Dolly Parton

Now that Dolly Parton has triumphantly returned to the roots form of country, check out this sweet little mountain medley. A cute narrative breaks it up, as Parton talks about her life as a young music-loving girl in Tennessee. She gives thanks to those who recorded her tribute album, Just Because I'm a Woman, and for being able to live her life as a songwriter.

This concept album begins with the letter Dolly wrote her mom and dad when she was first pursuing her dreams on Music Row. Fortunately, its subject isn't Music Row, except by contrast. Unfortunately, its pastoral nostalgia, while always charming, is sometimes a little too pat. Sentimental masterpieces like the title track are no easier to come by than any other kind, and the slowed-down remake of "In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad)"--the early hit in which she declined to go back--doesn't add as much bite as this city boy needs. (Grade - B+)