All I Intended to Be
Emmylou Harris · 2008
55 min · 13 tracks · country music
A reflective tapestry of Americana, weaving heartfelt storytelling with gentle melodies and rich acoustic arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
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Shores of White Sand Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Hold On — This track stands out with its poignant lyrics about resilience and hope, perfectly encapsulating the album's emotional core while showcasing Harris's expressive vocal delivery.
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Kern River — A haunting rendition of a classic, Harris's interpretation brings new life to this tale of love and loss, demonstrating her ability to connect deeply with narrative songs.
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Old Five and Dimers Like Me — This track is a nostalgic reflection on aging and the passage of time, resonating with listeners through its relatable storytelling and evocative imagery.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends thoughtful songwriting with skilled acoustic arrangements, creating a reflective listening experience.
What we noticed
- Harris's vocal delivery is consistently soft and reflective, often accompanied by harmonies that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- The pacing varies, with some tracks maintaining a steady tempo while others slow down significantly, creating a contemplative atmosphere.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- reflective storytelling moments
- long, immersive listening sessions
- contemplative late-night vibes
- emotional melodic journeys
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and artistic depth in Emmylou's late career.
- Themes
- nostalgic shores· vulnerability in storytelling· yearning landscapes
- Career context
- By the time 'All I Intended to Be' was released in 2008, Emmylou Harris had established herself as a venerable figure in country and Americana music, following notable albums like 'Stumble Into Grace' in 2003. This album marks her continued exploration of introspective themes and showcases her growth as both an artist and a storyteller.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lucinda Williams· Gillian Welch· Alison Krauss
Tracklist
- 1 Shores of White Sand Start here 4:22
- 2 Hold On 4:35
- 3 Moon Song 4:06
- 4 Broken Man's Lament 5:05
- 5 Gold 3:32
- 6 How She Could Sing the Wildwood Flower 3:44
- 7 All That You Have Is Your Soul 4:41
- 8 Take That Ride 3:39
- 9 Old Five and Dimers Like Me 4:16
- 10 Kern River 4:03
- 11 Not Enough 3:25
- 12 Sailing Round the Room 5:31
- 13 Beyond the Great Divide 4:26
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Car Wheels on a Gravel Road
Lucinda Williams
Shares introspective storytelling with rich acoustic textures and emotional depth.
The Creek Drank the Cradle
Iron & Wine
Features gentle melodies and a reflective atmosphere, evoking nostalgia and vulnerability.
Time (The Revelator)
Gillian Welch
Combines heartfelt narratives with intricate acoustic arrangements, resonating with themes of yearning.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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