description Emmylou Harris - Wrecking Ball Overview
Wrecking Ball is the eighteenth studio album by American country music artist Emmylou Harris, released on Elektra Records in 1995. Produced by Daniel Lanois, who is known for his atmospheric work with U2 and Bob Dylan, the album represents a significant sonic departure from Harris's earlier acoustic and bluegrass recordings. The production layers her distinct vocals over dense, reverb-heavy soundscapes, blending ambient rock elements with traditional folk and country structures. Featuring songs written by artists such as Neil Young, Steve Earle, and Lucinda Williams, the album successfully introduced her music to a new generation of alternative country and folk listeners.
help Emmylou Harris - Wrecking Ball FAQ
Why does Wrecking Ball sound so different from Emmylou Harris's earlier country albums?
The album was produced by Daniel Lanois, whose atmospheric production style is known from his work with U2 on The Joshua Tree and with Bob Dylan on Time Out of Mind. Lanois brought reverb-drenched textures and slower tempos that pushed Harris far from her traditional country sound.
What songs does Emmylou Harris cover on Wrecking Ball?
The album includes songs written by Bob Dylan ('Every Grain of Sand'), Neil Young (the title track 'Wrecking Ball'), Steve Earle ('Goodbye'), Lucinda Williams ('Sweet Old World'), and Gillian Welch ('Orphan Girl'). The cover choices reflect Harris's broad taste across Americana songwriters.
Did Wrecking Ball win a Grammy?
Yes, the album won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album in 1996. It was released on Elektra Records in 1995 and marked Harris's eighteenth studio album.
Who plays on Wrecking Ball by Emmylou Harris?
The album features Daniel Lanois on guitar and production, along with contributions from Neil Young, Larry Mullen Jr. of U2, and Buddy Miller. The assembled musicianship gave the record its distinctively dense, layered sound.
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