Album Review: Dolly Parton, Rockstar

When she aptly covered Collective Soul's "Shine" on her 2001 album Little Sparrow, few could imagine the mammoth, star-studded tome Parton would concoct two decades later in Rockstar. Yet here we are. Clocking in at over 140 minutes and 30 songs, Dolly isn't cutting any corners from the opening title track to the lead single "World On Fire" (which briefly recalls a cross between Queen and Billy Squier's "The Stroke"). Surprises? She does an extremely credible cover of Blondie's "Heart Of Glass" with Debbie Harry!

There are a bevy of cameos here and with those a bevy of covers, some of them more alluring than others. Her rendition of "Open Arms" with Steve Perry is a gorgeous duet she holds her own on. And the same can be said on the uplifting "Long As I Can See The Light" with its hymnal feel. But there are a few misses here, notably "Either Or" with Kid Rock, "Wrecking Ball" with Miley Cyrus and the bluesy ballad "I Want You Back" with Aerosmith's Steven Tyler.

Perhaps the first true, hair-raising gem here is her version of "Purple Rain" which is flawless. Throughout it all, Dolly manages to surprise, as "Night Moves" with Chris Stapleton hits the mark perfectly. Meanwhile "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" has its strengths as P!nk, Brandi Carlile and Dolly take turns belting it out.

The homestretch contains other highlights including "Stairway To Heaven" with Lizzo and her Sasha Flute and 4 Non Blondes' "What's Up?" Dolly also executes "My Blue Tears" with its Celtic feel with Simon Le Bon guesting. Parton reunites with part of her Trio when Emmylou Harris teams up with Sheryl Crow on the confident "You're No Good." Finally, before the obligatory "Free Bird" Dolly, Macca and Ringo shine on "Let It Be." Dolly rocks!

Rockstar was released on November 17, 2023 on Butterfly Records.
Listen to it here.