Backwoods Barbie
Dolly Parton has spent recent years reclaiming her artistic edge by exploring bluegrass sounds and interpreting ‘60s-era material. Flashes of nearly every phase of her career are evident in *Backwoods Barbie*\'s tracks. Devotees of Dolly’s early work will appreciate “Jesus & Gravity” (an introspective acoustic-oriented number) and the title song (an examination of feminine self-esteem with the feel of a traditional Appalachian tune). Parton rekindles the torment of classic honky-tonk balladry in “I Will Forever Hate Roses,” “Made of Stone” and “Cologne.” Covers of “She Drives Me Crazy” and “The Tracks of My Tears” recall her glossy pop work of the ‘70s and ‘80s, while “Only Dreamin’” is of a piece with her recent folk-tinged output. Beyond these stylistic shifts, Dolly uses tunes like “Better Get to Livin’” and “Somebody’s Everything” to express an uplifting message of self-empowerment.*Backwoods Barbie* reaffirms Parton’s vitality as both working singer/songwriter and enduring cultural icon.
It's been three years since Dolly Parton released a new album, and nearly two decades since she put out anything close to a mainstream country offering, so Backwoods Barbie ought to get some serious media attention, although it remains to be seen whether the now 62-year-old Parton will get much play on the new country stations.
Dolly Parton the icon is on full display on the cover of her new album Backwoods Barbie, dressed in hot pink and leopard print, sitting in the back of a...