Dolly Parton

You'd be hard-pressed to find someone who can marry the Appalachians to the pop charts the way Dolly can. Along with her instantly recognizable songs, Dolly's also well known for her no-nonsense approach to life and her ability to poke fun at herself. These gifts come together on Backwoods Barbie, a dozen heartfelt songs written with a dash of humor and solid hooks. The centerpiece is "Jesus and Gravity," an unhurried gem that gradually builds until a full-blown gospel choir is helping Dolly sing praise. Amazing. Other highlights include "Made of Stone," the Celtic-kissed "Only Dreamin'" and the lighthearted "Better Get to Livin'."

No matter how flamboyantly pop Dolly Parton's music became in the early Eighties, she was
always a country girl at heart. Today it's the reverse: No matter how
back-to-basics-country her recent albums have been, her heart still sparkles with glitter
and sequins. Dolly practically invented the peppy Top Forty sound the Dixie Chicks are
now known for, but her own pop albums are hit-or-miss. Too much of Backwoo... More >