A Country music legend, Dolly Parton is a name that everyone knows and respects. A very successful individual, Parton has been a part of American culture for over 5 decades as a musician, songwriter, actress, and business woman. In fact, she has sold over 100 million records; making her one of the best-selling women in music history. All very impressive, Parton has made a massive impact within Country music, but also recorded her share Bluegrass and Pop tingling songs, but in 2023 she looks to push the envelope with her first ever Rock-n-Roll album.
A very diverse artist, Parton harnesses her love for Rock music into the highly anticipated new album amply entitled Rockstar. Announced back in May of this year, the first taste came in the form of the single “World on Fire” written on Parton. A very striking track, it is an honest assessment of the world today, completely calling out the division and lies swirling through us all that is tearing apart the very fabric of our society. Something many know to be true, but many not speak out against, Parton’s statement is bold, and it does not get more Rock-n-Roll than that. Furthermore, the track is well-composed, catchy, and a sure-fire hit.
Beyond this impressive first exploration into Parton’s more Rock persona, a slew of other songs has been released to the public. These tracks included a cover of Heart’s “Magic Man” with Ann Wilson, the original, more Heavy Metal “Bygones” where she duets with Judas Priest’s Rob Halford, a rendition of Queens’ “We Are The Champions/ We Will Rock You,” a beautiful take on The Beatles’ “Let It Be” with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, a killer performance of 4 Non-Blondes’ “What’s Up” with Linda Perry, and the very popular “Wrecking Ball” joined by Miley Cyrus.
A heck of a lot of material to take in, this is only the tip of the iceberg, because Rockstar has much, much more. At last, released on November 17th through Big Machine Records, it not only is Parton’s first-ever Rock-n-Roll driven album, it is her 49th as a solo artist. Wow, that is a lot of music! That in mind, what Parton gives you with Rockstar is just as grand… in fact the album is a massive 30 songs, lasting nearly two and a half hours.
Knowing this, what you get is more really strong covers, but also original. Amidst the highlight covers, you have The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” with Sting, Journey’s “Open Arms” with Steve Perry, Prince’s “Purple Rain,” and Peter Frampton’s “Baby I Love Your Way” with Frampton himself joining in. However, this is just a sampling; because there are still more surprises in between. Difficult to pick which of Parton’s takes on these well-known Rock tunes is a favorite, let us just say they are all done with class, solid musicianship, but sealed with Parton’s uniqueness.
Which leads us to the original songs, and Parton also penned many of these as well. Of course, “World on Fire” would have to be a bold point, but others that stand out strongly are “Tried to Rock and Roll Me” with Melissa Etheridge, the acoustic-based “Bittersweet” with Michael McDonald,” but also the dirty southern rocker “Either Or” with Kid Rock.
A lot to cover, everything discussed here is really just an example of what the massive Rockstar encompasses. In truth, it is an album that you need to go into with an open mind and heart. What Parton offers are heartfelt performances where she also appears to be having a ton of fun. A party of sorts, the cast of guests she assembled is arguably the best to be recorded to any album in the last 20 years. Way too many to list, beyond those already mentioned, you also have guest spots from Joan Jett, Stevie Nicks, Pat Benatar, Sherly Crow, Duran Duran’s Simon Le Bon, Lizzo and Elton John… but yet, there are more!
Overall, Rockstar is an epic undertaking by Dolly Parton and she not only did it right, she blew any expectations out of the water. Showing she is a Rockstar through and through, Cryptic Rock gives this bold moment in her career 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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