While a PROFILE III: THE BEST OF EMMYLOU HARRIS collection could have been a better addition to her catalog, SONGS OF THE WEST is still throughly enjoyable. The most valuable songs on the album, are the ones issued on domestic (or any) CD for the first time. THE BALLAD OF SALLY ROSE, and CIMARRON are two of my favorite, and two of her most beautiful, albums. Unfortunately, Warner Bros. has pulled these records from print, THE BALLAD OF SALLY ROSE is available through import, CIMARRON isn't available at all. This album includes the first two songs from CIMARRON, the magnificent "Rose Of Cimarron", and the beautiful "Spanish Is A Loving Tongue", and the Emmylou Harris origninal "The Sweetheart Of The Rodeo" from THE BALLAD OF SALLY ROSE. The other seven songs are equally fantastic. These aren't the only songs that would have worked on this collection, "Pancho & Lefty" (from LUXURY LINER) or the also unavailable "Sweetheart Of The Pines", penned by Emmylou Harris (from THIRTEEN), are just a few additional songs. The review from DIRTY LINEN fails to recognize is the value and beauty of "Rose Of Cimarron", "The Sweetheart Of The Rodeo", "Spanish Is A Loving Tongue", and all the other great songs on this album. I'm hoping that Warner Bros. will bring CIMARRON back into print, along with THIRTEEN, EVANGELINE, and LAST DATE (at least WHITE SHOES, and THE BALLAD OF SALLY ROSE are available through import). If Warner Bros. would bring these albums back in print I think they'd have some really quick sales.

Emmylou can harmonize with anybody, and I prove it riding in my car with this album on. Around the house I can dance my housework as well. Gulf Coast Highway with Willie Nelson is one I hadn't heard before this album came out, but it describes my old home town so well it brings tears of reminiscence. (The rice fields are mostly gone now--it's cheaper to import from China.) Queen of the Silver Dollar, Cattle Call, One-Paper Kid--can't identify with those but love them anyway because they are so perfectly rendered I can picture the scenes as though they were a movie. This album has been a favorite of mine for years, alongside albums by Eagles, Don Henley, Trisha Yearwood, Simon & Garfunkel, Billy Joel, Mickey Newbury, and Sarah McLachlan.

Waited with anticipation for this album and it was well worth it. Music is such a personal media that I don't feel like raving about how good it is, but if you like EmmyLou, than you will probably really enjoy this album.

This is some of Emmylou Harris' best. But then what of her work doesn't qualify?

I've been an Emmylou fan ever since her days at the Cellar Door in Georgetown (Washington, D.C.). Unlike many artists, Emmylou has always been true to her country roots. Yes, she has had successes that found their way to the pop charts, but make no mistake, Emmylou is a true country artist. This CD is a wonderful collection of material. It's a wonder I haven't worn my copy out. I love the songs "Even Cowgirls Get The Blues," the lively, foot-tappin' "Amarillo", and "Montana Cowgirl", and the tender "Rose Of Cimarron" and "Spanish Is A Loving Tongue". She also revives Eddy Arnold's classic "Cattle Call". Included on the album is "I'll Be Your San Antone Rose", "The Sweetheart Of The Rodeo", "Queen Of The Silver Dollar", and "One Paper Kid". SONGS OF THE WEST is over much too soon unfortunately, but there's always "instant replay!"