Is Hard Bargain a good place to start with Emmylou Harris?

Yes, Hard Bargain is recommended as a starting point for new Emmylou Harris listeners. A reflective tapestry of Americana woven with poignant storytelling, gentle melodies, and Emmylou Harris's signature emotive vocals. By 2011, Emmylou Harris was an established artist with over four decades in the music industry. 'Hard Bargain' marked her first studio album since 2008's 'All I Intended to Be', showcasing a return to her roots in folk and country after exploring various musical styles throughout her career.

Who is Hard Bargain for?

Hard Bargain works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, long, immersive listening sessions and poignant storytelling focus.

How many songs are on Hard Bargain?

Hard Bargain has 13 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

Hard Bargain

Emmylou Harris · 2011

53 min · 13 tracks · country music

A reflective tapestry of Americana woven with poignant storytelling, gentle melodies, and Emmylou Harris's signature emotive vocals.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Road Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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My Name Is Emmett Till — This track stands out for its powerful narrative that addresses racism and injustice through the lens of history, showcasing Harris's commitment to storytelling.
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Six White Cadillacs — Combining personal loss with broader social commentary, this song exemplifies Harris's ability to weave intricate tales of sorrow and reflection.
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Hard Bargain — As the title track, it encapsulates the album's themes of sacrifice and resilience, delivered through Harris's hauntingly beautiful vocal performance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album features strong storytelling and emotive vocals, but its pacing and structure can feel uniform across tracks.

What we noticed

The album opens with a slow tempo on 'The Road' and maintains a reflective pace throughout, rarely shifting to upbeat rhythms.
Many tracks feature sparse instrumentation, allowing Harris's vocals and storytelling to take center stage.
Several songs incorporate personal narratives and historical references, such as 'My Name Is Emmett Till', adding depth to the lyrical content.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 3/10

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

steady, consistent energy levels
long, immersive listening sessions
poignant storytelling focus
contemplative evening reflections

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Showcases continued vitality and relevance in Harris's long career.
Themes: Emmett Till's legacy· journey and reflection· loss and memory
Career context: By 2011, Emmylou Harris was an established artist with over four decades in the music industry. 'Hard Bargain' marked her first studio album since 2008's 'All I Intended to Be', showcasing a return to her roots in folk and country after exploring various musical styles throughout her career.
Stylistic neighbors: Lucinda Williams· Gillian Welch· Alison Krauss