Dolly Parton is a national treasure. My children’s shelves are full of books from the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (a national program which sends children who sign up a free book each month until the age of 5). She’s given us a theme park, several movies, more than a few prepubescent teenage daydreams, and a back catalogue of timeless country music. With her charm, guitar skills, and unmistakable southern-twinged soprano, Dolly Parton is an icon both in and out of the country music world.
Run, Rose, Run, her 48th solo studio album was released earlier this month. It is a companion piece to a novel of the same name that she co-wrote with author James Patterson and features twelve new, original songs.
On first listen Run, Rose, Run is comforting, like a warm quilt at your grandmother’s house, or a steaming cup of hot chocolate after a long afternoon playing in the snow. At 76, her unique voice has lost none of its edge. Musically, it’s still very much in the vein of 80’s and 90’s country. But just because it doesn’t break any new ground doesn’t mean that the music on Run Rose Run isn’t fresh.
The album is a mixture of bluegrass on songs like “Firecracker” and “Dark Night, Bright Future,” up-tempo rockers such as “Snakes in the Grass” and “Woman Up (And Take it Like a Man)” and sweet ballad-y love songs like “Blue Bonnet Breeze.” The single “Big Dreams and Faded Jeans,” is a happy, encouraging, pick-me-up track and stands as a centerpiece to the entire project.
The final track “Love or Lust” features the lyrics, “The Glow won’t diminish and we’ll go till we’re finished.” This is obviously the story of a romantic relationship, but I think it could also apply to our relationship with Dolly’s music. She is not the kind of artist who will subsist only by touring on the waves of their biggest hits (we’re looking at you Kiss). Whether it’s love or lust, Dolly is going to continue to create and produce, with a glow of greatness that will continue to shine for those willing to engage with her art.
Run, Rose, Run may not get Dolly many first-time listeners (although if you haven’t at least heard some Dolly Parton at this point, what are you even doing with your life?) But it is sure to please long-time fans. There is still a place in the world for classic musicians like Dolly Parton to put out new music with timeless messages.
Now her future following this record may be interesting. Dolly declined her nomination into the Rock and Roll and Roll Hall of Fame because she feels she hasn’t yet made a rock record. But since then, super-producer Steve Albini (Nirvana) has offered to work with her on a genuine rock ‘n roll record. I for one am excited about the prospect.
Run, Rose, Run was released on Dolly’s own Butterfly Records and can be found on all major streaming services. You can follow Dolly on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
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