Perhaps because she’s a songwriter first and foremost, Parton understands full well how to interpret a song, even ones she hasn’t written. Of the three songs that didn’t originate from her own pen, “Jesus And Gravity” towers above the rest. To call it inspirational would be a vast understatement. The remaining two covers, “Drives Me Crazy” (edited from the Fine Young Cannibals’ original) and Smokey Robinson’s “The Tracks Of My Tears,” have their intrinsic merits, yet they pale in comparison not only to “Jesus And Gravity,” but also to Parton’s original contributions to the album.
So while Dolly Parton’s often-cartoonish image may overshadow it at times, her talent as a musician, but especially as a songwriter, is considerable and evident in this effort. In the self-describing title track, she comes to a similar conclusion, singing, “I’ve always been misunderstood because of how I look/Don’t judge me by the cover ‘cause I’m a real good book.” And Backwoods Barbie is a real good album.
Article comments
1 - Glen Boyd
Great review Donald. Now if we could just convince Dolly to stay away from Michael Jackson's plastic surgeon...
-Glen
2 - Connie Phillips
Congrats! This article has been forwarded to the Advance.net websites and Boston.com.
3 - Donald Gibson
Thank you, Connie. I appreciate it.
- Donald
4 - Mat Brewster
The promotional material was really working for me as I have no need for most mainstream country, but thoroughly enjoyed Dolly's bluegrass records.
With this review I might just give it a try anyways.
5 - Donald Gibson
Mat,
While the album is being marketed as mainstream country, it doesn't sound much like what constitutes mainstream country (by lesser-talented artists, for the most part).
I got the impression, in reading the press releases I was sent, that the album is being marketed this way in the hope of gaining airplay and exposure from the country music industry (Parton is quoted as saying that she released this on her own new label because the major labels didn't want her anymore).
The idea that Dolly Parton even needs to ask for acceptance in this genre says more about the industry than it does her. It's a solid album whether country radio plays it or not.
- Donald
6 - Mat Brewster
Thanks for the info Donald and I'm sorry I'm so late in that. I kind of forgot about the review until just now. I actually have a weird connection to Dolly as my uncle played guitar with her when they were both teenagers.
Country music hasn't been country in a long time. Its great that folks like Dolly are still trying their best to keep the real thing alive.