Dolly Rebecca, don’t get me started either, sister.
Okay in full disclosure, I cringed a little when I heard the first few chords of Dolly Parton’s newly released single, “World on Fire.”
It’s true.
But hold your horses, Dolly Devotees…
You see, I adore Dolly Parton. She’s one of the greatest things since sliced bread with bacon and melted cheese on top. So, when I heard Dolly was putting out a rock album, I begged the music composer angels on high to prevent Dolly from slipping down any slope as she inches closer to the end of her unparalleled career.
But moving into the lyrics, I couldn’t help but say “Amen.”
You’ll have to go listen for yourself, so I don’t violate any kind of trademark laws, but when she talks about how she doesn’t like to speak up, but she’s keeping in touch with what’s going on in the world, I knew it was going to be good.
She asks questions I’ve often wondered myself like “How do we heal” and “Do we even care enough to”? The lyrics in this first release shouldn’t shock anyone who follows Dolly’s message of love and encouragement. In summary, it’s a challenge to us all on kindness.
The only problem with this release is that it left me wanting to know what else she has to say and I don’t know if I can wait until November!
The album will include 9 original songs and 21 classic covers which will feature many of Rock ’N Roll’s legends singing with Dolly on their own songs. One of my favorites, Chris Stapleton, joins her, along with Paul McCartney, Ringo Star, Lizzo, Debbi Harry, Steve Perry, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Melissa Etheridge, Emmylou Harris, and so many others.
And y’all…bless it, just like any other “cover band,” she ends on Free Bird. Can we have a moment to ponder the intersection of Dolly Parton and Lynyrd Skynyrd? All my Southern Country Blues Rock dreams that I didn’t know to dream are coming true.
Dolly is a legend for a reason and Rockstar already puts the exclamation point on why: after more than sixty years in the music business, she isn’t afraid to mix it up and keep it fresh. The esteemed list of musicians partnering on this album is a testament to her status in an industry that’s always looking for the next best thing.
Dolly was actually inducted into the 2022 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and hinted at a rock album then. Dolly is, of course, considered a country music star and actually initially declined the nomination, because she did not feel it was earned. She eventually accepted and is now a member of the Country, Gospel, Songwriters, and Grammy Halls of Fame.
Check out the tracklist below. You better believe I’ve got my calendar marked for November 17 of this year when the full album releases. Maybe we’ll get lucky and get a few more single drops along the way.
Rockstar Track Listing
1. Rockstar (special guest Richie Sambora)
2. World On Fire
3. Every Breath You Take (feat. Sting)
4. Open Arms (feat. Steve Perry)
5. Magic Man (feat. Ann Wilson with special guest Howard Leese)
6. Long As I Can See The Light (feat. John Fogerty)
7. Either Or (feat. Kid Rock)
8. I Want You Back (feat. Steven Tyler with special guest Warren Haynes)
9. What Has Rock And Roll Ever Done For You (feat. Stevie Nicks with special guest Waddy Wachtel)
10. Purple Rain
11. Baby, I Love Your Way (feat. Peter Frampton)
12. I Hate Myself For Loving You (feat. Joan Jett & The Blackhearts)
13. Night Moves (feat. Chris Stapleton)
14. Wrecking Ball (feat. Miley Cyrus)
15. (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction (feat. P!nk & Brandi Carlile)
16. Keep On Loving You (feat. Kevin Cronin)
17. Heart Of Glass (feat. Debbie Harry)
18. Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me (feat. Elton John)
19. Tried To Rock And Roll Me (feat. Melissa Etheridge)
20. Stairway To Heaven (feat. Lizzo & Sasha Flute)
21. We Are The Champions
22. Bygones (feat. Rob Halford with special guests Nikki Sixx & John 5)
23. My Blue Tears (feat. Simon Le Bon)
24. What’s Up? (feat. Linda Perry)
25. You’re No Good (feat. Emmylou Harris & Sheryl Crow)
26. Heartbreaker (feat. Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo)
27. Bittersweet (feat. Michael McDonald)
28. I Dreamed About Elvis (feat. Ronnie McDowell with special guest The Jordanaires)
29. Let It Be (feat. Paul McCartney & Ringo Starr with special guests Peter Frampton & Mick Fleetwood)
30. Free Bird (feat. Ronnie Van Zant with special guests Gary Rossington, Artimus Pyle and The Artimus Pyle Band)
