Red Dirt Girl
by Emmylou Harris
  • Record Label: Nonesuch
  • Release Date: Sep 12, 2000
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. AllMusic
    60
    Alternately sparse and lush, Red Dirt Girl can be seen as a companion piece to 1995's Wrecking Ball... The diverse production only adds to Harris' earthy songwriting, adding interest to what could otherwise be lulls during the more subdued songs, and really showcases the understated lyrics that the singer has slowly become recognized for.
  2. Billboard
    90
    This time there's less gimmickry, more sympathy for the words and melodies. Harris... has crafted 11 profound, graceful poems that rank with the best songs she's ever recorded.
  3. CDNow
    70
    The songs don't vary a great deal dynamically. Harris' lyrics set Red Dirt Girl apart.
  5. Entertainment Weekly
    100
    A transcendent and seductively personal sound.
  6. Mojo
    90
    Her songs, paradoxically both epic and intimate, shimmer and pulsate as their kaleidoscopic images and mysterious characters drift in and out of focus.
  7. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    70
    Though the album follows the path cleared by Wrecking Ball, Harris takes more confident strides... Unfortunately, a little knowledge of the recording studio can be a dangerous thing, and Red Dirt Girl occasionally crosses the line from mellow into mannered.
  8. Q Magazine
    80
    Five years ago she collaborated with Brian Eno and U2 producer Daniel Lanois on the ambient Wrecking Ball. Now she returns with a less intense but no less powerful new record that continues that album's heavy/ethereal vibe, courtesy of producer (and Wrecking Ball engineer) Malcolm Burn, but with a more melodic touch.
  9. Rolling Stone
    50
    This collection of mostly originals, her first since 1985's The Ballad of Sally Rose, is swamped in beauty: swooning vocal harmonies; delicate poetics; lilting Celticisms.... But Red Dirt Girl is stiflingly exquisite.
  10. Sonicnet
    80
    Red Dirt Girl is a model of tasteful genre blending: a little bit country and a little bit electro-ambient pop.
  11. Spin
    40
    Mud-footed trip-hop production... [Nov. 2000, p.208]
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  12. Village Voice (Consumer Guide)
    50
    What a weird (dishonest? ironic? clueless?) name for a record that's all literature and arty sound effects.
  13. Wall of Sound
    90
    Harris is making music that stands with -- and perhaps eclipses -- her most well-regarded work.

Awards & Rankings

76
#76 Best Album of 2000
38
#38 Most Discussed Album of 2000
28
#28 Most Shared Album of 2000

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 17
  3. Negative: 2 out of 17
  1. jeffp100
    Jan 24, 2021
    10
    This album is 20 years old and I listened to it for the first time this week. I can't stop playing it. I must have played it start to finishThis album is 20 years old and I listened to it for the first time this week. I can't stop playing it. I must have played it start to finish 10 times this week. It is one of the best albums of any genres I have ever heard. If you haven't listened you are depriving yourself. Ms. Harris is a national treasure!… Full Review »
  2. TimothyF
    Jul 8, 2005
    9
    genuinely sing-a-longable and a deep reaching sincerity in her delivery of the lyrics. the sure and easy phrasing of each song unites the genuinely sing-a-longable and a deep reaching sincerity in her delivery of the lyrics. the sure and easy phrasing of each song unites the album musically, while the wistful, down-home text ties the album together thematically.… Full Review »
  3. matthewc
    Apr 13, 2005
    4
    to touchy
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