Pomp and Circumstantial
It's a celebration of Rock and it's a celebration of Christmas timing, obviously. I think Dolly Parton is talented enough in the history of her songwriting, performance and elongating a legendary status, that this plaything of rock songs with so many 'star' duets is a reasonably interesting addition to that reality. I like much and am indifferent towards some, but with this many songs/tracks, that is inevitable beyond opinions about quality. There are some 'big' get-togethers throughout and I'm yet to listen to all a few more times to be definitive about favourites. One certainty so far is Parton with Peter Frampton on Baby, I Love Your Way where the duetting harmonies on the chorus are genuinely sweet. Bob Seger's Night Moves partners Dolly in many obvious ways with Chris Stapleton, though there could/should have been more of him. Stairway to Heaven with Lizzo rides the crest of the song's innate charm - and that shift from prettiness (Lizzo's flute flitting within this) to heaviness - but this couldn't possibly compete with previous artists' covers by respectively Ann Wilson and Beth Hart. It does get the big choric treatment, but that's just production. Let it Be reflects what is problematic with much: although not many fans' favourite anyway, it is more pomp than substantive as interpretation.
The solid guitar solos shining out of the blander orientations to their original melodies (eg Free Bird) are not enough to cement the rock credentials, and the AOR for XMAS circumstance of the whole does ultimately usurp meaningful interpretation.
I am a Dolly Parton fan and look forward to her next Country outing. I suspect she enjoyed making this album hugely, and good for her.
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