Search - Emmylou Harris :: Ballad of Sally Rose

The most fascinating album Emmylou Harris has released.

09/26/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"THE BALLAD OF SALLY ROSE is much more than just an album. For starters it is one of Emmylou Harris' most fascinating collections, one you just have to hear from start to finish. Each song defines a small piece of the story. The material Emmylou Harris and Paul Kennerly wrote for the album is consistent and remarkable. Uptempo numbers like "White Line", "Bad News", and "K-S-O-S" are flawlessly done and instantly enjoyable. Where the album leaves it's mark is on the slower, more intense material. "Diamond In My Crown" is warm, touching, and uplifting. It is a song that mixes strenght and beauty into something everyone should hear. "Timberline" is a graceful acoustic song, with a beautifully harmonized ending. "Sweet Chairot" has the most awesome vocal arrangements on disc, demanding a second listen. "Women Walk The Line" is a power ballad with Emmylou Harris delievering incredible vocals. "The Sweetheart Of The Rodeo" is a well done western piece. The storyline is best told through the titletrack, "Rythym Guitar", and "Long Tall Sally Rose". The only unfortunate thing about THE BALLAD OF SALLY ROSE is that it is not easily available. If you see it, buy it, you won't regret it. MATT COKER"

It Would Make A Great Movie

Christina Kelley | Los Angeles, CA | 03/10/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was just here to look for the song by Emmylou that was played during the closing credits of The Sopranos last week, but while searching through her catalog was surprised to discover that this CD, probably her best ever, is only available as an import. What a travesty! A little background...The Ballad Of Sally Rose is the first "concept album" ever in Country music. Talk around the time it was released was that the songs were inspired by the romantic relationship between Emmylou and Gram Parsons, but only one person knows that really, and she's never confirmed it. The story that's told in the CD is of a half Indian girl named Sally Rose who grows up on a reservation after her father abandons the family. She leaves the reservation, as the opening song goes "with stars in her eyes and greater expectations" and soon joins a band as a guitar player. While on stage one night a huge star is in the audience and falls in love with her at first sight. She joins his band, they get married, but he starts cheating on her before being killed on the road in a traffic accident. Heartbroken, she continues with the band, and is now the biggest star around with sell-outs everywhere they play. But she's all bummed out without him and decides to retire and buy a radio station to play nothing but his music 24 hours a day. Then she dies and goes to heaven.Great story, huh?But, just wait until you hear the music! Background singers include Linda Rondstadt, Dolly Parton and Waylon Jennings, and you can hear them really belt it out on some beautiful vocal arrangements. There are ballads, two-steps, and rocking songs on this CD, acoustic and full band songs. It's one of the best ever. I still can't believe it's an import. Get it while you still can."

A Rose is a Rose

E. M. McCray | 05/13/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard this great album on tape about 12 years ago and when I no longer had the equipment to play the tape, I found the CD buried on a sale table. I nearly screamed out loud!! Now, that CD has been played by me and my daughters so much, its falling apart. Yea! It's still available. When we travel, this is the #1 sing along CD for me and the girls. With her pals Dolly and Linda, EmmyLou makes sweet, sweet sounds. And, the story is terrific."