Dolly Parton’s ‘Rockstar’ is an Ageless Reinvention

A kingpin of the country genre, singer-songwriter Dolly Parton released her first-ever rock album Nov. 17, which showcased 30 tracks featuring various rock legends. 

“Rockstar” is Parton’s 50th album across her discography. It features intense instrumentation absent from her previous records, demonstrating how it’s never too late to try something new. This album comes after her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in November 2022. 

The album consists of some originals, alongside covers of iconic rock songs with the original artists accompanying Parton on most tracks.

Written by Parton, the titular anthem opens the album. The song begins with dialogues between Parton and two unnamed voices arguing about rock music. 

“They say if you can dream it, you can have it, so I play / Hear me play / Rockstar,” Parton sings.

The second track “World On Fire” was originally released as a single May 11. The track embodies a dejected world view and calls on society to start helping each other before humanity falls apart. 

“Can we rise above / Can we show some love / Do we just give up on making change?” Parton belts. 

“Every Breath You Take,” originally sung by The Police in 1983, was performed as a duet between Parton and ‘80s rock legend and lead singer of The Police Sting. The song preserves the original’s slower, ethereal instrumentation but is emphasized by Parton’s added vocals.

“Magic Man (Carl Version)” features Ann Wilson, the former lead singer of rock band Heart who coined the song and is rock in its purest form. The track opens with an eerie guitar, which quickly turns into a classic rock-style riff. 

Parton’s vocals on the track showcase a surprising versatility to the singer, especially for fans of her country tone, as her booming voice transcends throughout the five-minute listen. 

“As Long As I Can See The Light” featuring John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival has a groovy jazz feeling. The song features a saxophone and multiple background vocals, giving the track a polished sound. 

“I Want You Back” features Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and starts off slower with somber vocals from Parton but is picked up by Tyler’s gruff belting voice. The back-and-forth between Parton and Tyler creates a mesmerizing tension throughout. 

“What Has Rock And Roll Ever Done For You” features Fleetwood Mac vocalist Stevie Nicks The original song was written by Nicks and the song features dialogue between her and Parton throughout, showcasing the beauty of the duo’s contrasting vocals intertwined. 

“Hey, Dolly, who’s up first? / Well, Stevie, it’s your song, you go / Yeah, but it’s your album / Well, stand back,” Parton and Nicks speak at the start of the song. 

“Purple Rain,” originally sung by Prince, starts with a simple electric guitar, with a particular emphasis on Parton’s soft yet captivating vocals. As the song progresses, more instrumentation such as drums and piano are added alongside multiple backing vocals.

“Baby, I Love Your Way ” is a sweet duet between Parton and guitarist Peter Frampton, who rose to prominence from The Herd and Humble Pie, eventually contributing to Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band. It’s one of the slower and more sentimental tracks on the album.

“I Hate Myself For Loving You” is a rage-filled breakup anthem featuring Joan Jett. The song sounds similar to the original sung by Joan Jett & the BlackHearts and brilliantly executes the sentiment of the anger that follows a breakup. 

With an acoustic guitar, “Night Moves” brings the listener back to some of Parton’s old country songs. Bob Seger sang the original version of the songs but country singer Chris Stapleton accompanies Parton on the track. The duo’s country roots create a flawless duet.

“Just workin’ on our night moves / Tryin’ to make some front-page drive-in news,” Parton and Stapelton sing together. 

The 2013 staple “Wrecking Ball,” featuring Miley Cyrus, Parton’s goddaughter, was first sung as a duet between Parton and Cyrus at “Miley’s New Years Eve Party” performance in Miami December 2022. The duet was released as a single Oct. 20.

Progressing in intensity, Parton and Cyrus’ harmonies add a level of depth lacking in Cyrus’ 2013 original. The back-and-forth between the two singers — with Parton’s softer soprano vocals and Cyrus’ strong alto sound — empower the lyrics, creating a hard-hitting listening experience.

“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” features vocals from Brandi Carlile and P!nk. The track, first recorded by The Rolling Stones in 1965, surpasses the original’s rock and roll sound, with vigorous guitar and punchy vocals making the song feel more complete.

“Heart Of Glass,” featuring Debbie Harry of ‘70s rock band Blondie, is likely to shock listeners as Parton’s vocals are synthesized to mirror the vocalization of the original 1978 hit. Sonically, the track is a standout because of the late ‘70s feel. 

“Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me,” featuring Elton John, was driven mostly by Parton until the second verse where John assumes a sound identical to the original from 1974. 

“Stairway To Heaven,” originally by Led Zeppelin, features Lizzo and her flute Sasha Flute. The track’s instrumentation is more high-pitched than the original, while preserving the track’s original guitar sound. In the last minute of the track, Parton excels in the delicate delivery of the final verses. 

Parton’s classic 1971 track “My Blue Tears” is sung by her and Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran. The original song embodies pure country twang, but this version reinvents the tune, amplifying the intensity of both the instruments and vocals. 

“You’re No Good” features vocals from Sheryl Crow and folk star Emmylou Harris who Parton has collaborated with in the past on albums such as “Trio,” which also featured Linda Ronstadt. The three-minute track is stylistically foreign from the respective artists’ discographies, ushering in hushed instrumentation and lyrics that breathe new life into the song.

“I Dreamed Of Elvis” opens with peppy and danceable beats. It features Ronnie McDowell, a country artist who has covered a number of Elvis Presley songs. McDowell’s vocals resemble those of Presley and his country music background compliments Parton’s vocals well through the track. The track also features an interpolation of Parton’s 1974 classic “I Will Always Love You.” The segment of the song is much faster than the original, making it especially unique. 

The penultimate cover track “Let It Be” features Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr and is a fitting tribute to the iconic Beatles tune. Vocally, Parton takes the reins while McCartney and Starr linger in the background. 

“Free Bird” with Lynyrd Skynyrd is a masterfully executed finale to an already successful rock album. In the track’s final minutes, Parton belts with greater intensity than Ronnie Van Zant in the original 1973 tune.

“Fly high, free bird,” Parton repeatedly belts.

“Rockstar” is a masterwork of an album, combining old and new music styles to create a fresh sound. Each cover adds a dynamic element to their respective original recordings –– setting Parton’s rendition masterfully apart.

“Rockstar” is available on all major streaming platforms.

Featured image courtesy of Butterfly; Big Machine.