Record Review: Dolly Parton - Backwoods Barbie (C+)

Backwoods Barbie

Dolly Parton’s Backwoods Barbie (February 2008) is an album of dramatic ups and downs. Starting out a little slow, at least for this reviewer’s tastes, it finally starts to sparkle after a few songs, heads back into the tank for a track or two, and then finishes strongly. Dolly has released forty-seven minutes of music on her own label so far, and some of it is great, and some of it is not so great.

The first track, and first single, “Better Get to Livin’” casts Dolly in the role of Dr. Phil. In trying to give advice to the rest of us about how to live, Dolly seems to have momentarily forgotten how to be interesting. Unfortunately it gets even worse with “Made of Stone.” This track is just plain forgettable. “Drives Me Crazy,” a modified cover of the song written and made famous by Fine Young Cannibals, is refreshing but still lacks inspiration. It tries to recreate the excitement of the original, only with bluegrass/country instrumentation. Unfortunately that doesn’t work as well here as it did with “Shine” in 2001. The title track, “Backwoods Barbie,” is very impressive lyrically, but here Dolly chooses the standard fiddle/steel guitar of late 80’s country that much of the beginning of this album seems to be trying to recreate.

The religious tune, “Jesus and Gravity” finally breaks out of the 80’s mold with key changes and an impressive buildup of energy throughout. It uses a choir for ambience, and Dolly gives her voice a real workout. Dolly’s voice, while still strong and perfectly in key, has taken on a whispering quality over the last few years, and this is showcased nicely on “Only Dreamin’.” She seems to be backing herself vocally. There are many elements in this song, various backup singers, the deeper strings, flute, solo violin, and an ever present softly strummed guitar. “Only Dreamin’” is the standout of the album.

“The Tracks of My Tears,” written by Johnny Rivers, isn’t a bad cover, but it unfortunately doesn’t offer anything that Smokey Robinson didn’t do much better. With “The Lonesomes,” we’re back to standard forgettable country fare. Thankfully this rough stretch doesn’t last so long.

“Cologne” comes on heartbreakingly strong, detailing the dilemma of a woman in love with a man who isn’t leaving his wife. “Shinola” uses a catchy tune and lyrics to entertain the listener. “I Will Forever Hate Roses” and “Somebody’s Everything” express staples of country music sentiment, but Dolly’s voice and musical sensibilities keep these two from being quite so dull as the first few tracks.

Dolly still looks like a million bucks, sings like an angel, and writes, well, like George Strait. Backwoods Barbie is a presentable collection of radio friendly country music. It doesn’t inspire, but there’s enough good here to assure us that Dolly will be a force in country music for years to come.