Emmylou Harris' CD Starts Out Strong, But...
Coming home after a West Coast tour, nothing could have made me happier than the new Emmylou Harris album that lay beside my electricity bill on my doormat. I'll be honest, I've been in love with this woman ever since I was a teenager and heard her sing "Luxury Liner." So, if you're expecting a dry and unbiased review of her new album, then look elsewhere. The following is written by a 32-year-old man desperately in love with a silver-haired 61-year-old songstress.
I'm still listening to the record, All I Intended to Be, as I write -- my third time through I think -- and I have to tell you it starts out with a cracker of a track. Brian Ahern produced the album; he was married to Emmy, produced her first 11 albums and to me defines her golden period when she made Roses in the Snow, Elite Hotel and Blue Kentucky Girl. The first song could have fit on any of those classic albums - the phasey guitar, heart-wrenching vocal and a great guitar solo that sounds like classic James Burton. (Turns out it was a certain John McPhee.) It really set my expectations high for the rest of the record, especially when Buddy Miller sings a beautiful harmony. And yet, I have to admit that nothing seems to match that opening track.
Maybe I shouldn't be writing this on my third listen and it's true that there are some great things on the record -- Dolly Parton and Vince Gill singing lovely harmony, a fantastic Merle Haggard cover, and strong writing from Emmy herself. I just feel like Emmy and I had a great first date during that first song, and the others have left me a little unsatisfied. That said, I'm going to keep listening to the record and I look forward to many more happy nights together; I know we can still find the magic we had on our first night.
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kennyboy says:
Emmylou is top notch..WOW!
J.R. Journey says:
Great review, Eamon.
muzikluver says:
you’re wrong. the new album (All I Intended To Be) is a nearly PERFECT release from Emmylou Harris. or from any artist. I’m sorry you haven’t discovered all the greatness about this album yet, but am happy to hear you’ll continue listening, as I know with continued listens, you’ll ultimately come to be embarrassed that your 3rd pass thoughts are as they are here. Looking forward to you eating your words as I know you will!!!! happy listening meantime!
Patti says:
So…I’m thinking this may be just a complication of the May/December thing…:) I’m, you know, older, and these songs really resonate (is that the right word?) with me. Loss, mortality… That one line: In the end he knew she’d been his finest hour… ahhhh! And, it’s not just the line, its Emmylou’s soulful delivery. We’re hearing it from a woman who knows how it feels and is willing to tell us. It’s like what our hearts would sound like if they could write and sing songs. And, of course, there is all that great accordion! :)
But, the coolest thing is the title. All I Intended To Be
How great would that be? To even know what you intended to be, much less accomplish it. The CD is a gift, and I thank her.
Be safe on the road!! And, for heaven’s sake, stop that van in Memphis! I wanna hear the new stuff!
MrMajors says:
I’m with you Eamon. The new effort left me flat. I like the courage you show by saying so.
I do an americana radio show and was really excited to review Emmmylou’s new one. I ended up not using anything from All I Intended To Be. My show is short and I only want to play music that shows off what an artist can do. This album doesn’t make the grade. While not unpleasant to listen to, it just doesn’t evoke anything other then casual interest.