Rockstar
New No. 1 on the iTunes Top Albums chart: Rockstar by Dolly Parton.
A New Chapter in Dolly Parton's Musical Journey
Dolly Parton, the queen of country music, has taken a bold step into the world of rock with her forty-ninth solo studio album, "Rockstar" [en.wikipedia.org]. Released on November 17, 2023, by Butterfly Records and Big Machine Label Group, the album is a testament to Parton's versatility and enduring appeal [en.wikipedia.org, tennessean.com].
The Genesis of "Rockstar"
The concept behind "Rockstar" was born out of Parton's 2022 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame [slantmagazine.com]. Initially hesitant to accept due to her self-identification as a country music artist, Parton decided to record an album of rock songs, joking, "I'm a rock star now!" [slantmagazine.com, billboard.com]. The album was a challenge for Parton, but she embraced it with joy and surprise at her ability to sing rock [billboard.com].
A Star-Studded Collaboration
"Rockstar" is a 30-track album featuring an astonishing array of talent, including members of The Beatles, Bon Jovi, and Judas Priest, among others [tennessean.com]. The album includes nine original tracks and 21 covers of rock anthems [tennessean.com, slantmagazine.com]. Parton's collaborators on the record have over three billion combined career album sales to their names, underscoring the star power involved in this project [tennessean.com].
The Sound of "Rockstar"
The album is a celebration of the theatre of rock, with Parton's expressive, emotive country voice lending itself perfectly to the genre [faroutmagazine.co.uk]. The title track, "Rockstar," features tight electric guitar solos and lyrics told from the perspective of a young aspiring rocker [slantmagazine.com]. The album also includes a cover of "Wrecking Ball," originally performed by Parton's goddaughter Miley Cyrus, who also features on the track [slantmagazine.com].
Critical Reception
Reviews of "Rockstar" have been mixed. Far Out Magazine described it as a "joyful and genuinely brilliant fantasy," praising Parton's ability to avoid a cringe-inducing homage to a bygone era [faroutmagazine.co.uk]. However, The Guardian likened the album to "endless karaoke," criticizing the covers for being too close to the original versions [theguardian.com].
Parton's Perspective
Parton has described "Rockstar" as a tongue-in-cheek title, expressing surprise at her ability to sing rock at her age [billboard.com]. Despite the mixed reviews, the album has been a commercial success, with the track "World on Fire" topping Billboard's Rock Digital Sales chart in May [billboard.com].
The Future of Dolly Parton
Despite the success of "Rockstar," Parton has stated that this will be her first and last rock album [apnews.com]. She is currently adapting her life story into a Broadway musical and has expressed interest in exploring other genres, including R&B and blues [apnews.com].
In conclusion, "Rockstar" marks a significant milestone in Dolly Parton's illustrious career, demonstrating her versatility as an artist and her ability to reinvent herself. Whether you're a fan of country or rock, "Rockstar" is a testament to Parton's enduring appeal and her ability to bridge genres and generations with her music.
Written by Perplexity