Is Cimarron a good place to start with Emmylou Harris?

Yes, Cimarron is recommended as a starting point for new Emmylou Harris listeners. A rich tapestry of Americana, blending heartfelt storytelling with lush arrangements that bridge country and folk traditions. Cimarron, released in January 1981, was Emmylou Harris's sixth studio album. This period followed her commercial peak with the critically acclaimed Luxury Liner and marked a shift towards a more experimental sound, incorporating influences from rock and traditional country.

Cimarron works well if you're into heartfelt storytelling moments, reflective late-night listening and melodic and soothing flows.

How many songs are on Cimarron?

Cimarron has 10 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Cimarron

Emmylou Harris · 1981

39 min · 10 tracks · country music

A rich tapestry of Americana, blending heartfelt storytelling with lush arrangements that bridge country and folk traditions.

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Top tracks — play these first

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If I Needed You — This track stands out due to its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, illustrating the deep emotional connection between two people reliant on one another.
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Rose of Cimarron Start here — The title track weaves a narrative about love and loss with vivid imagery, capturing Harris’s signature storytelling style that resonates throughout the album.
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The Last Cheater's Waltz — This song highlights Harris's vocal prowess while presenting a story of heartbreak and betrayal, making it a compelling centerpiece of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

49 /100

Foothills

Higher than 22% of albums we've rated

Cimarron blends traditional and contemporary sounds with strong storytelling, though it lacks some cohesion and impact.

What we noticed

The opening track features a slow, sweeping melody that sets a reflective tone for the album.
Several tracks incorporate lush string arrangements that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
The last two tracks feature a notable shift in tempo, slowing down to create a contemplative closing.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

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

heartfelt storytelling moments
reflective late-night listening
melodic and soothing flows
gentle emotional explorations

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — Cimarron is a solid entry that showcases Harris's evolving sound but isn't widely recognized.
Themes: Western landscapes· heartbreak narratives· folk storytelling· Cimarron imagery
Career context: Cimarron, released in January 1981, was Emmylou Harris's sixth studio album. This period followed her commercial peak with the critically acclaimed Luxury Liner and marked a shift towards a more experimental sound, incorporating influences from rock and traditional country.
Stylistic neighbors: Lucinda Williams· Gillian Welch· Alison Krauss