A very strong record

I really can't help but dismiss the coldness spread out by some critics when this album came out. While this isn't her best-of-all album, it's still at least a four-outta-five stars one. I really love her version of Springsteen's Tougher Than The Rest and if it wasn't for any other song, this would still earn a four. Who cares if it's a bit soundlarge every now and then! Who cares about the "formula". It's a hell of an album. One simpl<y can't judge Emmylou's albums by any formula or anything but her singing. Just listen to it!!!

Don't listen to the critics

When BRAND NEW DANCE was released in 1990, the critics didn't like it and it was given bad reviews all around. True - it is not her best album. She makes so many good albums it's hard to compare this album to newer classics like RED DIRT GIRL, or older ones like ROSES IN THE SNOW. This is still a good album. Her version of Bruce Springsteen's "Tougher Than The Rest", is worth the price of admission. I think this album was mostly a transition, between her past albums and what was to come. She sounds great, although the material isn't the best, there's still some gems like the title track, "Red, Red Rose" and "Better Off Without You". Not her best, but still worth a listen.

Underappreciated

Many hail Emmylou Harris' 1990 album BRAND NEW DANCE, her worst album. I think it is an unfair comparison. To compare this album against albums like RED DIRT GIRL, WRECKING BALL or ROSES IN THE SNOW, is simply unfair. This album has its own flow and beauty, and its own appeal. It opens with the single "Wheels of Love", and is followed by Bruce Springsteen's "Tougher Than The Rest". "In His World" is a beautiful, almost magical song. THe title track is an album highlight, as is the album closer "Red, Red Rose". True, it is not her strongest effort, but there are some true gems to be found if you listen to this album. Other highlights include "Better Off Without You", "Never Be Anyone Else But You" and "Easy For You To Say". Don't believe all the negativity, don't believe what you read, listen and form your own opinions about BRAND NEW DANCE, you might be surprised.