All I Intended to Be

This is a geat albumn. Does tend to be on the sad side as far as song content. Emmylou does a wonderful rendition of Merle Haggard's Kern River. Overall, I am enjoying the music and, as always, Emmylou's voice reaches to my soul.

KMccall

Not everything I may I have wished for but very close. Well chosen songs, Ms. Harris' inimitable voice and a production that only occasionally detracts from both. Not the summation of a marvelous career but a stepping stone in that direction.

I've always had a great admiration for Emmylou Harris as an artist but I couldn't really call myself a true fan of hers, that is until the release of her 1995 album "Wrecking Ball" in which she transcends the previous limits of country music into something new altogether. I've loved every one of her albums since then, and it's been a long five years since her previous studio album "Stumble Unto Grace".

"All I Intend To Be" (13 tracks; 56 min.) came as somewhat of a surprise to me, as Emmylou reaches back into more of her traditional country roots than she has done in the last 15 years. This becomes somewhat apparent on the opener "Shores of White Sand", even more so on "Moon Song", and the most of all on songs like "Old Five and Dimers Like Me' and ""Kern River", which are not for me,but that's just my personal taste. There are 2 songs co-written and featuring Kate and Ann McGarrigle that are quite enjoyable. Emmylou Harris brings another 4 songs written by her, and they are mostly tremendous. Apart from the music, Emmylou's voice remains as warm and as rich, and in fact seems to be getting better still.

Hard to believe that Emmylou turned 61 this year. While I have to admit that "All I Intend To Be' is not my favorite Emmylou Harris album, this is a nice album nevertheless. If Emmylou tours anywhere close to Cincinnati behind this album, you can bet I will be there. I've seen her a number of times of the years, and she is outstanding live.

Emmylou sounds like she is experiencing life that has past and looking ahead toward her future. Only her future is not of this world. The things that used to be important, such as children, love, and possessions are no longer needed. The only thing she needs now is her soul. And this lady will never lose that! Great album for the old souls among us...

There aren't a lot of pieces of music that give you a sense of release but at the same time capture and hold your soul till they're done. Pieces like "How she could sing the wildwood flower" and "sailing round the room" are of that rare kind, they take you away. This cd is priceless.