Living country icon Dolly Parton breaks new ground with a rock-focused album
Legendary country icon Dolly Parton returns with a bold first album in many years, a project that showcases a fearless voice and a magnetic personality. Her latest work proves there’s no room for caution or restraint; it’s loud, energetic, and unapologetically theatrical. The title track, a declaration of rock ambition, makes it clear that Parton is playing to win and embracing a rock, roll atmosphere that transcends conventional boundaries of genre and gender. The delivery is confident, and the guitars are ever-present, surrounding her with a live, visceral energy that invites listeners to believe in big dreams.
Rock, reverence, and collaboration
The album’s rock core aligns with classic rock sensibilities and a touch of metal bravado. It’s easy to see how her longtime partner, Carl Dean, a devoted admirer of Led Zeppelin and AC/DC, influenced the project’s spirit. The guest list reads like a celebration of friendship and mutual respect, featuring a parade of renowned performers who contribute to the album’s glittering tapestry. While some expected collaborations did not come together, the roster still highlights a constellation of iconic voices that amplify Parton’s bold approach. The selections traverse familiar anthems and newer originals, creating moments that feel both timeless and contemporary. From familiar guitar textures to surprise interpretations, the record leans into fun, energy, and a sense of celebration.
Political bite and social stance in the mix
New tracks like “I Want You Back” spotlight a spirited, rock-driven energy led by Steve Tyler, while “I Dreamed of Elvis” nods to rock ’n’ roll’s golden era. The collaboration with Rob Halford, known for Judas Priest, positions the album as a formidable fusion of hard-edged metal and party-rock charm. On “World on Fire,” Parton maintains a driving beat and provocative lyrics aimed at climate inaction and the greed of politicians, past and present. The project also quotes a broader political sentiment with tracks that tackle contemporary issues in a way that’s unmistakably Parton—bold, clear, and a little mischievous. A handful of tracks, including lighter, more playful cuts, balance the heavier material and reflect the album’s varied tonal palette.
In another sprawling moment, there is a salute to enduring music friendships with tributes and duets that demonstrate Parton’s signature warmth. The release contains moments where her voice sits beside legendary peers such as Emmylou Harris and Sheryl Crow, and it even nods to the spirit of the era with a version of a classic that invites listeners to hum along. The overall effect is a celebration of music’s collaborative spirit, underscored by Parton’s unmistakable presence and vocal distinctiveness. The project’s reach feels expansive, and even downbeat songs carry a sense of hopeful defiance that characterizes Parton’s enduring career.
Other notable releases of the week
Projects titled closely to this one explore adjacent pop and folk paths, including self-published efforts that widen the sonic spectrum. Critics rate these works favorably for their sincerity and self-confidence, with high marks given to the way they blend traditional forms with contemporary sensibilities. Listeners are treated to genre-spanning explorations—from folk-inflected ballads to electric, driving rock—resulting in a rich auditory landscape that celebrates musical experimentation while staying true to core emotions such as love, heartbreak, and the passage of time.
Other notable entries feature instrumental explorations and cross-cultural fusions, including a blend of garage-rock energy and electronic textures. The mood veers from reflective to exuberant, and the performances are marked by a sense of discovery and adventurous spirit. Across these releases, the common thread remains a willingness to push boundaries while honoring the craft and joy of making music.
A recent jazz-focused suite revisits the idea of musical conversations across genres, bringing together improvisation and composition in a way that highlights the conversation between tradition and modernity. The ensemble work demonstrates a thoughtful melding of styles, with each performer contributing a distinct voice to the collective sound. The piece invites listeners to experience a journey through rhythm, color, and structure that elevates the art of the suite to new emotional heights.