Never in Dolly Parton’s career has she produced a less-than-mediocre album; Rockstar is no exception. Parton’s 49th studio album is her first within the rock genre, following over 50 years as one of the world’s biggest country stars.
The album contains numerous covers and collaborations with big name rock artists including Stevie Nicks, Steve Perry, Emmylou Harris and Lynyrd Skynyrd. But Parton also manages to enter areas of pop and disco, with covers including Blondie’s “Heart of Glass” and Miley Cyrus’s “Wrecking Ball.” Dolly’s vocals echo her country past over the 30-track album, which includes 9 original tracks and 21 classic rock covers.
Parton’s arrangements do not stray far from their originals and, as a result, are slightly underwhelming. However, Parton’s distinct voice results in a sound that feels memorable but still retains the integrity of the originals. Her vocals are distinct, memorable, and unmistakably Dolly. The grunge rock of “Rockstar” and “World on Fire” is contrasted against the sensitive saxophone and country twangs of “Long As I Can See the Light” by Creedence Clearwater Revival.
The original tracks are, without a doubt, the highlight of the album. Several of the nine were written in collaboration with Kent Wells, who partnered with Parton in 2018 for the soundtrack to the Netflix original, Dumplin’. “I Want You Back,” featuring Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, echoes Parton’s country roots. Amid soft guitar solos and a longing, desperate sound, she weaves a heartbreaking ballad of mistake and the pain associated with hurting a lover you still crave. Another original, “Bygones,” completely deviates from Parton’s traditional sound. The strong guitar, heavy drumline, and back-and-forth modulation result in a song that could play in a movie soundtrack as the lone surviving character in a slasher makes a last-ditch effort.
Parton is, without a doubt, an American treasure. After her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022, citing her lack of experience in the genre, Dolly decided to embrace the award by proving she belonged. The result, Rockstar, solidifies her place in the rock canon as a singer indispensable to American music since the 1960s.
Rockstar is nothing brilliant, but it doesn’t have to be. When you bring together some of the greatest artists of all time, the musicianship speaks for itself. Dolly Parton’s first plunge into rock and roll has been, without a doubt, successful, and it is an endearing testament to her vocal strength and greatness within the music industry.
