chanis nöd ganz ihschätze wo dasmer sich da befindet - und das macht mich chli nervös persöndlich würdi mich für de Mississippi style entscheide wenni chönt uswähle, wie gsehts bim rest us? da gits 3 schüss vord schueh und besser ufpasse bim negste country album, well die gruppe isch nöd gnueg gross für meh vo dem stuff (für de moment) also welcome spy maya, rundowns on the funniest jokes that where produced in this reviews will reach you every weekday afternoon :)
schad, han vorm lose gmeint das chönt es guets album si zum sich vor em cheminée inen warmi decki z‘kuschle… für das heds mer denn aber doch chli zu feschti alabama vibes gha 2 küss uf d‘stirn vo minere coucousine
Hmm.. Beautiful voice, you can’t take that away from Emmylou Harris, but then here we are stuck in old school country land, with all its sugar coated elements.. like the strings on the slower tunes. Too much for my taste
Classic country album. Very easy to listen too. Good album. You'll probably rate it higher if you love old school Country. Check out her cover for the Beatles' "For No One". It's pretty amazing and totally different from the original.
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?”
Harris bridges traditional country and folk-rock sensibilities, her crystalline voice illuminating both classic covers and original gems with haunting grace.
I love her voice, always have. A friend met her years ago and she is as genuine as they come. Most of the album is flat for me, but really enjoyed 3 of the songs.
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.
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.
Music that sounds like classic 70s singer. Somehow they all sound very similar.
The first song caught my attention, so far so good. Will listen to the rest later today. I liked the album!
Pretty good, nice voice too
#426. This is pretty good, but honestly it's just not for me. The talent is there, but it's just not something I desire to listen to. It definitely sounds like she's trying real hard to sound like Dolly Parton, and I don't know if that's intentional, but I suspect it is since there's a Parton cover on the album. 3/5: decent Song added to playlist: Queen of the Silver Dollar I've created a playlist on Spotify that consists of the best and/or my favorite song from each of the albums in this book. This list can be found here if you are interested: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MAXDGLWlwLkFLb8veGfkA?si=FqkQQPgZTFWG0jAUJXLFZA&utm_source=copy-link
I liked this country album even though country isn't my hallmark genre of music. Cool to see the roots of that movement in the 70s and her voice is beautiful
pretty voice
Really liked this one a lot. I will be saving it and listening to it again in the future.
1001 Albums #14 Good but not really my thing Boulder to birmingham is great though
The steel guitar only detracts a little from this masterpeice. Incredible honest storytelling over beautiful well executed music.
Country und ich, das wird nichts mehr
It's good but not my taste. I only like one song: for no one.
Country music not for me
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
Not for me
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.
The only song from this I knew before was Coat of Many Colours; I would say this version is up there with Dolly’s. The rest of the album is fine, nothing-special country music.
Another example of very well made country that, for whatever reason, really leaves me cold. I'm starting to think I'm just not white enough to enjoy country. It starts off very bluegrass-y, which I enjoyed, but turned into the sort of thing I absolutely expected from an Emmylou Harris album... not my fave, notwithstanding the emotional gutpunch that Coat of Many Colours always is. Faves: Coat of Many Colours
Straight up Country Americana with the sonorous voice of Emmylou - what’s not to like?
Bit too country for me, but great voice. Favourite track: Too Far Gone.
I get why some people may like it, but this is not for me.
Nettes, abwechslungsreiches Folk Album….7/10
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.
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.
That is the country music that I love.
Nice voice, but Country.
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"
Surprisingly forgettable. I quite enjoyed her much later album Red Dirt Girl but there's nothing here but a solid country voice. Boring arrangements lacking any sort of oomph. Coat of Many Colors is a great example. Dolly delivered that with such charm and you couldn't help but listen. Emmylou doesn't make it her own and makes it ho hum. Still gets a 3 because of that great voice.
Country. Favorite tracks: Too Far Gone, Boulder to Birmingham.
Nice sleepo pill. „For No One“ is a timeless beauty
God, she's amazing. She gives a masterclass in vocal emotion.
I really liked this. I can hear the influence such as for someone like Helena Deland. I did get fatigued by the end though…
Great voice and delivery. Decent material.
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.
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
4/5
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.
Pretty good
Rating: 6/10 Pretty good but overall pretty forgettable.
Gear: Meze 109 PRO Artwork: 👼🏻👩🏻🦱🟧 Production: 😐🙂👌 Music: 🌽🌍😢 Rating: 🌽🌽/5
Enjoyed the album. Standout songs Bluebird wine Coat of many colors Queen of the silver dollar
Once again I had the artist pegged in a genre that didn't match. I enjoyed this more than I thought I would initially. Based on other albums in this list from the period, there was a strong traditional country/roots movement going on.
I have never heard of Emmylou before this. I immediately thought of Dolly Parton when I heard her, not sure if that will go down well with fans. Enjoyed the album👍👍
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.
Love 'Coat of many colours' but prefer Dolly singing it.
She has a nice voice but I really didn’t like this.
As far as Country goes, it's not bad. That's a low marker though
There are a few misses here, but not many! When it hits it hits and it’s usually a cover (re: queen of the silver dollar, the bottle let me down, coat of many colors), but she kills it.
Nope
No private session used for Spotify, familiar with the name, but not the work. Country, honky tonk twangy country. The type of country I don't like.
Típica voz feminina de country que me incomoda.
Month for me.
In her late 20s and already having been a key ingredient in the two masterful Gram Parsons solo albums - this debut is confident and well executed in every way. The playing. Song choices. That voice. She would continue to evolve and change in the years to come but this album established her as a masterful interpreter of a wide range of songs.
i didn't hate listening to this and even enjoyed it a little which has to be something of merit considering how much country is just not for me, doesn't leave a lasting impression on me though and that's perfectly fine
This album made me feel sad....lots of sad slow longing melancholy and any other words that come to mind for sweet delicate melodic loving poetry set to whimsical blah blah blah blah....
She has a good voice but the country/Americana thing isn't my jam. I can see why people like it but sorry folks. Not for me.
3.5/5. Nice, easy going folk/country music. This is a good morning listen.
Harris is clearly a talented vocalist, but the album is filled with too many standard and average approaches to country music for the era. It’s pleasant while it’s on and despite having a few great tracks, the album leaves no lasting impact
I’m don’t listen to much country but there is a sweet plaintiveness to this album that I enjoy. It turns a little saccharine after a few tracks. But Harris’ voice is amazing.
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.
nice but not for me 3
Thank god they didn’t stack another stinker on me after Ryan Adams
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.
I enjoyed it, although I don' think I will come back to it after two listens. She's got a good voice, but something feels missing. I'd really like this if it had a bit more bite. I don't want to say that every artist needs to write their own songs to be great, but with this kind of music, I think a bit of the emotion is lost.
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.
Country chato e cansativo. Forçado, quase dá dor de barriga. Chega de country porra!
Bonito. Country tranquilo.
Pleasant
Sort of lovely but it's mainly covers. The Beatles cover is outstanding though.
It sounded good, but I don't like country and I didn't really see the point of this album.
I was amazed at the vocals. Harmonized right through the key changes. Incredible voice.
nett, country. bin nicht so fan.
Gemütlicher Country, irgendwie mag ich ihn. Gut als Hintergrund.
Boulder To Birmingham stands out. The rest of the album contains lots of covers and is really country, not my favourite genre.
Prachtige stem. Niet m'n genre, maar best wel oké. 3.2
Este fue el primer disco de Harris en solitario tras acompañar a Gram Parsons en la fundación del country-rock a principios de los años 70. Gran parte de las canciones son versiones de temas de artistas variados, como "If I Could Only Win Your Love",de los Louvin Brothers o "For No One" de los Beatles. Pero la piedra angular del disco es "Boulder to Birmingham", la canción que personalmente más me gusta de él. Un conmovedor homenaje a su antiguo compañero, Gran Parsons, compuesta por la propia Harris como un lamento de amor por su pérdida. Desgarrador ese hermoso verso en el que dice "...y la parte más dura es saber que sobreviviré".
Very standard and uninteresting country.
Lovely country music. She is an absolutely delight on this.
First nice then go down
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.