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Red Dirt Girl - Emmylou Harris
User Score
8.6 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16

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  1. 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 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
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. 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.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. matthewc
    Apr 13, 2005
    4
    to touchy
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  4. 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
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  5. 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 album musically, while the wistful, down-home text ties the album together thematically.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  6. JimC.
    Jul 24, 2001
    10
    This is classic Emmy Lou!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  7. JPosey
    Aug 11, 2001
    10
    Almost perfect. Emmylou is the world's greatest songwriter.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  8. DaveM.
    Sep 21, 2001
    8
    Mature, meaningful lyrics all push imagery and life's understanding way beyond the bounds of pop country. I still have some reservations about the production/sound she's going for.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  9. Mung
    Jun 17, 2002
    2
    synthesized crap from an artist that should know better.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  10. 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 music today!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  11. MartinF
    Aug 28, 2003
    10
    Okay, so some of the lyrics aren't original eg "bang the drum slowly" Can't think of the others at the moment. But this is one of the most beautiful record I have ever heard. Emmylou's voice has one of the most beautiful voices going, and here it really shines. The songs range from earthy "Red Dirt Girl" "I don't wanna talk about it now" to "mystical "The Pearl" "Michelangelo" But all of them demand to be heard. Buy this… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  12. raVen
    Apr 17, 2004
    8
    Good album. Worth buying for the title song alone, but others like "My Antonia" w/Matthews will keep it spinning in your player.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
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Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
73 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. 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.
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  2. Wall of Sound
    90
    Harris is making music that stands with -- and perhaps eclipses -- her most well-regarded work.
    Read full review
  3. All Music Guide
    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.
    Read full review
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