Reviews (page 6 of 8)
Tends to sound like Christian contemporary but has some genuinely great country music.
Not for me. 1/5
3.5
Is it a decent album? Yeah sure! Is it deserving to be on this list? Probably not. 3/5
Out of all the Emmylou Harris albums they choose this one? The whole time I'm listening to this I'm thinking that it's drum heavy and over-produced. I think that she shines in more of an acoustic/organic/country-oriented setting. This one is forgettable and doesn't inspire a repeat listen. 2.5/5
yeehaw amen 🙏 very umm religious
Not as country as I was expecting, but fairly middle of the road folk pop with an updated production. Maybe I'll like this when I'm 80 or something. She does have a great velvety voice.
Seemed listenable. Only had it on in the background
I found myself curious about a any demos that might have been made for this album. Sometimes the floaty reverb thing gets a bit much.
Aye I’m not gonna hold you but she sounds angelic as hell on this. Like she’s floating on a cloud, laying down chilling & singing into a microphone. She’s got me contemplating where the hell I’m going in life and have I experienced enough in this life to sing with this much emotion. Holy shit bro 😭
I try to be positive, but this was tedious to get through.
Late in career album that's fairly average.
i have a touchy relationship with folk music, and i had hoped emmylou harris' red dirt girl mixing country with folk would make it more palatable for me. regretfully, while this album was easy on the ears, it lacked an attention grabber and could not excite me enough. her lyrics, though, made up for any weaknesses. multiple songs' lyrics grabbed me, especially the title song. one thing that stood out was the harmonizing vocals. i think they were on every single song and still allowed each song to sound unique. then i discovered that there were some surprises with the harmony vocalists!
This was an incredibly interesting album inclusion! I think for people to understand the significance of this, they'd have to understand a little bit more about Emmylou's musical style and the typical "expectations" around country music artists crossing over between genres. Emmylou's music has always kind of straddled a line between country and folk, this much is true. But many country music fans have a very specific expectation of their country music, and crossovers aren't always successful. Around this general time, other country artists were pushing the country-pop crossover successfully. But what Emmylou is pushing here is a crossover into more world-oriented folk music; this country-folk album is laden with many Eastern folk sounds if you listen closely. At the time, this was a virtually untapped crossover space (and potentially career suicide) for a country artist. And yet, Emmylou Harris absolutely shines in this crossover space. Always a talented artist, she somehow seems even more at home here; her vocals are more warbly, emotionally charged, and soulful, her guitar is more warm and gentle. Additionally, Emmylou had not historically written her albums, but this album, save for one song, is completely written by her. This is absolutely wild, as her lyrics are so poetic and well written that it makes this sound like she's been a lifelong songwriter. This isn't a typical Emmylou Harris album, but even though it's her nineteenth studio album, 30+ years into her career, it may reflect the purest form of Emmylou Harris. And while this type of crossover was not typical in the country space at the time, this has likely inspired country artists since, just as Emmylou was inspiring the work of country artists in the 1970s. This album was very peaceful and could have lulled me into hearing it as background noise, but between the beautiful vocals, lyrics, harmonies, and overall warmth of it all, it kept drawing me back in to listen to and appreciate its intricacies more actively. Even from the opening song, "The Pearl", I was feeling this gravitas. Pleasantly surprised by this album! To me, this album speaks of mid to later stage career shifts that can give way to beautiful and surprising results.
This is nice. I don’t hate it or anything, it’s just a bit slow for my taste. It’s all very lovely, nicely produced. Definitely got a country edge. The rest of the music is really interesting, but then that distinctive twang creeps in and just stymies any potential. There’s so much good here. But, personally, I wish I could rearrange it. J’ai fait tout is really good. One Big Love, Hour of Gold, My Antonia, too. Wish the rest was more like this. 3/5
I loved this. I'd never heard any of it before, but for a couple of weeks it's been my favourite album. It's provided ear worms that I've thoroughly enjoyed revisiting. This is why I am doing this! To find gems that resonate like this.
I sorta liked it
Emilylou has a lovely voice. I love the folk feel in her vocal style. I wish there were more folk elements to elevate the project though. The background elements of the music tend to drone on a bit.
This is fine. I've just heard the same thing done better by Brandi Carlile. Emmylou Harris has such a crispy voice here, it doesn't sell songs which are asking for a smoother voice. The music is nothing to write home about. What are we left with? And album I really don't like or hate. It just exists. I couldn't wait for it to be over so I could throw on some actual good folk-country music.
Not my kind of music - found it boring, even after two listenings.
Love it
неплохо, она приятная (обязательное: вокал такой не люблю + не мой жанр)
Fav songs: - The Pearl - Red Dirt Girl - Deeper Well - Michaelangelo
Very nice
Loved the title track. A little morose for four stars but it is really good.
One of my all-time favorite albums.
What a legendary voice
first listen her voice is unique and great, but the music on this one wasn't super strong
There’s cool things on this record, the songwriting is good, but it starts to feel a little same-y as it goes on. Still good though
Not my thing at all
Red Dirt Girl is musically more mature than yesterday's offering from a similar genre, and it's a nicer listen but not by much, still a 2/5 from me, though would be a higher 2. Her voice has more authenticity to it, even if I don't think it's technically better or anything. Get the feeling this album goes in and gets the acclaim as sort of an emeritus work, it's not close to outstanding by itself. The title track is nice though.
Probably benefits from coming straight after a similar album sung by someone with a less good voice than her. We've had one of hers before, it's really nice, gentle, soulful singing. I think there's a bit more to the lyrics than we had with Gillian Welch, and there's definitely more to the vocal quality. Not as good as the previous album we've had of hers in terms of memorable songs, but definitely a better album than the last few we've had. A low to mediocre 3/5 for me.
Sorry this was very boring. Every songs sounds the same and the atmosphere is average. I know she did better before!
One full listen wasn’t enough to decide a concrete star rating, but suffice to say that this is a decent album. Maybe not on constant rotation, obviously, but occasional listen doesn’t sound too unlikely.
Just not an album I find anything interesting while listening to. Love a few albums of hers from the 70s.
2.5 , not my style.
Best Song: I Don't Wanna Talk About It Now. The one song with a bit of a rock energy behind it. Worst Song: My Antonia. I don't know why, but the random dude's voice was a jarring, unwelcome addition to the album. Overall: For its genre, it's good. The problem is that I don't really like this genre. The breathless wispiness starts to grate by the end of the album.
I know nothing about C&W, but this is okay.
I've never listened to Emmylou Harris but apparently she's a huge name I just never crossed. These past three albums we've listened to all have a similar vibe and all sing with a lot of depth about subjects which aren't carrying the same weight. Band the Drum Slowly felt personal. I do like her voice but nothing is really standing out.
I like her voice but the music sounds like background music for a southern drama that you don't really notice.
This sucks. It sounds like every other album from every other artist 20-30 years past their heyday was putting out at this time. All the boredom of easy listening, plus all the unrelatability of most country/folk, and topped of with a big pile of who gives a flying fuck about this simple guitar that you need to extend every song by 60-120 seconds so I can hear more of it.
Music was great - lyrics weren't for me.
This was not really a compelling record to me. I'm happy for the one listen, and I 100% respect her body of work leading up to this and even love some of it (Grievous Angel with GP).. but I saw none of the 'complete singer-songwriter' vibe that the book blurb alluded to. It came of 'just ok' IMHO.
Very 2000s
Just OK
Sure. Whatever.
I'm sure she has a lot more better albums than this from the 70s or 80s. It's too mellow and overproduced for my taste.
The greatest gift Gram Parsons gave us. Emmylou is his greatest legacy. I clearly don't mean to sell Emmylou Harris short by suggesting she's a product of Gram Parsons, but rather his influence. She likely would have broke big had she never crossed paths with Parsons. He simply inspired which road musically she chose to travel. And for that we're forever grateful. This album is in the conversation for being her finest moment. Like most things Emmylou related, it's wonderful. Plus you get appearances from Springsteen and Dave Fucking Matthews of all people. More importantly, this gives merit to the argument Emmylou is the Joni Mitchell of country music. Harris herself wrote the majority of these songs.
Really pretty boring...but it wasn't bad so I'll stick ya with 3 stars Emmylou even though every memory I have of you is standing stoically, slowly strumming guitar w that beautiful grey hair playing the same song bc im pretty sure there's only one
Country tranquilo. Preciosa voz.
Favourite songs: My Baby Needs a Shepherd, Bang the Drum Slowly, The Pearl, Michelangelo, I Don't Wanna Talk About It Now, Tragedy, Boy From Tupelo, Red Dirt Girl, One Big Love Least favourite songs: Hour of Gold 5/5
Emmylou Harris has the type of voice you can listen to endlessly. That said her instrument here makes all feel every single emotion. This is a gorgeous album from front to back. I am not really a country fan but Harris is exactly what I enjoy about the genre.
Read the blurb and I know I’m going to hate this. Listened to it and I was right. This is fucking terrible music.
Klote country, beetje balen dat deze lijst zó US based is
Te country, niet helemaal me ding. Ga er wel helemaal van linedancen
lekker rustig beetje doorsnee wel
Another album that I’d describe as “pleasant.” But it didn’t speak to me and no songs stood out to me despite multiple listens.
I’m not a huge fan of country & early 2000 country with the added pop beats is even worse for me. I think it’s cool she wrote her own lyrics for this album but for me I just did not enjoy.
Its not bad. Title track is good. Maybe a little drum machiney? and some indian type droning stuff for innovation to americana. Apparently she wrote most of it. Guy clark helped with one! Surprise dave matthews! Jai f'ait tu is pretty good.
I feel like the top-rated review of this album gave me the wrong impression going in. If you haven't read it—maybe you're sorting by date and not top-rated, I'unno—in short, it's not a review of the album but instead a critique of the 1001 Albums list for including the 29th album by an artist instead of, like, albums from people who're newer and more recent. Like, are the boomers really taking up that much air that a past-their-prime album can get on here instead of, like, I'unno, DEMON DAYS? That thought really set me up for the worst, and... Honestly, I really liked it. I mean, for one, I like Emmylou's voice a lot. This is the second album my group's gotten from her, after TRIO with Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt, and her voice reminded me a lot of Dolly's, actually. Which isn't a bad thing by me; I **love** hearing Dolly sing, so this is just a treat. And beyond that, I just really appreciate that there's more going on here than it just being a country album. With that genre label, I was expecting some shit that's like "Of course the critics would lap this the hell up, but I find it **boring as toast**," though it turns out it's kind of not even accurate. Sure, the country-ness of it is all over the place, especially, I found, in how a lot of the lyrics are structured, but there's so many more influences that've gone into it. Honestly, I'm more wont to use Wikipedia's second genre label for it, "Americana," than country—and even then I don't feel like that really taps into everything Emmylou did here. Y'know? And, I mean, despite what I just said, I actually **like** country, but I'm jus' kinda glad it doesn't sound anything like the other country from around this time that I've heard (via Cledus T. Judd's parodies). So I dug the album. That's neat. As for whether or not I think this belongs on the 1001 Albums list... No? Maybe? It's not a knock against the album, of course, and I think it **is** worth hearing if you're into country, but... Do I feel like it's omething you **absolutely** need to hear before you die? I'm not 100% sure. It's more worthy than Kid Rock at least, although it's not like **that's** a high bar to clear.
This is just some basic country, with an iffy mix, and a nearly hour-long runtime to boot.
It’s a super strong 4 that I’m gonna round up to a 5, just for my tastes. There are some points early in the album where the production is lacking just that one extra bit for my tastes, but when this album clicks and puts it all together, it’s some of the best country/Americana stuff I’ve heard in a long time. The consequences of “bro country” coming into the scene in the late 90s and early 2000s need to be studied someday, because this is a really good album to me, and I need more stuff like this. Red Dirt Girl? That’s the type of country music I need, not bullshit about trying “that” in a small town, whatever “that” is. The album is just a little too long for me. Could’ve cut it down to like, 8 or 9 tracks, but there’s really not a bad one here. I enjoyed everything on this album; I genuinely think it hits 12 for 12 for me, and that’s why I’m going with a 5 regardless of its slower moments or its perceived flaws. It’s good music, and that’s what matters.
I enjoyed this album a lot. It made me feel nostalgic and reminded me of the kind of music I associate with my mother I didn't dislike any song, though most faded to the background. Standouts were My Baby Needs a Shepherd and Michaelangelo
she's a legend
It's rare that so many songs on the same album are really good. Texts that are worth listening to. Great!
Ein paar Parts haben mir gefallen. Hat mich immer wieder mal an deutsche Schlager aus den 70ern erinnert. Die waren wahrscheinlich vom Country beeinflusst. Letztlich nicht so mein Geschmack.
Emmylou is classified as "country," but I hear a lot of rock, folk and alt-country in there. A skilled singer with a fantastic voice, she also wrote all these tunes which I enjoyed very much.
Maudlin and pedestrian (neither of which are necessarily bad things but you know... meh)
This is a lovely country album from an artist ill definitely look into further. Standouts include The Pearl, I Don't Wanna Talk About It Now, Red Dirt Girl, My Baby Needs A Shepherd, One Big Love, Hour Of Gold, and Boy From Tulepo.
I like her voice. In general I like the style and compositions, but I would give this one about a 3.5 because I have some other artists/albums that I would put above her that are in the same vein
I appreciate her great voice and the musicianship on this album. I just couldn't get into the slow sooner country dongs.
Für country ziemlich gut
Oui CT bien ça m'a rappelé dolly parton un peu 2.5
Does “Tragedy” have the same drum loop as “Clint Eastwood” ???? I respect this album a lot, I think Brandy Carlisle owes a ton to this album in particular. Best compliment I can give this albums authenticity is that my grandmother born and raised in West by god Virginia wouldve enjoyed this
Not bad, but not amazing
An utterly boring album that drags on for far too long, with melodies that would make a Christian pop radio station blush, and the lyrical content isn't too far behind. Its slow, but it isn't lush, it has layered production, but there is nothing dreamy about it. Just an utter waste of time, only really challenging to your grandparents. The CD era was a blight on the music industry.
I was absolutely prepped for hating this, given Emmylou's country reputation, but thankfully this just wasn't country. Bonza.
Less outlaw, more laidback country
Country
A fairly anonymous and very inoffensive take on modern country-folk. Every track is noticeably strong, as is Harris's smooth, strong vocal (particularly in her lower register), but the songs are missing some key hooks that would really push my rating beyond 3 stars. I remember thinking "This one is pretty good" during Red Dirt Girl, Bang the Drum Slowly, My Antonia, and Michelangelo - but thinking back now, I couldn't tell you much about those tracks. There were lots of major chords on acoustic guitar, some airy background strings, and of course Harris's voice at the front of the mix - but as for the rest... well... I Don't Wanna Talk About It Now. (heh.)
Traditional country is not a genre I am familiar with, or enjoy for that matter. Still, it's a sight better than the "pop country" movement of the past thirty years.
I don't know if it's the last 15 albums were terrible post punk albums or if I genuinely liked this album. So soothing and dark and heartbreaking. Probably worth another listen when I'm feeling that mood.
I have mixed reviews about this. I hated it at first but it grew on me. I liked the song with the French title. Lyrics were good across the album. Easily the best part. Her voice was… interesting. I mostly found it annoying. Sometimes it worked well. And the instrumentals were kinda hit or miss. I mostly found them boring and repetitive
Slow, sleepy, and mostly boring instrumentals supplemented by a grating singer who breathily adds an extra syllable to every other word. Not my cup of tea
Much better than the other one on list, but still C&W which I in general detest. Wished she used het beautiful voice for music that really moves me.
Didn't hate it but it became background fast and never pulled me back in.
Mah... nulla da dire sulla qualità della voce... ma il genere è riservato al pubblico americano. Non interessante alle mie orecchie.
i went in with low expectations, it was a solid album but you know i just don't like country :(
Luscious tones and lovely singing, this is how to do a folk album properly. Has plenty of variety, but it lacks a sense of excitement which could've rounded it off. Excellent dynamics though.
did not expect the country direction but loved it
Hm, country, niet zeker wat ik er van vind Het luistert lekker weg en Emmylou heeft een meer dan prima stem, dat is zeker. Mijn probleem met country is dat ik het a gauw heel erg op elkaar vind lijken, nummers springen er niet snel uit en daardoor word het een soort grote brei aan country achtige muziek. Maar dat ligt misschien een beetje aan mij. Red Dirt Girl springt er een beetje voor me uit, maar ook maar net aan. Het is Country, gezongen door een vrouw. Thats it, veel meer is het niet. Het gaat af en toe over Whisky, het gaat af en toe over het platteland. FAVO: Red Dirt Girl, My baby needs a shepherd
Nice
да похуй
Это что, Тейлор Свифт? Или женская версия вилко? Ну, нудноватая дамочка, честно говоря. Я так понимаю, это что-то вроде альт-кантри. Мне в целом одной песни, кажется, хватило, чтобы всё понять.
I usually like country, but I found this just so boring.
Content d'avoir eu la chance d'essayer cet album, meilleur que ce que j'aurais pensé considérant que c'est considéré country. Mais ça reste très folky, americana, rock, donc beaucoup plus varié d'une chanson à l'autre qu'un album de country pure. Par contre, je ne sais pas à quel point c'est un album qui se démarque et qui mérite sa place dans un tel palmarès. 7/10
Not sure I ever put together that Emmylou Harris sang mostly covers for decades of her recording career. There's a healthy mix of country with some surprising 90's influence. She sings her heart out, in a way that showcases the pride of releasing her own music as such
Love Emmylou, but this a bit slow overall for my tastes. I prefer to switch it up every few tracks.
Mellow country music with a sweet voice. Not bad, but a bit samey. Stand-out: Bang the Drum Slowly
In short, this is good for someone else. I've always respected Emmylou Harris, but her music is typically polar opposite my jam. Super listenable as background music. Very pleasant. Going to end up rated as high as some records I own and put on with some frequency. And yet, it's a sign of the quality more than my own enjoyment.
Meh. Pretty voice but not my style of music at all. It's borderline country. It was soft/mellow for a nice afternoon walk, but I have no interest in hearing more.
Good
Are the lyrics good? The music doesn't compel me to care.
Only listened to 2 songs
I always appreciated Emmy Lou's song writing talent, but I've never heard this album, her first foray into writing her own songs. This was a real treat.
Not a big country fan, and I already see Willie Nelson coming up in my backlog. Also, the fact that this is her 19th album, but I couldn't name a single song by her (or even recognize one of her "hits" by title) despite being raised in a country music bar in rural WI in the late 70s/early 80s. If I *have* to listen to country, give me Johnny Cash or Dolly Parton, or even the *really* old stuff they put on the radio stations in Fallout. That said, at least it's at least it's fairly inoffensive for country.
Nah. Pass!
Another boring, meandering, folk, country, singer songwriter thing. God, will they ever tire of putting these things on the list? This album passed like a cloud in front of the sun, with nary an impression left behind.
This is Emmylou Harris' nineteenth album and her first album composed of mostly her own compositions. She is best known for covering other songwriters' work. Harris' musical career has been propagated through successful collaboration with other artists. Her top songs are all collaborations with Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton. Considered contemporary folk, country folk, or Americana, this album is slow and dreadful.
long
Tranquilito, está bien para un domingo lluvioso
Perfect Sunday morning vibes
As a Gram Parson's protegee, Emmylou has an excellent knack for sweet and deep melodies. The instrumentalization in this album is fantastic. Songs unfold slowly and charmingly. Not a country listener, but really like it.
Emmylou Harris is a classic voice in country. Obviously by the turn of the millennium, that voice would grow worn and weary. Still, Harris lays down her soul for some lovely songs. Tracks that lean more towards contemporary country are not a good fit for her, such as the programmed beats on Tragedy. I think there have been more memorable songs that she has sung on, but her efforts here are appreciated.
Harris has a beautiful voice, and her writing is spellbinding. My singular true gripe is that many of these songs are 30 seconds to a minute too long. The sprawl makes it difficult to pay close attention, which is a shame when the writing is this good. Highlights: The Pearl, Red Dirt Girl (😭), Bang the Drum Slowly, J'ai fait tout, My Antonia
Pretty good album. Country is definitely not my genre and this is too much for me, but there is quality here. Low 3.
This album didn't really do it for me. Extra star for her voice
Those beats? It was a bad time in production. Not a fun listen.
So great. The song "Tragedy" stopped me in my tracks, and I played it three times, then listened to the whole album again.
I’d heard of Emmylou but had no idea what her songs were. None rang a bell. It was a pretty low key album but nothing really memorable.
Country is my favorite
Can't say I was too familiar with Emmylou Harris' work before but this was a lovely aughts country album. Likely won't revisit too often but enjoyed it.
A little too country
Her sound and production has come SO far. Love her style.
I quite like this genre but as with many albums on this list I'm not sure why this album is on here. She has many better albums
I just don’t care
Musician is talented, no denying that. Not my type of music, nothing really stuck out for me either.
I mean this in the most admiring way possible, this music puts me to sleep. It's even-keeled, calming, maternal, comforting. ELH seems like a gem. Favorite track: My Baby Needs a Shepherd
A little lethargic but not unbearably so. I like Emmylou, but the 2000s production doesn’t really suit her.
Vibes were great but no song really grabbed me
This is definitely really good. Love michealangelo the most. There were some songs that I didn't really resonate with but it was good overall. Definitely above average
Happy to find out this one has mostly songs she wrote, as I really liked the songwriting. Never been sure if I like country, but I'm becoming a dad, my tastes are morphing, and I found myself getting a bit choked up at SEVERAL points. Not every song, but the gorgeous voice and tone still shines through. Have to let my gut speak on this one.
Beautiful and understated and she sings like my girlfriend.
Probably one of the most boring things I’ve ever heard. Every song just sounds like endless vamping, and you’re left waiting for the song to properly start every time.
not my favorite style of music, but some great songs here
It's a solid-enough late career comeback for Miss Harris. The songs all have a similar feel, so it gets samey at some points, though I like the "sway" that the album has throughout. It's loose, breezy. Nothing superbly memorable, though. Favorite track: "The Pearl"
nope
A very diverse and emotional album that was nice to listen to even if it didn’t entirely grab my attention. My main highlight was One Big Love, so I guess it’s kind of a shame that was the one song Harris didn’t have a songwriting credit on, but there was some other good stuff on here too (Michaelangelo and Tragedy for example)
I don't think I'm a fan of the contemporary production on this
This was perfectly pleasant and nice to listen to the singer the First Aid Kit song was about. I thought it was suitably pretty and enjoy those types of harmonies but this style isn't my favourite
I liked this and it's clearly some great stuff but I didn't love it. I can see the influences on a lot of bands I like. Looking at her massive discography I reckon there'll be some others in there that I'd like but this felt a little like it was country with more of a rock twist and I think I'd prefer the traditional stuff.
Put me to sleep.
It is a 3 for me, but it Washington the first i got in touch with EH. For sure if i keep listening to it, it will be higher
I haven’t heard much Emmylou before. I expected this to be a poor introduction given how late in her career it was, but I thought it was pretty great. Not sure who produced it but it reminded me of Norah Jones’ first album, sonically. Comforting. Not likely to listen again, but happy to have listened.
Even with such a rich, full sound I don't think this album is for me. Somewhere in the vicinity of Sheryl Crow or the Chicks, but not nearly as catchy.
Excellent - glad I found this one through the "generator"!
A beautiful album, but perhaps not the most interesting one. Listening to this at double speed will not lose you much.
Emmylou Harris was mainly a cover artist for 31 years only for us to discover that she was able to write complete albums of beautiful material. What a shame it would have been, had he stuck to the covers.
5/10. Kinda too long, and I only got into a couple of the songs
Not sure what in this album reminds me of high school more - the fact that it sounds like boring Christian music or the fact that it has My Antonia in it. 4/10
probably bette than 1 star but it’s not a genre that speaks to me
Not the biggest fan of country music...very calming and slow songs, not bad, although I probably won't come back to it
Good
8/10
Terrible, really bland and insipid, even for country. Didn't change gear once, all the instruments were pared back to be as radio friendly as possible. Never again
Inoffensively bland. I can't give it a 1 as I would have it on in the background, but this is nothing special whatsoever.
Shite Country music. Need I say more.
"everybody do like a monkey, if you want to be funky" sang in sincerity was the exact point where the 1 was secured. Sorry Emmylou, it seems from the public reviews that you are a big name in country, but I've never heard of you. Ships in the night. Worlds apart. Paths never to cross again... Hopefully
Less country and quite unique. I can see how people love this album. Emmylou has a bunch of charm and some great songwriting skills. Just a bit too much of the same for me.
I was expecting some rollicking twangy country but got a pretty flat collection of fairly insipid yet tuneful slow ballads.
-told the website not to give me country albums. It has some elements of rock…so I guess it still gave me this one. -I got to the fourth song in the album. I liked the third song, because it felt like it had more intensity and there was more going on with the vocals -the second and fourth song don’t sound originial to me because they have almost exactly the same melodies from Christian songs. For example, the fourth one resembled the song that goes “God you have been faithful. Oh God, you’ve been so, so good.” -the lyrics tend to be repetitive
Not my Kind of music.
well produced just not my vibe
Was hoping for more out of this, Red Dirt road was pretty good but rest was really tepid.
The album as a whole didn’t grab me. I liked the song Michelangelo. The rest were meh but ok as background music.
Almost gave this a 4. But really a 3 star album with a few tracks I liked more. Feels like very much a product of its time, right down to the Dave Matthews duet.
It's fine.
Totally not what I was expecting. (Can't explain why, because I'm not sure what I was expecting. Maybe more... country-like?) The instrumentation really augmented EH's voice. It was very sultry (for me) and fit well with the music. I don't think there was a song on this that I disliked, which is a big plus. The more I think about the album, the more I enjoyed it. Definitely an album I'm going to come back to.
I definitely know who Emmylou Harris is but I couldn't tell you anything she sings. And then I hear the first few bars of The Pearl and I know that voice, but I can't place from which song. Heck maybe my dad used to play this album when he was going through his country folk revival just before I moved out of the house. He was a Linda Ronstadt fan so maybe I know some of Emmylou's songs with Linda and Dolly in Trio. Or maybe I'm remembering one of Linda's song and thinking it's Emmylou's. Or maybe I just heard different singles of Emmylou's over the years and didn't realize it was her. This was her 19th album after all. Which I think makes this album somewhat hard to rate, because you kind of have to know her style to know how much she departed from that on this one - going from covering and reimagining others' songs to writing and playing her own. But even without that background, I really liked this album. Pleasantly surprised. She's got a classic voice and for a first-time main lyricist, her songs are quite thoughtful. The instrumentation is good too and fits the lyrics, vocals, and emotions in the songs. I might have to go down an Emmylou rabbit hole.
3.75
Not too country
I've heard Emmylou Harris's name before, but I was unfamiliar with her work as a musician before starting this project (I did review Trio a few weeks ago, and in the summer, I randomly checked out Gram Parsons' Grievous Angel, and read about how Gram's widow basically tried to remove as many traces of Emmylou from the album as possible. Gretchen seems lovely). Based on the reviews, I didn't expect to like this album, but I was really surprised by it, because it turned out to be an all-around joy to listen to. Emmylou's singing was incredible, and I loved the unique country-folk sound to the album. The music was fantastic, especially the piano and guitar playing. None of the songs sounded too alike, but the album still felt very cohesive. The lyrics were great too, and I enjoyed that some of the song meanings were very straightforward, while others were very much left open to interpretation. On those merits alone, I can't deny this album a five star rating. When it comes to the cultural importance of this album, and why it's on this list, I think it's a great representation of a larger trend that we've seen this century, where older artists continue to write and record new music, often to positive reviews from critics; Bruce Springsteen's Wrecking Ball and Leonard Cohen's You Want it Darker come to mind when I think about this trend. Some older artists seem to still draw on their old hits, and many a joke has been made about washed-up bands playing county fairs and single day festivals sponsored by FM classic rock stations. But some artists buck that trend, and continue to hone their creative skills. I think this album is a prime example of that, and deserves a spot on this list.
Alright. Generic
Otrolig röst. Bitvis reser sig nackhåren. Men tyvärr är flera låtar för dåliga. Det är med stor sorg jag tvingas ge en trea. Vill man höra en fem plus låt med E rekommenderas tex Orphan Girl.
Gillar röst, men fruktansvärt enformigt och tråkigt. Lika tråkig som Äpplet faktiskt.
Mest meh. Country hamnar långt ner på listan för mig. Särskilt denna typ. Det är inte dåligt. Men det är inte bra heller. Mest trist.
Tråkigt men hyfsat ok i bakgrunden, eftersom man glömmer bort att lyssna
Hon har en fantastisk röst och ingen låt är dålig, men precis som på Trio så är det heller ingen låt som riktigt lyfter (förutsättningarna för det finns sannerligen med den pipa hon besitter, så det är tråkigt). Blir ändå en svag trea pga hennes röst och jämnheten.
Country music is fuckin shithouse
An album in which Emmylou wrote most of the songs, showing that she has more talent than just her voice. There are a couple of tracks I consider superfluous, the absence of which would make for a stronger, tighter album, but these are balanced out by songs like "Red Dirt Girl" and "Michelangelo".
Better than expected (because it wasn't complete honky-tonk) but a lot of samey stuff that dragged
Great voice
More mature and modern? Her work has certainly been grown up and clearly reflected in the songs here. The style is contemporary with a nag that some songs feel overproduced. It sits well with her earlier work.
Pop feito por cantora de country? Cansativo.
Glad I summoned the patience, because this gets better by the 5th track. Good record.
Great album, some very good songwriting. I wasn't sure what to expect with the red dirt reference, but I'm pretty sure that Harris isn't really tapping into "Red Dirt Country" as a music genre.
This album is notable because Emmylou Harris wrote or co-wrote much of it. She is a legend in country/Americana and is one of its most memorable voices. This album is not the best presentation of her. While some of the songwriting is really strong, the 2000s production truly takes something from these collection of songs. The use of echo and reverb is irresponsible and cloaks the album in a weird haze. I would love to hear these songs in a more stripped down format with cleaner and warmer production. I still have to give it three stars because of the strength of the songwriting and vocal delivery.
It’s emmylou
I think I might go with another reviewer who notes this is one of her later albums and although quite pleasant it's not really that groundbreaking or unique.
"Red Dirt Girl" is the 19th studio album by American country artist Emmylou Harris. It was a significant change for Emmylou as she wrote or co-wrote 11 of the 12 tracks; she had been known for covering other songwriter's work. Country folk and Americana. Yeah, I'd also say just plain ole rock. Commercially, the album reached #3 on the US country charts. It also won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Music in 2001. "The Pearl" opens with a bouncey acoustic guitar, drums, a prominent bass and, of couse, Emmylou's gorgeous voice. Uplifting. An electric guitar is added to the background. It's about transforming pain into beauty if just for a bit. "Until we behold the pain becomes the pearl." Next is a similar, beautiful sounding song "Michaelangelo." It's comparing artists creating to Michaelangelo painting. I can't help thinking it's also about Graham Parsons. Emmylou wrote "Red Dirt Girl" after driving through an Alabama town with all red dirt. This song is more country in its beat. The girl needs to get out of that town. "Bang the Drum" was co-written with Guy Clark. The music is slow and dramatic giving way to an emotional song as Emmylou wrote this as an elegy for her late father. The one cover song is Patti Griffith's "One Big Love." The electric guitar drives this. Layered vocals which work really well. This album closes with "The Boy from Tupelo." A rockin' plodding guitar. A tribute to Elvis as she's leaving her man who's emotionally neglected her. I really enjoyed this album. The music is subtle and in the background giving way to Emmylou's tremendous voice. I honestly don't know what genre I'd put this in as the music is more rock than country and at times ambient. I guess alternative country fits. Her lyrics tell stories seemingly both personal and fictional. Lots of historical references. I recommend this to just about everyone for a listen.
Thoughts before listening: This is a surprising entry to the list for Emmylou Harris. She has a large back catalog of 70s country classics, but they include a 2000s album from her? Weird. I am expecting more of a folk album than country, and I am sure it will be enjoyable. Review: This is basically the definition of adult alternative. Its a very mature sound with strong production and well written songs....its also a little dull. Not bad necessarily, just not overly exciting to me. Definitely a stark difference between this and other recent albums I've gotten on here like NWA and Iron Maiden. I am listening with the lyrics pulled up onscreen, and these are great story songs with deep messages. Mostly dark and emotionally charged words with music that sets a similar tone. The song Red Dirt Girl is the only one I had heard prior to this listen, and it is probably the best song here. I also enjoyed I Don't Wanna Talk About It Now and My Antonia. Overall this was a fine listen, but its probably not something I'm ever going to play again.
Not her best. Uneven and over produced. Not all horrid but prob not worthy.
An elegant album with a crystal clear voice made by the queen of country. Emmylou Harris is an elegant woman too. I once had the honor of having breakfast at her table on one cool and clear Colorado morning. She is the most beautiful and refined person. Charming and full of grace. She has shaped country and bluegrass music now for decades paving the way for relative newcomers like Allison Krauss. Her voice on Red Dirt Road as in many of her albums will echo long in the marbled pantheon.
True, there's beauty in sadness, but damn, this album is hella depressing. Feel bad hating on an artist from HoCo, so I won't. This is great music for staring out water-soaked paned glass on a dismal gray day, or soaking in the sadness of a recent loved one that's passed. It was a difficult listen for me because it's sunny here and I've shoved all my sad feelings into the dark places of my soul.
The sparse guitar and drums on “The Pearl” let Harris’ voice stand out and introduced a great atmospheric for the album. Absolutely consistent from start to nearly finish. I love Dave Matthews, but his distinctive voice breaking the vibe stood out too much. On an album of collaborations it wouldn’t be a problem, but it didn’t work for “Red Dirt Girl.” Apparently Bruce Springsteen and Patty Griffin both did harmony parts, but they blended in more smoothly. I learned that despite this being Harris’ 19th album, she usually didn’t write her own material. Turns out she’s a great songwriter though, and the songs were just the right mix of country, folk, and rock.
A nice listen on a rainy weekend morning. This being Emmylou’s 19th album is impressive.
Country music with some very interesting, almost cinematic, modern production. There are times when it doesn't work (Michelangelo), but other times it's stunning (J'ai fait tout). Good listen overall.
Les années passent et on se fout toujours aussi royalement de ce que racontent les chanteurs de country. Les ranches au Texas ça ne parle à personne.
Je laisse à mon camarade d'écoute robpissaladière le soin de dire tout ce qu'il pense de la country de merde.
Pretty, but not for me
4.4 - beautiful album
A weird thing to be in this list. Suffers from the choice to make everything sound big & full & atmospheric. Emmylou Harris's singing and guitar playing are better than everything else on this but they're kinda smothered. a duet with Dave Matthews dropped this down to a 2. music: music. (⌐▢_▢)
I like Emmylou’s voice a lot, but I liked her a lot more on a 70s Gram Parsons record than I do here, with a 2000s country sheen that is hard to get past.
For album #600, we got some country and/or western! Production dates it, not as much as (for instance) the synths in I’m Your Man by Leonard Cohen. Fortunately, I kinda like how the sampled beats in a song like “Tragedy” meshes with the more rootsy song structure, as it doesn’t totally wash away the acoustic elements, nor is it so prominent that it sounds like a remix. I appreciate that Harris wasn’t interested in making a strait-laced country record at this point in her career, so I’d say the late-90s relics are part of the experience. Finally, on the subject of production, it’s important for me to share that this album’s producer belonged to a Toronto synth-pop band, Boys Brigade, whose song “Melody” played all the time on the radio during my childhood 🇨🇦 HL: “Michelangelo”, title track, “My Baby Needs a Shepherd”, “Bang the Drum Slowly”, “My Antonia” And “Melody” by Boys Brigade November 23, 2023
wat een herrie, allemaal kak
Preferred the faster ones but generally some high quality coun’ry in there.
Not my thing, don’t care for the timbre of her voice.
Quite a lovely album over all but not my genre and hence don’t feel like I’d ever revisit. But it’s actually quite a lovely listen.
de unaa. 7/10
I really don't like US country/folk.
Hørte ikke hele, kristent dritt
This is a pretty interesting album. Some songs I rather like, some I kind of don’t. I think my biggest disappointment is the instrumentation. Probably 1/3 of the songs include “drum box” rather than real drums, which gives a predictably mechanical feel. All of the songs have the layered, polished production typical of turn of the century pop. These are not what I expect from Emmylou Harris, and I think this would’ve been a much stronger album with a more “traditional” sound. It won a Grammy for “Best Contemporary Folk Album”, but it is more contemporary than folk. It’s a solid 3, but might’ve ranked higher (for me) if it actually sounded like an Emmylou Harris album. 3/5
I like her voice but most of this album is very slow and doesn't really do anything that interesting. There's some good lyrics but they are wasted seen as you'll probably doze off to the boring compositions before you ever hear them. I found this album to be quite inspiring, because if this album can reach the top 1000, then anything can. That's not me saying this album is bad, just mediocre.
In one ear out the other.
Very nice 3.5
4.5/5 - this was really nice, very positive surprise for me
Listened Before? N Surprisingly good. Reminds me of many other artists, but she has a unique sound as well. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Red Dirt Girl
Country pop melódico. Me ha gustado. Un 4.
Country tranquilo. Preciosa voz.
The voice reminds a lot of Dolly Parton. The country style and guitar is very enjoyable, however doesn't give too much variety to the songs.
It's fine, I guess, but it's long and boring. Plus, I'm not crazy about country music anyway, though I've definitely heard worse. Don't really know if this needs to be on the list. It's something I'll definitely forget that I listened to. My favourite song was J'ai fait tout.
Need to relisten not sure how I missed this first time around
Mediocre to okay country
Voix magnifique, production lèchée.
Musique de magasin de métier d'arts dans les Cantons de l'Est. Mais belle voix.
On m'avait vendu mieux
my bad elle m’a légèrement saoulee
One day a country album might get more than 2 stars from me. Not today.
To create such an album at the turn of the millennium is to be wilfully ignorant of over half a century's worth of musical history and innovation. The song titled in French offered hope of some flavour, but alas, it is a wet baguette.
dreary and boring.
Meh
Boring, unremarkable. Barely musical. Stopped listening halfway through the second song, it was torture.
Music for old women. I'm neither of those yet, so I found it very boring. Also really dislike her voice
It was all right, not bad and I somewhat enjoyed it but since I dont actually like this stuff I cant give it a 3 >Music for old women. I'm neither of those yet >yet 🤨
Dreadful.
Beautiful voice, lovely production.
Christian country album?
The song Red Dirt Girl is tear inducing
It’s a pretty good album. I didn’t realize this is the first album where she wrote almost all of the songs.
Love her. Like this.
Not a fan
Emmylou Harris Genre: Country Folk, Americana 2000 Better than your average country album. Red Dirt Girl is a special song. Standouts: Red Dirt Girl Others: The Pearl, Michelangelo, I Don't Wanna Talk About it Now, Tragedy, My Baby Needs a Shepherd, Bang the Drum Slowly, J'ai fait tout, One Big Love, Hour of Gold, My Antonia, Boy From Tupelo J'ai fait tout, Ce que j'ai pu. "I did everything. What I could." in English... 4/5
At the start I was think "oh, it's a reinvention album." Modern production sound for an artist who had been around for 30 years, 19th studio album. But reading the wiki, it's kind of worse than that. The 18 prior albums were mainly cover songs? Kinda lame. She's got a great voice but this album didn't really connect
This was good, and a lot caught my attention, but why am I getting late career albums from an artist like this? Shouldn't I be getting the foundational work? Is it because this was her first album where she wrote most of the songs?
Country är inte min grej alltså
Decided to listen to another album of hers as I hadn't listened to any before. Cute, I'm not the biggest country fan.
Lyssnade först på morgonen och tyckte det var bra men lyssnade sen igen och då var det kass så det får väl bli en tvåa. Också för långt album
actually better than her older album i got from the list.
Niet mijn ding
This was good. I like this style of country/folk, and even though it's not something I would put on often, this is certainly a record I wouldn't mind listening to again.
Enjoyed this one. It reminded me of something like Sheryl Crow, but obviously she's been around the block and it's her own thing 3.5/5
This reminds me of how much I can get behind some good country depending on the features. Nice production, lyrics that don’t lean to the right, and memorable melodies are all I ask for, and Emmylou delivers. I can see myself return to this. B-
There was nothing egregiously wrong with this album, but nothing that really made it stand out, either. It was pleasant enough, but I'm never going to go back to it.
I am partial to this, Daniel Lanois produced portion of EHs career. Wrecking Ball is a favorite album of mine and Red Dirt Girl is now up there. The interesting thing is I have had this album in my library for 20 years and it got forgotten and even ignored. Well no more. Beautiful atmospheric production Lanois recognizable (bass) sound. Poignant songs and Emmylou's angelic voice. Three elements that make for a wonderful listening experience. 4 stars
REally nice, will need to spend more time with.
C- The Pearl 2 Michelangelo 2 I Don't Wanna Talk About It Now 2 Tragedy 2 Red Dirt Girl 1 My Baby Needs a Shepherd 2 Bang the Drum Slowly 2 J'ai fait tout 3 One Big Love 3 Hour of Gold 2 My Antonia 1 Boy from Tupelo 2 This was so f***ing boring. Worst of all, my Apple Music personalized Radio Station thinks I like this kind of music now, so it's playing me random 2000's female country and it's soooooo bad.
I cringed at every word contained within both the album title and artist name expecting to be assaulted by more country music but I was pleasantly surprised, not a banjo in sight. Today was a good day
I am not familiar with Emmylou Harris at all, and this reminds me of so many other artists. She has a tremendous voice and these songs are affective for sure. Not sure if it's something that will spark subsequent spins, but a fine album nonetheless.
Decent country
It’s Emmylou …
Real relevant and impactful songwriting- a song about Elvis in..... the year 2000. A plodding and dreary mess of an album. Her singing is muddied and incomprehensible on some tracks. Often times it sounds like she didn't even know what the backing track was while she is singing. The few bluesy and interesting riffs are immediately buried in execrable vocals. Would not recommend.
Wow, real surprise, didn’t think I’d like this but it was really good. A comfort album for sure.
This album was drastically different from the last emmylou album I got and it made me really appreciate how she evolved her sound over the three decades between the two albums while still maintaining her own unique voice. It's still singer-songwriter folk but has some really interesting electronic production on quite a few tracks. Everything else was a bit of a blur but I enjoyed one big love and boy from tupelo.
I used beautiful to describe voices a lot, in this case I am more than justified. This didn't capture me as much as other Emmylou Harris albums I've heard. I can place my finger on what is didn't. May be my mood today File under give this another few listens
Quite poetic. Never really listened to her stuff and expected it to be more straight forward C&W and less Americana. Pretty good stuff.
This was a really relaxing album. I know we've heard a little from her prior but I really liked this album. Felt like a sort of folk country album, and didn't feel like a 2000 release but this is worthy of this list.
Whoa, this is our second from Emmylou Harris, released 25 years after the other we reviewed which is crazy, talk about longevity. This album is notable for being the first where she actually wrote or co-wrote most of the songs, as opposed to doing covers. Wild that it took decades into her career to release her own stuff like that, I admire the commitment to keeping a hidden talent hidden. That said, I can't say I found too much that jumped out at me, nor much reason to return to this one. A consistent sound achieved, but it's not all that interesting amid so many singer-songwriter albums that we've reviewed to this point. It's alright. Favorite tracks: Tragedy, One Big Love. Album art: What exactly is this shot? Artistic for sure, but Emmylou is off to the side in some space, maybe a tour bus? No idea. But it's a fine cover. 3/5
Beautiful voice, really enjoyed the soothing nature of this. The last track (Boy from Tupelo) especially
Honestly just bland and boring. It was fine enough in the background but genuinely hard to put any attention to.
Sweet enough music, although bloat affects this, as well as a sort of "out of touch" element that I can't quite identify.
Love you, Emmylou.
I like her voice and this was a nice listen - though probably not something I'd come back to. I'm used to hearing her sing covers so I definitely give her kudos for her songwriting
So I’ve ended up feeling quite mixed about this album At first I thought it seemed quite flat with nothing really making much of a mark But as it went on I realised that it was getting further and further under my skin. By the time it got to One Big Love I was hooked. Will relisten and enjoy further I suspect Edit - I did relisten and I did enjoy it further. Up to 4 it goes!
Gorgeous
Solid country of a more modern slant. Though thoroughly competent, a touch monotonous musically.
All of these red dirt albums are starting to blend together and even use the same tracks reinterpreted through barely-discernible lens. Harris’ voice is great, but I need something a bit different and novel to keep me interested in the genre rather than the same dead horse beaten for the nth time.
Rating: 8/10 Best songs: The Pearl, Bang the drum slowly, J’ai fait tout, One big love
I dig it, could be a nice addition to my library
Hard pass
Plus points are a great voice, original songs and, I think, a largely successful attempt to update the traditional country formula with production that adds a modern sheen (often hitting a sweet spot between epic and chilled). My main complaint is that it goes on too long and, although there are subtle attempts to vary the tempo, it became quite samey for me. I suppose my other complaint is the suspicion that this is not an 'essential' album in terms of either content or context. All considered: 2.5 / 3 stars
I liked this
Yeah okay have preferred her other albums more
A different direction for our girl but I liked it!
very much liked it
Was gonna rate this a 2 which for me means "OK" but I had a headache and this made it worse.
Very good! And with a feature from Dave Matthews!
No thank you.
She's got a gorgeous voice and I like the genre just enough, but it isn't an album I'd reach for. 3.5 stars
I don’t want to talk about it now, tragedy, j’ai fait tout
Highlights: "Tragedy," "Red Dirt Girl," "My Baby Needs a Pearl" The lyrics are so dramatic that they need more grounded production. It would be hard to have production *less* grounded. Having the space age pitch shifted P+W reverb trails on this with the AIPAC exotica beatz is way too much. It really needed to be her alone in a room or something similar. Some of the sentiments ring true, but I get the nagging feeling that this is her overtly trying to be Leonard Cohen and just giving us lazy expositions of Cohen with a bunch of mystical hooey on top. This is on the list because gormless media tastmakers love whenever a "country" artist does some nominal performative left politics like "the bible DOESN'T tell me so", insofar as country is basically a floating ethnic category like "R&B". She lands some good punches in any given song, but it's a long album for this much moaning over music that is also moaning while also horrendously overwrought.
Solid song writing delivered well.
Surprised I enjoyed this so much. I guess it's just a nice, calming album. I can see the through line to someone like Neko Case
Such a wonderful voice.
She has such a peaceful and beautiful voice! I don't think most people would be able to guess this was released in 2000, it has the timeless 70s folk sound that she was known for from Pieces of the Sky, another great album on this list. I enjoyed spending a calm Sunday morning listening to this.
I hope it's not country. Yep sure is. lol oh well we'll tough it out. Okay I'm kinda getting into it now. It's not terrible. lol
My introduction to Emmylou Harris probably came first through her appearances as a guest vocalist on other artists' records, and second live performances on programs such as Austin City Limits and similar programs. I have not listened to very many studio recordings from Harris and Red Dirt Girl was my first full-album listening experience. I like her voice and music generally, and I'm always down to see what Harris has to offer. "The Pearl" and "Red Dirt Girl" were my favorite tracks from this album, but all of the tracks were good. "Red Dirt Girl" might be a favorite because I have heard Harris perform the song in concert recordings, including with Mark Knopfler, and First Aid Kit's cover of the song as well -- Both versions are worth finding and listening to. "J'Ai Fait Tout" and "One Big Love" were a spot on the album that began to lose my attention, but I was not lost altogether. I could come back to this album.
Horse shit
Forgettable
The antithesis of my musical tastes.
My mum would love this album.