the Color of Context

Setting out to review “All I Intended To Be,” the newest release from Country Music Hall of Famer Emmylou Harris, turned out to be a very difficult task. How do I review the stunning new album from arguably the greatest voice in American music without making it sound like some cheesy love letter? I had to approach “Intended” with complete objectivity. I failed. Miserably. But it was okay, because with the first notes of that voice, which can melt the coldest of hearts, I was once again comforted.

Compiled, written and recorded over the span of four years, “Intended” is a well-balanced collection of originally-penned material along with some of Emmylou’s favorite songs by other artists. She also gets to record with some of her favorites, including Vince Gill, Brian Ahern and the McGarrigle sisters. Though there are no weaknesses here, some standout tracks include Emmylou’s very own “Broken man’s lament,” the Tracy Chapman-penned “All that you have is your soul,” Billy Joe Shaver’s “Old five and dimers like me” and, the absolute highlight of the album, “Gold.” Despite the title of the album, these lyrics betray the acquiescence of a woman who finally accepts the fact that, no matter how hard she tries, there are certain things in life that will never be all she intended them to be, namely her relationship with an anonymous person, someone she once yearned to be closer with: “No matter how bright I glittered baby/ I could never be gold.” A beautiful, heart wrenching ballad written by Emmylou and performed as a duet with Dolly Parton, “Gold” is a perfect example of what country music should be.

Never one to be supported by country-music radio, Emmylou Harris has still found a way to connect with her audience by writing and performing beautifully crafted material that touches the heart of every listener. Also scoring big with critics, she has won a dozen Grammys in her 30-plus-year career and can certainly prepare for more praise with “Intended.” Her distinct folk-country sound has inspired musicians from Norah Jones to Dave Matthews and has won her a wide fan base, consisting of music lovers of all genres.

With “Intended” being such a masterpiece of American music, Emmylou Harris can expect more and more love letters just like this one, as long as she continues to record the kind of outstanding music that I can only assume is all she intended it to be–and more.