Top 10 Emmylou Harris Albums You Don't Want to Miss: Discover Her Best Music Collection
Discover the best Emmylou Harris albums, including Wrecking Ball, Luxury Liner, and Pieces of the Sky. Experience her timeless sound today.
Emmylou Harris is a legendary country music artist, known for her ethereal voice and poetic lyrics. Her career has spanned over five decades, and she's released more than 25 studio albums. With so many incredible records to choose from, it can be tough to determine which ones are the best. In this article, we'll explore 10 of the greatest Emmylou Harris albums ever made.
First up on our list is Wrecking Ball, which was released in 1995. This album was a turning point in Harris's career, as it marked a departure from her traditional country sound. Instead, she embraced a more experimental approach, blending elements of rock, folk, and even electronica. The result is a hauntingly beautiful record that showcases Harris's versatility and artistic range.
Red Dirt Girl is another standout album in Harris's discography. Released in 2000, this record is deeply personal and introspective. Harris wrote or co-wrote all but one of the album's tracks, and the lyrics touch on themes of loss, love, and resilience. Musically, the album is a blend of country, folk, and blues, with Harris's signature vocals soaring above it all.
In 1975, Harris released Pieces of the Sky, which is widely considered to be one of her finest works. The album features several covers of classic country songs, as well as a few original tunes. What sets this record apart is the way Harris infuses each song with her own unique style and sensibility. From the heartbreaking Boulder to Birmingham to the rollicking Bluebird Wine, every track is a gem.
Elite Hotel is a must-listen for any Emmylou Harris fan. This 1975 album won a Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female, and with good reason. The record features some of Harris's most beloved hits, including Amarillo and Together Again. With its infectious melodies and tight harmonies, Elite Hotel is a true classic.
Next on our list is Luxury Liner, which was released in 1976. This album showcases Harris's ability to blend genres seamlessly, as she moves effortlessly from country to rock to pop. The title track, a cover of the Eagles' hit, is a standout, but every song on this record is a testament to Harris's artistry.
Blue Kentucky Girl is another early album that deserves a place on any list of the best Emmylou Harris records. Released in 1979, the record features a mix of covers and original tunes, all of which showcase Harris's impeccable taste and talent. From the mournful Satan's Jewel Crown to the rollicking Even Cowgirls Get the Blues, Blue Kentucky Girl is a timeless classic.
If you're a fan of duets, then Trio is a must-listen. This 1987 album features Harris, Dolly Parton, and Linda Ronstadt, three of the greatest female voices in country music history. The harmonies are heavenly, and the selection of songs, which includes covers of classic tunes like To Know Him Is to Love Him and Wildflowers, is impeccable.
Roses in the Snow is an album that showcases Harris's love of traditional bluegrass music. Released in 1980, the record features a mix of covers and original tunes, all of which are infused with Harris's signature style. From the haunting Wayfaring Stranger to the rollicking Green Rolling Hills, Roses in the Snow is a true gem.
In 1993, Harris released Cowgirl's Prayer, which is another album that showcases her versatility as an artist. The record features a mix of country, folk, and rock tunes, all of which are infused with Harris's unique style. The title track, a haunting ballad about a woman's search for redemption, is particularly powerful.
Finally, we come to All I Intended to Be, which was released in 2008. This album finds Harris reflecting on her life and career, with songs that touch on themes of aging, regret, and acceptance. The record is a beautiful testament to Harris's artistry and resilience, and it's a fitting conclusion to this list of her greatest albums.
The Best Emmylou Harris Albums
Emmylou Harris is one of the most celebrated country and folk singers of all time. She has won numerous awards including 14 Grammys and has been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Over the years, she has released several albums that have become classics. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best Emmylou Harris albums.
Elite Hotel (1975)
Elite Hotel is Emmylou Harris' second album, released in 1975. It features some of her most popular songs like Together Again and One of These Days. The album won a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance and is considered one of her best works.
Pieces of the Sky (1975)
Pieces of the Sky is Emmylou Harris' debut album, released in 1975. It features a mix of country and folk songs and covers by artists like Bob Dylan and Merle Haggard. The album helped establish Harris as a leading voice in the country-folk genre.
Wrecking Ball (1995)
Wrecking Ball is Harris' 18th studio album, released in 1995. Produced by Daniel Lanois, it features a more experimental sound with elements of rock and roll and alternative country. The album was a critical and commercial success and won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album.
Red Dirt Girl (2000)
Red Dirt Girl is Harris' 20th studio album, released in 2000. The album was produced by Malcolm Burn and features a mix of original songs and covers. The title track, Red Dirt Girl, is a standout and won a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.
Blue Kentucky Girl (1979)
Blue Kentucky Girl is Emmylou Harris' seventh studio album, released in 1979. The album features a mix of country and folk songs and covers by artists like Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash. The album helped establish Harris as a leading voice in the country music genre.
Roses in the Snow (1980)
Roses in the Snow is Harris' eighth studio album, released in 1980. The album features a mix of traditional bluegrass songs and original compositions. The album was a commercial success and helped bring bluegrass music to a wider audience.
The Ballad of Sally Rose (1985)
The Ballad of Sally Rose is Harris' 11th studio album, released in 1985. The album is a concept album that tells the story of a fictional singer named Sally Rose and her relationship with a musician named James Burton. The album was a critical success but did not perform well commercially.
Quarter Moon in a Ten Cent Town (1978)
Quarter Moon in a Ten Cent Town is Emmylou Harris' sixth studio album, released in 1978. The album features a mix of country and folk songs and covers by artists like Hank Williams and Buck Owens. The album was a commercial success and helped establish Harris as a leading voice in the country-folk genre.
Stumble Into Grace (2003)
Stumble Into Grace is Harris' 21st studio album, released in 2003. The album features a mix of original songs and covers and was produced by Jay Joyce. The album received mixed reviews but is still considered one of Harris' best works.
Bluebird (1989)
Bluebird is Emmylou Harris' 14th studio album, released in 1989. The album features a mix of country and folk songs and covers by artists like Paul Simon and Tom Rush. The album was a commercial success and helped establish Harris as one of the leading female voices in country music.
Conclusion
Emmylou Harris is one of the most celebrated country and folk singers of all time. She has released several albums over the years that have become classics. From her debut album Pieces of the Sky to her more experimental works like Wrecking Ball, Harris has consistently pushed boundaries and established herself as a leading voice in the country-folk genre. Whether you are a longtime fan or just discovering her music, these albums are a great place to start.
Emmylou Harris: A Voice That Defines a Genre
Emmylou Harris is a legendary singer-songwriter who has been captivating audiences for over five decades. With her angelic voice and emotive lyrics, she has become one of the most beloved figures in country music history. Her music has transcended genre boundaries and touched the hearts of fans all over the world. Throughout her career, Emmylou has released countless albums, each with its own unique sound and style. In this article, we'll take a look at some of her best albums and explore the evolution of her incredible discography.The Evolution of Emmylou: A Look at Her Discography
Emmylou Harris began her career in the 1970s as a backup singer for Gram Parsons. She soon struck out on her own, releasing her debut album Pieces of the Sky in 1975. From there, she continued to release critically acclaimed albums that showcased her stunning vocals and songwriting skills. Over the years, her sound evolved from traditional country to a more eclectic mix of rock, folk, and bluegrass. Her collaborations with artists like Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Daniel Lanois helped to further expand her musical horizons.From Pieces of the Sky to Red Dirt Girl: A Journey Through Emmylou's Best Albums
Emmylou Harris has released so many great albums throughout her career that it's hard to pick just a few to highlight. However, the following albums are some of her best and most beloved by fans:Pieces of the Sky
Emmylou's debut album Pieces of the Sky introduced the world to her angelic voice and undeniable talent. The album features a mix of original songs and covers, including her haunting rendition of the Beatles' For No One. The album's standout track, however, is Boulder to Birmingham, a tribute to her late friend and collaborator Gram Parsons.Elite Hotel
Elite Hotel is widely regarded as one of Emmylou's best albums. Released in 1975, it features a mix of country and rock covers as well as original songs. The album includes the hit singles One of These Days and Together Again, both of which showcase Emmylou's incredible vocal range.Wrecking Ball
In 1995, Emmylou collaborated with producer Daniel Lanois on Wrecking Ball, an album that marked a departure from her traditional sound. The album features a mix of genres, including rock, folk, and even trip-hop. It's a hauntingly beautiful album that earned Emmylou a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album.Luxury Liner
Released in 1977, Luxury Liner is a high-flying collection of covers and original songs. The album features Emmylou's rendition of classics like Chuck Berry's C'est La Vie and Gram Parsons' She. It also includes original tracks like Pancho and Lefty, a collaboration with Townes Van Zandt that would become one of her signature songs.Roses in the Snow
Emmylou's 1980 album Roses in the Snow is a stunning homage to bluegrass and traditional folk music. The album features a mix of covers and original songs, including the haunting title track and a cover of Dolly Parton's Green Pastures. The album showcases Emmylou's versatility as a musician and her deep love for traditional American music.Quarter Moon in a Ten Cent Town
Quarter Moon in a Ten Cent Town, released in 1978, is a showcase of Emmylou's songwriting and collaborations. The album features contributions from legends like Willie Nelson and Rodney Crowell, as well as standout tracks like Easy From Now On and To Daddy. It's an album that perfectly captures the spirit of Emmylou's music and the era in which it was created.Red Dirt Girl
Red Dirt Girl, released in 2000, is one of Emmylou's most personal and reflective albums. The album features a mix of original songs and covers, including Kate McGarrigle's Talk to Me of Mendocino. The album's title track is a hauntingly beautiful tribute to Emmylou's childhood friend who passed away from cancer.Emmylou and Gram Parsons: A Legacy of Cosmic American Music
Emmylou Harris' music is inextricably linked to that of her late friend and collaborator Gram Parsons. The two met in the early 1970s and quickly formed a deep bond over their shared love of country music. Together, they created a new genre known as cosmic American music, which blended traditional country with rock and folk influences.Gram Parsons tragically passed away in 1973, but his legacy lived on through Emmylou's music. She continued to honor his memory by recording covers of his songs and dedicating albums to him. Their collaboration is widely regarded as one of the most important in country music history, and Emmylou's music continues to inspire and move fans all over the world.Conclusion
Emmylou Harris is a true icon of country music. Her angelic voice and emotive lyrics have touched the hearts of fans all over the world. Throughout her career, she has pushed the boundaries of traditional country music and created a sound that is uniquely her own. Her collaborations with other artists have helped to further expand her musical horizons and cement her place in music history. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to her music, there's no denying the power and beauty of Emmylou Harris' incredible discography.Emmylou Harris: A Country Music Legend
Emmylou Harris is a renowned American country music singer and songwriter who has been active in the industry for more than four decades. She has released numerous albums, each showcasing her unique style and musical talent. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best Emmylou Harris albums and discuss their pros and cons.
Elite Hotel (1975)
Elite Hotel is Emmylou Harris's second studio album, released in 1975. It features some of her most popular songs, including Together Again and One of These Days. This album showcases Harris's ability to blend traditional country music with rock and roll.
- Pros:
- Strong vocals and harmonies
- Diverse range of musical styles
- Great songwriting
- Cons:
- Some songs may sound dated to modern listeners
- Not as experimental as other albums in her discography
Wrecking Ball (1995)
Wrecking Ball is Emmylou Harris's thirteenth studio album, released in 1995. Produced by Daniel Lanois, this album marked a departure from Harris's traditional country sound and received critical acclaim for its experimental approach.
- Pros:
- Innovative and experimental sound
- Gorgeous vocals and arrangements
- Excellent song selection
- Cons:
- May not appeal to traditional country music fans
- Some songs may be too somber for some listeners
Roses in the Snow (1980)
Roses in the Snow is Emmylou Harris's ninth studio album, released in 1980. This album features traditional bluegrass and country songs, as well as covers of songs by Neil Young and Paul Simon.
- Pros:
- Beautiful harmonies and instrumentation
- Showcases Harris's versatility as a vocalist
- Great song selection
- Cons:
- May be too traditional for some listeners
- Not as diverse as some of her other albums
Comparison Table
| Album | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Elite Hotel | Strong vocals and harmonies Diverse range of musical styles Great songwriting | Some songs may sound dated to modern listeners Not as experimental as other albums in her discography |
| Wrecking Ball | Innovative and experimental sound Gorgeous vocals and arrangements Excellent song selection | May not appeal to traditional country music fans Some songs may be too somber for some listeners |
| Roses in the Snow | Beautiful harmonies and instrumentation Showcases Harris's versatility as a vocalist Great song selection | May be too traditional for some listeners Not as diverse as some of her other albums |
Overall, these albums showcase Emmylou Harris's incredible talent as a singer and songwriter. Each album has its own strengths and weaknesses, but they all demonstrate why Harris is considered one of the greatest country music artists of all time.
The Best Emmylou Harris Albums: A Guide for Music Lovers
If you're a fan of Emmylou Harris, then you know that she's one of the most iconic voices in country music history. Over the course of her career, she's released more than 25 albums, each one showcasing her incredible talent and versatility as a singer and songwriter. With so many great albums to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start. But don't worry – we've got you covered.
In this article, we'll take a look at some of the best Emmylou Harris albums of all time. From her early days singing with Gram Parsons to her more recent collaborations with artists like Rodney Crowell and Mark Knopfler, we'll explore the full range of her musical output and highlight some of the standout tracks that make each album a must-listen.
First on our list is Pieces of the Sky, which was released in 1975 and marks Harris's debut album as a solo artist. This album features some of her most beloved songs, including If I Could Only Win Your Love and Boulder to Birmingham. It also showcases her unique ability to blend traditional country sounds with folk and rock influences, making for a truly eclectic listening experience.
Next up is Elite Hotel, which was released in 1976 and features Harris's first number one hit, Together Again. This album is a bit more polished than its predecessor, with a fuller sound and more complex arrangements. It also features some fantastic covers, including a stunning rendition of George Jones's Ain't Living Long Like This.
One of Harris's most successful collaborations was with Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt, resulting in the trio's album Trio. Released in 1987, this album features some of the most beautiful harmonies you'll ever hear, as well as some fantastic covers of classic country songs. Highlights include To Know Him Is to Love Him and Those Memories of You.
If you're looking for something a bit more experimental, then check out Wrecking Ball, which was released in 1995 and produced by Daniel Lanois. This album features a much more atmospheric sound than Harris's earlier work, thanks in part to Lanois's use of unconventional instruments and production techniques. It also includes some incredible collaborations with artists like Neil Young and Lucinda Williams.
Another standout album from Harris's later career is All I Intended to Be, which was released in 2008. This album is a bit more stripped-down than some of her earlier work, with a focus on acoustic instrumentation and simple arrangements. But don't let that fool you – the songs on this album are just as powerful as anything else in her discography.
Of course, we can't talk about Emmylou Harris without mentioning her work with Gram Parsons. Grievous Angel, which was released after Parsons's death in 1973, is a masterpiece of country rock and features some of the most heart-wrenching performances of both Parsons and Harris's careers. If you're a fan of either artist, this album is an absolute must-listen.
Another great collaboration for Harris was with Rodney Crowell, resulting in the album Bluebird in 1989. This album features some fantastic songwriting from Crowell, as well as some of the most beautiful vocal performances of Harris's career. Highlights include I Ain't Living Long Like This and Til I Gain Control Again.
If you're looking for something a bit more upbeat, then check out Quarter Moon in a Ten Cent Town, which was released in 1978. This album features some great country rock tracks, as well as some beautiful ballads. Highlights include Easy from Now On and Two More Bottles of Wine.
For fans of Harris's more recent work, be sure to check out her collaborations with Mark Knopfler. Albums like All the Roadrunning and Raising Sand showcase the incredible chemistry between these two artists, with Knopfler's distinctive guitar work blending perfectly with Harris's haunting vocals.
Finally, we can't forget about Red Dirt Girl, which was released in 2000 and is widely considered to be one of Harris's best albums. This album features some of her most personal and introspective songwriting, as well as some fantastic collaborations with artists like Patty Griffin and Buddy Miller. Highlights include the title track and Michelangelo.
So there you have it – our guide to the best Emmylou Harris albums of all time. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just discovering her music for the first time, there's something here for everyone. So sit back, relax, and let Emmylou's beautiful voice transport you to another world.
People also ask about the best Emmylou Harris albums
1. What are the best Emmylou Harris albums?
Emmylou Harris has released many great albums over her career, but some of the most highly regarded include:
Wrecking Ball (1995)
This Grammy-winning album was produced by Daniel Lanois and features guest appearances by Neil Young, Steve Earle, and Lucinda Williams.
Pieces of the Sky (1975)
This was Harris's major label debut and features the hit single If I Could Only Win Your Love.
Elite Hotel (1975)
This album won a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance and features guest appearances by Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt.
Red Dirt Girl (2000)
This album was a critical success and features an introspective and personal set of songs.
Roses in the Snow (1980)
This album features Harris's interpretations of classic country and bluegrass songs, including Green Pastures and Wayfaring Stranger.
2. What is Emmylou Harris's most popular album?
While Harris has had many successful albums throughout her career, her most commercially successful album was Pieces of the Sky, which reached #7 on the Billboard Country Albums chart.
3. What genre is Emmylou Harris's music?
Emmylou Harris's music is primarily classified as country, but she has also ventured into folk, rock, and Americana styles throughout her career.
4. Has Emmylou Harris won any Grammy Awards?
Yes, Emmylou Harris has won 14 Grammy Awards throughout her career, including Best Female Country Vocal Performance, Best Contemporary Folk Album, and Best Country Collaboration with Vocals.