Search - Emmylou Harris :: Cowgirl's Prayer

Dont Miss It

J. M. Zuurbier | Canada | 07/31/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Emmylou Harris' 1993 album COWGIRLS PRAYER is often overlooked, especially since 1995's WRECKING BALL was such a success. And its a shame, WRECKING BALL sure deserves the honor, but many people miss out on this one, which is a shame because this is a beautiful album start to finish. This album has a very ethereal feel to it, her voice is in top form. Hands down the best cut is the closing "Ballad of a Runaway Horse". Both that and "Jerusalem Tomorrow" are haunting tales which Emmylou delves right into, the storyteller. She handles "Ballad" quite well, it was written by Leonard Cohen. Another great song is the Tony Arata written "I Hear A Call", which is pretty inspirational. However the saddest song is probably "Prayer In Open D", which will always be one of my favorite Emmylou Harris songs, its so heartbreaking. Other highlights include "Lovin You AgaiN", "Crescent City", "You Don't Know Me", "The Light", and "A Ways To Go". This was essentially her last pop country album, country radio wouldn't play her. Their loss totally, she's too good for them. Don't miss this one!"

One of Emmylou Harris' Finest Recordings

Matt Coker | Davis, CA, USA | 07/28/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"COWGIRL'S PRAYER does more than provide the transition between 1992's all acoustic AT THE RYMAN and 1995's extraordinary atmospheric classic WRECKING BALL. Emmylou Harris' first record after leaving Warner/Reprise was also her most experimental since EVANGELINE, and contains one of the best interpretive song sets of her career. The arrangements given to these songs are brilliantly unique, and the vocals display the skill and variety of Emmylou Harris' talent as one of the greatest vocalists in music history. COWGIRL'S PRAYER is a complex and georgeous recording that will appeal to all fans whether they love PIECES OF THE SKY and BLUEBIRD, or WRECKING BALL and RED DIRT GIRL. "A Ways To Go" with its fantastic introduction has been a favorite from my first listen. Harris' lead vocal perfectly captures the songs determination, and the arrangement fits beautifully. Emmylou Harris co-wrote "The Light" with Kieran Kane, the song is enchanting. Featuring a gut-string guitar, acoustic bass, pedal steel, drums, and percussion, the musicians give the song an other-worldly feel, helped by an incredible lead and harmony vocal from Harris. The main character of "High Powered Love" needs just that, a real lover. The song rocks, really well, with a lead vocal to match. There isn't a piano or a string section on "You Don't Know Me", yet its a gorgeous ballad, with its beautiful mix of guitars, acoustic bass, pedal steel, and harmony. The ache in the song is tangible, with her magnificent vocal performance, further proof that few can sing love songs as well as Emmylou Harris. Harris' own composition, "Prayer In Open D" is the best song on the album, which includes songs from acclaimed songwriters like Lucinda Williams, Leonard Cohen, Jesse Winchester, David Olney, and Eddy Arnold. I don't know the right words to describe "Prayer In Open D", its one of those songs that has to be heard, its so powerful. It's one of her finest songs, along with "Boulder To Birmingham" and "A River For Him", a beautiful confessional song rich in imagery and emotion with an exceptional vocal. This is an experience not to be missed. "Crescent City" is remarkable, the full arrangement with the fiddle, and accordion, not to mention Harris' vocal add extra character to make this the definitive version. "Lovin' You Again" might not have the structure of a hit ballad, but has more emotion within its minutes than ten radio ones put together. The main reason is Harris' phenomenal lead vocal that takes the listener through a variety of emotions in a no-win relationship. It takes a while to click, but when it does it amazing. The one moment in Emmylou Harris' pre-WRECKING BALL discography that offers the best preview of that legendary album is "Jerusalem Tomorrow". Entirely word-spoken (except for the ending harmony) the song is spine-tingling, Harris thoroughly captures the character of a desert showman, and the haunting arrangement works perfectly. "Thanks To You" is a terrific uptempo song with a lively performance. The acoustic "I Hear A Call" can be breath-taking, it features reflective lyrics and a marvelous arrangement of acoustic guitars, bass, percussion, piano, dobro, fiddle, and double bass. The final song on the album "The Ballad Of A Runaway Horse" is a beautiful finale to this phenomenal album. Eleven songs that stand out brilliantly against mainstream country. Sad songs that are about more than heartache, eleven beautifully arranged and performed cuts that showcase Emmylou Harris as one of music's most valuable and talented artists."

One of the best

Chris W. Briggs | indianapolis, in United States | 07/12/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD blew me away the first time I heard it and continues to be one of my favorites. Prayer in Open D makes me tear up every time I hear it. It will be played at my memorial service. Excellent production and musicians. Emmylou is in fine voice. This was her last "pop-country" album due to the lack of air play. Country radio can't appreciate a maturing artist. This is one I would want on a deserted island or a long space-ship ride."