Is Roses in the Snow a good place to start with Emmylou Harris?

Yes, Roses in the Snow is recommended as a starting point for new Emmylou Harris listeners. Rich harmonies blend folk, gospel, and country influences, evoking a timeless sense of longing and nostalgia. By the time 'Roses in the Snow' was released in 1980, Emmylou Harris had already established herself as a leading figure in country music, following her breakthrough album 'Elite Hotel' in 1975. This record marked a continuation of her artistic exploration into Americana and roots music, showcasing her ability to reinterpret classic songs with emotional depth.

Who is Roses in the Snow for?

Roses in the Snow works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective moments, heartfelt storytelling through vocals and morning coffee contemplation.

How many songs are on Roses in the Snow?

Roses in the Snow has 10 tracks, running approximately 29 minutes.

Roses in the Snow

Emmylou Harris · 1980

29 min · 10 tracks · country music

Rich harmonies blend folk, gospel, and country influences, evoking a timeless sense of longing and nostalgia.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Roses in the Snow Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of loss and yearning, featuring Harris's poignant vocals that convey both vulnerability and strength.
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Wayfaring Stranger — This traditional folk song is given new life through Harris's soulful interpretation, highlighting her ability to bridge past and present musical forms.
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Miss the Mississippi and You — A hauntingly beautiful rendition that evokes deep feelings of nostalgia and homesickness, representing the emotional core of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Rich harmonies and varied tempos create an engaging blend of folk and country influences.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features layered vocal harmonies, setting a reflective tone for the record.
Several tracks incorporate traditional folk and gospel elements, such as 'Wayfaring Stranger' and 'Darkest Hour Is Just Before Dawn', which utilize acoustic instrumentation.
The pacing varies throughout, with mid-tempo songs like 'The Boxer' contrasted by slower ballads like 'Miss the Mississippi and You'.
The final track, 'Gold Watch and Chain', concludes the album on a somber note, leaving a lingering emotional impact.

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

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

steady mid-tempo reflective moments
heartfelt storytelling through vocals
morning coffee contemplation
gentle melodies for quiet evenings

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy tracks
prefer longer album experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its rich harmonies and emotional depth, contributing to Harris's legacy.
Themes: traditional folk roots· spiritual longing· American storytelling
Career context: By the time 'Roses in the Snow' was released in 1980, Emmylou Harris had already established herself as a leading figure in country music, following her breakthrough album 'Elite Hotel' in 1975. This record marked a continuation of her artistic exploration into Americana and roots music, showcasing her ability to reinterpret classic songs with emotional depth.
Stylistic neighbors: Lucinda Williams· Gillian Welch· Alison Krauss