Artist: Emmylou Harris

Title: Hard Bargain

Label: Nonesuch Records

After 21 solo albums, it's really no surprise that singer/songwriter Emmylou Harris is feeling particularly reflective these days. In fact, it's her personal journey of love, loss and otherwise that inevitably shapes the songs found on Hard Bargain.

While the Country Hall of Fame artist has always been a natural at writing earthy songs that connect with the joys and struggles of everyman, the accompanying soundtrack had become increasingly gloomy on her past couple of albums. In addition to lacking strong melodies—or any melodies at all—there was little that clearly distinguished one track from another. Basically, it was poetry without a strong hook.

Fortunately, it's an entirely different story this time around with Hard Bargain. Not only is the musicianship unfussy and more focused than ever with plenty of catchy choruses to boot, but her vocals have never sounded this ethereal or effortless.    

Clearly, the material suits her, whether it's the assertive strains of opener "The Road," a tribute to her dearly departed musical partner Gram Parsons or "Darlin' Kate," a pretty ballad that celebrates the life of a friend who lost her battle with cancer last year. It's the latter where Harris longs for reconnection in heaven—and it'll rip your heart out just listening.

Funny enough, just when you thought you were safe from needing a stash of tissues nearby, "My Name is Emmett Till" also packs an emotional punch. A heart-wrenching tale of prejudice and violence dressed in decidedly folky instrumentation, it also offers plenty of food for thought.

Before you wrongly assume that every song's gonna be sad, a trademark of Harris's storied career, there's plenty of cause for celebration, too. In "New Orleans," she's fiercely upbeat about the resilience of a city that was one in shambles post-Katrina. And for anyone who's a dog lover, "Big Black Dog" is one adorable ode to the virtues of God's furry creatures.

Even the songs that Harris didn't write feel right at home on Hard Bargain. After all, the title track, written by fellow artist Ron Sexsmith, could practically serve as the album's thesis as she sings: "I'm a bit run down, but I'm okay/I just feel like calling it a day/But you send me back to the start/You drive a hard bargain."

And really, the same can be said for Harris herself with an album this introspective and thoroughly enjoyable.

*This review first published 5/4/2011