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Red Dirt Girl
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  • Record Label:
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Red Dirt Girl Image
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 17 Ratings

  • Summary: Similar in sound to 1995's adventurous 'Wrecking Ball,' this album of original Harris tunes features guest appearances from Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews and Jill Cunniff (Luscious Jackson), among others.

Top Track

Red Dirt Girl
Me and my best friend Lillian And her blue tick hound dog Gideon, Sittin on the front porch cooling in the shade Singin every song the radio... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    100
    A transcendent and seductively personal sound.
  2. 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.
  3. Wall of Sound
    90
    Harris is making music that stands with -- and perhaps eclipses -- her most well-regarded work.
  4. CDNow
    70
    The songs don't vary a great deal dynamically. Harris' lyrics set Red Dirt Girl apart.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Spin
    40
    Mud-footed trip-hop production... [Nov. 2000, p.208]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 12 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11
  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!… Expand
  2. JPosey
    Aug 11, 2001
    10
    Almost perfect. Emmylou is the world's greatest songwriter.
  4. MatthewC.
    Aug 18, 2001
    10
    One of the most extraordinary albums I've ever heard. Superior to any Nashville product. Emmylou Harris is the most valuable artist in One of the most extraordinary albums I've ever heard. Superior to any Nashville product. Emmylou Harris is the most valuable artist in music today!… Expand
  5. DavidS
    Oct 10, 2001
    9
    I've never been a country fan, but I bought this on a whim (something whispered to me in the record shop) having never heard any EmmyLou I've never been a country fan, but I bought this on a whim (something whispered to me in the record shop) having never heard any EmmyLou before: since then I've been completely transfixed by the tracks on this album. At times the music rocks, but nevertheless always seems to be sad, slow, and dreamy: she slides from verse to verse and with each breath brings me closer to crying. I *hate* listening to this album when I'm sad, but do so anyway: each time it's like a decent into a wonderful, dark, warm, mossy depression. Buy it! … Expand
  6. JimP
    Jan 10, 2004
    9
    Pretty good album. The *pre-quel* to STUMBLE INTO GRACE. Since RDG won the Grammy, I would expect SIG to effectively challenge too.
  7. AldenT.
    Nov 2, 2001
    9
    EH at her very best. The songs are personal and focused. As a "farm boy" who is now a "city slicker" I find in it music that really speaks to me
  8. Mung
    Jun 17, 2002
    2
    synthesized crap from an artist that should know better.

See all 11 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

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

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