"Rockstar" - Dolly Parton Album Review

Revamping a number of classic songs, Dolly Parton’s “Rockstar” wows after its release on Nov. 17. Running a little over two hours long, it stars around 30 named guests.

The release marks number 49 in Parton’s solo studio album collection, among others like “Jolene” and “9 To 5 And Odd Jobs.”

In traditional Parton fashion, each track carries an abundance of emotion, especially the remakes. From a rocking “I Hate Myself For Loving You” to choric instrumentals in the “Free Bird” revival, the range is also not a concern faced within the contents of the album.

Parton even surprises listeners with her ability to produce exceptional covers, a feat that is rarely accomplished successfully in music. The songs selected for revival contain vocals and instrumentals that fine-tune them into masterpieces.

Luckily, the nostalgia of these songs remains due to thoughtful production, even though the tracks have the qualities of a unique sound. A remarkable instance of this is Parton’s cover of “Night Moves” featuring Chris Stapleton.

Stapleton replaces Bob Seger, the song’s creator, in this soft rock classic. Both artists showcase their delightful vocals in blended harmony, accompanied by freshened-up instrumentals carrying the tune along.

While the adjustments of quintessential songs like this one are admirable, the album’s best-remade songs feature Parton alongside the true maker.

A soulful rendition of “Long As I Can See The Light" with John Fogerty, a band member of Creedence Clearwater Revival, allows listeners to revisit the memory of the original.

Parton’s release not only shines a light on older classics, but it pulls the creators themselves who haven’t surfaced in the mainstream music industry in years. Artists like Debbie Harry, Ringo Starr and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts have come into the spotlight once again over the past few months in the midst of this album release.

To accommodate music in recent years, Parton called in P!nk and Brandi Carlile on a song, along with a pop favorite “Wrecking Ball” with Miley Cyrus herself. An impassioned version of the song, Cyrus and Parton’s duet breaks up any chance of redundancy emanating from older remakes.

The album’s astounding opening track, “Rockstar,” and single released in May, “World On Fire,” are original Parton songs emulating some of the most famous rock songs in the industry.

These songs represent Parton’s ability to forge her position in the genre for the first time. She’s sure to tell listeners in “Rockstar” with lyrics, “Well, I’m gonna be in rock ‘n’ roll / Whether you two like it or not.”

Of the nine original pieces found on the album, “Bittersweet” falls short and does not add anything special to the rest of the collection. It can be said that it is insufficient in meeting the standards Parton set in the rest of the music.

Besides this flaw, the album, “Rockstar,” caters to its name with an overall rock ‘n’ roll theme flowing throughout.

One should listen to the entirety of the album for the sole factor of Dolly Parton’s remarkable production of classic rock favorites and unique originals. There is no doubt that Parton’s album combines an intriguing collection of reminiscent songs from previous and recent years.

Rating: 9.5/10

Reviewer’s Favorite Songs: “Let It Be,” “Long As I Can See The Light,” “Magic Man (Carl Version)”

Reviewer’s Least Favorite Songs: “Bittersweet”

Cassie Baylis is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email ceb6085@psu.edu.