Our selection of the top 10 Alison Krauss songs showcases a truly exceptional talent in the music world, celebrated for her extensive array of accolades and her significant impact on the bluegrass genre. Born in Illinois, Alison Krauss was immersed in a diverse range of musical styles from a young age. At the tender age of five, she developed a passion for bluegrass, which would set the stage for her illustrious career in the music industry. By the time she was ten, Krauss had already started making her mark by winning local fiddle contests.
With such an impressive background, Alison Krauss was clearly destined for greatness in the music scene. Her debut album, Different Strokes, released in 1985, featured contributions from her brother Victor Krauss, Jim Hoiles, and Swamp Weiss.
Possessing exquisite vocal talents, Krauss joined the Silver Rail band as a replacement for Andrea Zonn when she was just twelve, collaborating with songwriter and bassist John Pennell. The band would eventually adopt the name Union Station, upon discovering that another group was already using their initial name. Krauss later signed with Rounder Records, where she recorded and released Too Late to Cry with Union Station serving as her backup band. Her 1990 album, I’ve Got That Old Feeling, marked her first entry into the Billboard Charts.
Two years later, Alison Krauss received her second Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album for the critically acclaimed Every Time You Say Goodbye with Union Station. This achievement marked the beginning of a flood of successes for Krauss, who became a member of the Grand Ole Opry by the age of 21.
Throughout her career, Alison Krauss has released fourteen albums, including five solo works, seven collaborations with Union Station, and two albums with Robert Plant. Her partnership with Plant on the album Raising Sand earned Krauss five Grammy Awards. Recently, Alison Krauss and Robert Plant, the iconic Led Zeppelin vocalist, released a new album, Raise the Roof, and announced plans for a world tour in 2022. With a total of 54 music awards, including 27 Grammys, Alison Krauss stands out as a remarkable figure in the music industry, embodying what Malcolm Gladwell describes as an “Outlier.” Our curated list of the top 10 Alison Krauss songs represents the pinnacle of achievements by this acclaimed bluegrass legend.
#10 – Too Late To Cry
Our top 10 Alison Krauss songs list begins with the classic bluegrass piece “Too Late to Cry,” crafted by John Pennell. This selection is fittingly placed at the start of our list, as it originates from the early phase of Krauss’s career. The song is the title track of her debut album, Too Late to Cry, released in 1987, where listeners first experienced Krauss’s exceptional fiddle skills and her captivating voice, signaling her significant potential from the beginning.
The album featured a lineup of accomplished musicians, including Krauss on fiddle and vocals, Russ Barenberg on acoustic guitar, Sam Bush on mandolin, John Cowan and Dave Denman on vocals, Jerry Douglas on Dobro, Roy Huskey Jr. on upright bass, Lonnie Meeker on acoustic guitar and vocals, and both John Schmaltz and Tony Trischka on banjo, all contributing to a richly textured sound that laid the foundation for Krauss’s celebrated career.
# 9 – Steel Rails
“Steel Rails,” a track from her 1990 album I’ve Got That Old Feeling, marked Alison Krauss’s initial foray into mainstream success. The song metaphorically depicts her journey into newfound independence, likening it to a train relentlessly moving forward without a backward glance. Since the release of “Steel Rails,” Krauss has experienced a level of success in the music industry that few artists achieve. I’ve Got That Old Feeling not only showcased Krauss’s musical talents but also resonated with a wide audience, climbing to number 61 on the Billboard Country Albums chart.
The album’s significance was cemented at the 33rd Grammy Awards, where the title track “I’ve Got That Old Feeling” clinched the Best Bluegrass Recording award for 1990. The album benefited from producer Bil VornDick’s expertise and Jerry Douglas’s contributions on dobro. The ensemble of musicians featured alongside Krauss includes Sam Bush on mandolin, Jeff White on guitar and vocals, Alison Brown on banjo and vocals, Stuart Duncan on mandolin, Edgar Meyer on bass, Martin Parker on drums, Dave Pomeroy on bass, Pete Wasner on piano, Suzanne Cox on vocals, Glenn Worf on bass, and Jerry Douglas, who added the distinctive dobro sounds that enriched the album’s texture.
# 8 – Please Read the Letter
Alison Krauss seems to have discovered a musical counterpart in Robert Plant, whose collaboration with her feels as though it’s been refined through a lifetime of harmony. Their duets, particularly noticeable in their 2007 joint album Raising Sand, transcend mere words. One standout track, “Please Read the Letter,” originally hails from Jimmy Page and Robert Plant’s 1998 work, Walking into Clarksdale. The song delves into themes of longing and unresolved matters between two individuals. The synergy between Krauss and Plant not only captivated audiences but also garnered critical acclaim, culminating in the song securing the 2009 Grammy Award for Record of the Year.
“Please Read the Letter” was crafted by the talented quartet of Jimmy Page, Charlie Jones, Michael Lee, and Robert Plant. Raising Sand, a collaborative effort between rock vocalist Robert Plant and bluegrass-country artist Alison Krauss, was released in October 2007 under Rounder Records. The album achieved remarkable success, clinching the Album of the Year title at both the 2008 Americana Music Honors & Awards and the 2009 Grammy Awards, testament to the unique and compelling blend of Krauss’s and Plant’s musical talents.
#7 – The Lucky One
“The Lucky One,” performed by the esteemed bluegrass ensemble Alison Krauss & Union Station, emerged as the lead single from their fourth studio album, New Favorite, released in 2001. Notably, among the three singles from the album, “The Lucky One” was the only track to make its mark on the charts, reaching number 46 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart by 2003. The song’s excellence was recognized at the Grammy Awards, where it secured accolades for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and Best Country Song.
Accompanying the song’s release was a music video, which was made available to the public prior to the song’s launch. New Favorite itself achieved significant success, peaking within the top 50 of the Billboard 200 and the top 5 of the Billboard charts for both Country and Bluegrass, and it was certified gold. The album’s release coincided with the surge in popularity of bluegrass music in the United States, partly attributed to the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack, which also featured Krauss. At the 44th Grammy Awards, New Favorite was honored with the Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album, further cementing the single “The Lucky One” with its dual Grammy wins for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and Best Country Song.
The personnel on this celebrated album included Alison Krauss, taking the lead on vocals, fiddle, and viola; Dan Tyminski providing background and lead vocals, as well as playing the acoustic guitar and mandolin; Ron Block on background vocals, acoustic guitar, and banjo; Jerry Douglas on dobro and lap steel guitar; Barry Bales on background vocals and upright bass; and Larry Atamanuik handling the drums and percussion. “The Lucky One” was penned by Robert Lee Castleman, adding another classic to Alison Krauss & Union Station’s rich repertoire.
#6 – Who’s To Blame You
Securing the sixth position on our Alison Krauss songs list is the remarkable “Who Can Blame You.” This heartfelt track serves as a magnificent showcase for Alison Krauss’s exquisite vocals. Crafted by Roy Block, the song is a highlight of the album Every Time You Say Goodbye, the second studio effort by the acclaimed bluegrass ensemble Alison Krauss & Union Station, which was unveiled in 1992. The album garnered attention, peaking at number 75 on the Billboard Country Albums chart.
The album’s quality and appeal were recognized at the 35th Grammy Awards in 1993, where Every Time You Say Goodbye was honored with the Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album. The lineup for this celebrated album featured Alison Krauss lending her talents on fiddle and vocals, Ron Block on banjo and vocals, Barry Bales on bass and vocals, Tim Stafford on guitar and vocals, and Adam Steffey on mandolin and vocals, each contributing to the rich, textured sound that defines the album and elevates tracks like “Who Can Blame You.”
#5 – Ghost In This House
Landing at the midpoint of our Alison Krauss songs list is the evocative “Ghost in This House.” Apologies for the play on words, but this track is truly haunting in its beauty and melancholy. It’s one of those poignant tunes that deeply resonates, leaving a lasting impact. Released as part of the album Forget About It in 1999, “Ghost in This House” showcases Krauss’s ability to convey deep emotion through her music. The song, crafted by Hugh Prestwood, was initially brought to life by the band Shenandoah before being embraced and reinterpreted by Krauss. Additionally, it has been covered by the Dixie Chicks, further attesting to its broad appeal and the universal themes it touches upon.
#4 – Can’t Let Go
This iconic track is universally recognized, though not everyone may be familiar with the rendition by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss. Originally, this hit was masterfully delivered by Lucinda Williams on her acclaimed album Car Wheels on a Gravel Road. The song, penned by Randy Weeks, found a new life in the collaborative efforts of Plant and Krauss for their second duo album, Raise the Roof, released in 2021. As the lead single of the album, it achieved notable success, reaching number eight on the Adult Alternative Airplay chart. Plant and Krauss bring a dynamic and powerful energy to their version, which was vividly captured in a prerelease video featuring a live studio performance by the band.
#3 – I’ll Fly Away
Tackling one of the most frequently covered gospel tracks is no small feat, yet Alison Krauss met the challenge with her characteristic flair, marking her as an extraordinary talent within the bluegrass genre. Her rendition of “I’ll Fly Away” not only stood its ground against Jim Reeves’ acclaimed version but also possibly surpassed it. Krauss’ interpretation earned the Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year at the 2001 International Bluegrass Music Association Awards, solidifying her exceptional artistry.
“I’ll Fly Away” gained renewed attention following its feature in the 2000 film O Brother, Where Art Thou?, although it was the Kossoy Sisters’ version that appeared in the movie. For the film’s soundtrack, a contemporary version by Alison Krauss and Gillian Welch was selected, with Welch taking the lead vocals, Krauss providing harmony, Mike Compton on mandolin, and Chris Sharp on guitar. This rendition, produced by T-Bone Burnett, contributed to the soundtrack’s monumental success, selling over eight million copies, topping multiple Billboard album charts, and securing the Album of the Year and Best Soundtrack awards at the 44th Grammy Awards in 2002.
Krauss and Welch performed “I’ll Fly Away” live at a concert on May 24, 2000, at the Ryman Auditorium, alongside other artists from the O Brother soundtrack. This event was captured in the documentary Down from the Mountain, with their live rendition closing the soundtrack album, which itself was a success, winning the Grammy for Best Traditional Folk Album.
The song’s legacy is further underscored by the Chuck Wagon Gang’s 1948 version, which sold over a million copies and stands as one of the all-time top-selling gospel records. It was so influential that in 2017, the Library of Congress selected this version for preservation in the National Recording Registry, recognizing its significant cultural, historical, and artistic value.
#2 – Down to the River to Pray
As we near the conclusion of our Alison Krauss songs list, we revisit the iconic O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack, where Alison Krauss’s talent truly sparkled. Her rendition of timeless classics ignited a revival, inspiring countless artists to explore this song after discovering it through Krauss’s interpretation. “Down in the River to Pray,” has been known known by various titles such as “Down to the River to Pray,” “Down in the Valley to Pray,” “The Good Old Way,” and “Come, Let Us All Go Down,” is a traditional American song with roots that are difficult to trace.
It is described in multiple ways: as a Christian folk hymn, an African-American spiritual, an Appalachian song, and a Southern gospel song. The song’s precise origins remain elusive, adding to its mystique and widespread appeal.The version of “Down in the River to Pray” featured in O Brother, Where Art Thou? stands as the most celebrated rendition, bringing this classic to the forefront of contemporary music and showcasing Alison Krauss’s ability to breathe new life into traditional melodies.
#1 – When You Say Nothing at All
Concluding our Alison Krauss songs list is a rendition that is truly captivating. Taking the top spot is “When You Say Nothing at All,” a song that Keith Whitley originally performed in 1987. Alison Krauss & Union Station brought their own version to life for the tribute album Keith Whitley: A Tribute Album. This cover unexpectedly began to gain airplay without any initial promotion, prompting BNA Records, the label behind the album’s release, to officially send it to radio stations in January 1995.
This version, also included in Krauss’s compilation Now That I’ve Found You: A Collection, soared to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. Moreover, a commercial single climbed to No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles Sales chart. The single featured “Charlotte’s in North Carolina” by Keith Whitley as its B-side, another track from the tribute album that had not been previously released.
Krauss’s heartfelt interpretation of this timeless piece earned her a nomination for the 1995 Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. Due to its extensive airplay and widespread acceptance, her record label decided to release it to country radio, marking “When You Say Nothing at All” as Alison Krauss’s first solo top 10 country hit, a testament to her profound impact on the genre and her ability to touch the hearts of listeners worldwide
Feature Photo: Filberthockey at en.wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Top 10 Alison Krauss Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024
