Grace from a Legend

Emmylou Harris has been recording music (mostly country music) for over 40 years, initially as a supporting vocalist for Gram Parsons to recording her own music. Her most popular period was in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s when she was primarily recording cover songs or supporting other artists (including Linda Ronstadt, Neil Young, and Bob Dylan). Starting in the middle 1980’s she began writing more of the songs that she was recording. Her popularity waned in the 1990’s, but her influence over a new generation of singer-songwriters as she continued to write heartfelt songs and guest on other artists’ records.

The record I am reviewing for this entry is Harris’ Stumbling into Grace, which was released in 2003. Most of the songs on this record were penned by Harris and featured numerous guests.

#95 – Emmylou Harris, Stumbling into Grace (Metascore = 87)

I have heard some of Harris’ other work. I’ve probably been exposed to it more than I know, but I didn’t realize her voice sounds similar to early Stevie Nicks. Sometimes Harris’ voice comes across as breathy, almost “stumbling” to reach the intended note, but in some cases that seems to be the point. The first song, “Here I Am”, employs this style, but she uses it to show that this is who she is, warts and all.

“I Will Dream” is an interesting song. I have read about Harris’ history with Gram Parsons earlier in her career. She mourned him and continues to mourn his passing through song. While I don’t know the nature of their relationship, this song seems to be about him, about losing him and seeing him in her dreams. I suppose this could be about another love lost, but the effect is not lost on how important the person was in her life.

One of my favorite songs on the album is “Time in Babylon”. The song describes (without explicitly saying it) life of sins and temptation in the U.S., the availability to do just about what you want, when you want. She makes numerous cultural references that evoke the ever-present temptations that people face.

In the beginning, I wasn’t taken by the songs on Stumbling. The songs were not as interesting to me as the songs later in the album. However, giving the album another listen has given me a better appreciation for the songs on this album. There are still a few songs that I could care less about (“Little Bird”, “O Evangeline”), but the rest of the album is a good listen. My favorite tracks would be “Time in Babylon”, “I Will Dream”, “Cup of Kindness”, and “Jupiter Rising”. “Plaisir d’Amour” sounds nearly like Elvis’ “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and is a pretty song to hear.

Overall, I enjoyed this record. It’s not one of my favorites, but it is a good record.