Gram Parsons, Grievous Angel (side A)

1974's Grievous Angel was Parsons's second solo album, after his time in the Byrds and Flying Burritos—it was released after his death.  The singing is of course what stands out about this album—Parsons, Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt have their voices far out in front, and they all sound beautiful.  The playing is great too, from noted session players like James Burton, Bernie Leadon, and Byron Berline.  The album is beautifully recorded, though the low-end might benefit from a bit more impact.  Along with the vocals, the songwriting needs to carry an album like this, and it is consistently good, both Parsons's originals and the covers.  The truly special songs, like "Return of the Grievous Angel", do stand out from the rest of the album.  The simple cover photo of Parsons's face makes sense in light of his passing shortly before the album's release.