Dolly Parton - Ultimate Dolly Parton

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Free Music Notes for Ultimate Dolly Parton

Free Music Review: the essence of Dolly
Hit: 5 Stars

The disc can be divided into three distinct sections. The first includes the first seven tracks, and easily qualifies as the best moments on "Ultimate." Here, Dolly's Smoky Mountain-bred sensibilites mesh into the "countrypolitan" leanings of musical partner Porter Wagoner to create some of the early '70s best country hits. Tracks like "Jolene," "Coat of Many Colors," and the anthem "I Will Always Love You" secure Dolly's place in country music history and shold not be missed.

Tracks 8 though 16 follow Dolly's rise in popularity, and a general mainstreaming of her sound. This era is capped by great tracks like "Here You Come Again" and "9 to 5," but like her "Islands in The Stream" singing partner Kenny Rogers' music from the late '70s and early '80s, much of what you hear from this period is better forgotten. What stareted as well-intended country crossover degenerated into bad schmaltzy pop, which never holds interest for long.

The last few tracks show how Dolly redeemed herself from the horrors of Carter administration -era soft rock to reclaim her rightful position as the queen of modern country. The aforementioned "Stream" is a delight, as is "To Know Him Is To Love Him," with the equally endearing Linda Rondstat and Emmylou Harris. The last track, "Why'd You Come In Here Lookin' Like That," is a nod to the "hot country" that would dominate the 1990s, but Dolly wisely decided to sidestep the rat race of contemperary country radio and forge a stunning bluegrass-tinged fourth musical era. None of that is covered on "Ultimate," but it's worth the trip to seek out some of Dolly's most recent output.

Buy this album without hesitation, and check out her new music as well.

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