Ok, it's a few month's old but I didn't have a blog back when it was released. With an artist such as she, one cannot ignore her latest album "Blue Smoke". She is known throughout the world with the blonde who has big boobs but don't let that fool you. Her talent and voice are better than most of what's is played on radio today. How does Dolly's latest album stack up? Is it Boring, O.K. or Brilliant? Here is the full review.
What I listened to: "Blue Smoke" By: Dolly Parton
How did I listen to it: 320 kbps on Apple EarPods
This latest album doesn't hold out. When you hit play, a dobro into leads into an upbeat title track that will make you realize you've made a great purchase. If you haven't really listened to Dolly, you had to of heard of "Islands In The Stream" with Kenny Rogers way back in the 80's. Well, she not only does country but she does bluegrass and ones where it's just her and her guitar. This album pretty much has it all. It doesn't fail. The vocals that her and the backup/harmony singers sing, are great. The instrumentation in the title tack is filled with amazing talent. The only thing I found is that the first song never seems to end, even though it's relatively short.
"Unlikely Angel" is classic Dolly. The classic country with bluegrass sound makes it an instant classic. The lyrics are great and heartwarming.
I love the third cut "Don't Think Twice". It starts off with finger picking guitar and a harmonica. A dobro slides in right before she starts to sing. It reminds me of something you'd hear sitting by a campfire on a perfect summer night. A Huckleberry Finn kind of introduction. When the band comes in, fiddle fills the first verse. It's a happy song, musically, but is a sad song, lyrically. Country music used to be this good. It is my favorite cut on the record by far.
The album continues with a stellar duet with Kenny Rogers. "You Can't Make Old Friends" is kind of fitting for two old friends. The writing is great and I don't think anybody could have done this song other than these two. The chemistry is there, just as it was back in the 80's. Modern country can't and won't capture the feeling within this song. It's an instant classic.
While today's country is filled with a different sound than what Dolly is normally known for, she has to have a modern sound to be able to compete with what is being played. You know, though, she has a fiddle as an instrument that has a pretty prominent part. "Home" has writing that is uplifting and makes you feel good, plus its a catchy tune. Reminds me of something from the early 2000's. That's a good thing.
"Banks of the Ohio" is a new take on a traditional bluegrass song. It has the melody of the original but it has new lines that show both sides of the killer ballad. Pun intended.
"Miss You-Miss Me" is beautiful song. The acoustic guitar ringing sounds clear as a bell. The sad lyrics would bring a tear to a glass eye. The mandolin tremelos give a somber tone not heard in today's country music.
"If I Had Wings" reminds me of the classic "Wayfaring Stranger". The album continues to a lighter note in "Lover du Jour". Reminds me of the "9-to-5" days. It's a genously written song that even english speakers will understand and chuckle a bit.
Kenny Rogers' duet isn't the only duet on here. Willie Nelson joins this album in a great song titled "From Here to the Moon and Back". This song is country. Willie's reconizeable voice is just as good as it was all those years ago. Paired with Dolly, it's one of the better duets in modern music. Another fantastic cut.
The last song is an uplifting song called "Try". I wish more modern country artists would just 'try a little harder' to make good music again. This album ends on such a high note that, as soon as it comes to end, you'll say a quick prayer and thank God for the blessings you have. You feel happiness and good inside of you. It's typical Dolly and, as always, its a great thing.
So..........is this album Boring, O.K. or Brilliant?
Verdict: Brilliant
Listen to that modern country artists? This album was the sound of great music. People still know who Dolly is because of the legacy she has from the music she put out. She stayed true to her roots and she will be known long after she's gone because of it. This album continues to support this legacy. The lyrics in each song are from the heart, as with the melodies. The sad fiddle, happy harmonica and pretty guitar are all still relevant..you just have to know where to look. It's not the most amazing album out there, so it's on the lower half of brilliant but for bluegrass fans, this album is for you. For country fans, this album is for you. For just plain music fans, this album is for you. Give it a "Try". You will be glad you did.
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