The Farr Side: Dolly Parton proves she's the 'Rockstar' she was born to be

Who’s a “Rockstar” now? Well, Dolly Parton, of course! If you don’t believe it then you’ve been living under a rock. The singer’s 49th studio album, “Rockstar,” debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 200 album’s chart this week.

The album marks the biggest charting success for the 77-year-old icon. Yes, Dolly’s career spans 60 years, but it’s this album that now proves to be the biggest one of her career.

I couldn’t be more happy for Dolly, as I remember her reluctance to join the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She had a hard time accepting the nomination let alone being voted in. She had even tried to revoke her name from the list of nominees, but was too late as ballots had already been sent out.

What Dolly Parton had failed to see was that her music, the songs, the empowerment she embodied influenced an entire generation of young women to follow their passion.

Besides, rock and roll music is a culmination of all genres when you truly think about it and Dolly was one of the few who have managed to appeal to everyone. She’s so well-respected in the entertainment industry.

I think her induction was a humbling experience for her and she’s already a very humbled soul. But, leave it to Dolly to live up the new title. And, that she has done in the most incredible way with “Rockstar.” The two-album set is modern-day masterpiece, even for someone like Dolly. The impressive list of guest artists, musicians and performers is a true testament to her influence over the past six decades.

I’ve been eagerly awaiting to hear this album the moment she said she was going to make a “rock record.” And then, names were being dropped all summer long of artists she was going to collaborate with on the adventure. Names like Steve Perry, Sting, Deborah Harry, Melissa Etheridge, Pink, John Fogerty, Stevie Nicks, Elton John, Christ Stapleton, Pat Benatar, Kevin Cronin and even Simon LeBon from Duran Duran?!?

Nobody, except for someone like Dolly Parton could have this kind of love.

The opening title track is a full-on rock song where Parton sets the tone for an awesome journey of discovery, not only for music fans, but for her, as well. She fully embodied the moment.

Original tracks like “World on Fire” are Dolly at her best attempt to be a rocker, but it doesn’t come close the duets on this record. “Purple Rain” might be the exception as Dolly performs Prince’s song in solo. It might be the best track on the album as she pours all that heartfelt emotion she emotes directly into those iconic lyrics taking the listener to church. I’m certain Prince would have absolutely been in love her interpretation of his song.

“Every Breath You Take” (with Sting) sounds like it was meant for the two icons. “Open Arms” (with Steve Perry) blue me away. I’ve always loved the song, but these two bring a new meaning to the words. “Heartbreaker” (with Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo) and ”Magic Man” (with Ann Wilson) rocks as does “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” (with Pink and Brandi Carlile).

“Keep On Loving You” (with Kevin Cronin) should be a single as their voices compliment one another perfectly. The song “Let It Be” was made for someone like Dolly to sing. The cool thing here is that she is joined by Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr.

The surprise on this album, for me, was her duet with Simon LeBon. Never in a million years would I have ever thought this would come to fruition, but lucky for us all it did. Dolly and Simon are gorgeous together on “My Blue Tears.” I give it a “10.”

It's too late for this Grammy contention this time around, but I am certain we are going to see the album and several of its tracks get some major attention throughout the new year.

Thank you, Dolly, for being the “Rockstar” we all knew you were all along!

— David T. Farr is a Journal correspondent. Email him at farrboy@hotmail.com.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: The Farr Side: Dolly Parton proves she's the 'Rockstar' she was born to be