Dolly Parton 'Run, Rose, Run' Album Review

Dolly Parton’s latest project is a captivating double feature, consisting of a novel and an album to accompany it. Both pieces of work are titled Run, Rose, Run and dive into the story of a young singer-songwriter surviving in the world. Working alongside Parton for this project is #1 bestselling author James Patterson, assisting her with the book. In the album, Dolly takes on the main character’s persona by singing the tunes directly from the story. Two singles from the album, “Big Dreams and Faded Jeans” and “Blue Bonnet Breeze,” have preceded the release giving listeners a taste of the story to come. The LP also features other country artists, such as Ben Haggard and Joe Nichols.

"Driven" is a fast-paced and upbeat tune that features the traditional fiddle and banjo combo. Parton contributes her incredible youthful voice to the melody, making a listener want to get up and dance. The song is about contemplating what drives us through life and our direction as she sings, “Take the wheel and just believe / That you can change your life.”

"Woman Up (And Take It Like A Man)" is an empowering song that encourages a listener to take on the world with lines like,“And I’m gonna’ buckle up, be tough enough/ To take control and make demands.” Parton brings an uplifting and fun touch to the tune as she works her magic that we all know so well. Towards the song’s ending, a choir comes in to join Parton with the chorus, heightening the experience.

In the gentle song "Lost and Found," Joe Nichols features alongside Parton as they both sing individually and harmonize in some verses. Their traditional country vocals create a healing tune. Later in the song, Parton includes lyrics to the gospel song “Amazing Grace,” alluding to the healing that has taken place from being found. It’s a song of thankfulness for one another.

The instrumental for country-folk tune "Dark Night, Bright Future" is like a chugging train, and we’re hitching along for the ride. The lyrics further explore the song’s title, specifically centering around the idea of light in the dark. Parton sings alongside a fiddle as she expresses that we need to rise after we fall, pick up the pieces, and move forward. “I’m on my way, I start today / I’m gonna’ be alright.”

Even individually, the songs encourage a listener to understand the story behind them better. This can be fulfilled by exploring the book accompanying Parton’s album – both can be found here.

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