Search - Dolly Parton :: Jolene

Becky L. (kallikat) from OVERLAND PARK, KS
Reviewed on 12/27/2006...

Features her rendition of "I Will Always Love You".

Fine example of Parton's earlier work

hyperbolium | Earth, USA | 12/12/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Buddha's 1999 reissue of Parton's 1974 LP is a straight-up presentation of the original ten tracks. Clocking in at under 25 minutes, this may seem like a sampler rather than a full album in today's 78-minute CD world, but what's here is vintage pre-Hollywood Dolly. In addition to the chart-topping title track, the original version of her farewell to Porter Wagoner, "I Will Always Love You," is awe-inspiring. In contrast to Whitney Houston's overblown remake (and Parton's own oversung reworking), the original is a perfect record, filled with strength, vulnerability, fragility and resolution that culminate in heartbreak all around.The remaining eight tracks, six from Parton, one from Wagoner, and one from Blaise Tosti ("It Must Be You") are a bit tamer than the topics explored on "Coat of Many Colors" (Buddha's other 1999 reissue), but no less heartfelt. Parton's emancipation from Wagoner would eventually lead her to Hollywood and crossover success, but in the mid-70s she was at the full flower of her first go-round as a pure country singer-songwriter.Buddha's reissue was an essential buy upon its arrival in 1999, and one for which Parton fans should be grateful. At this point, however, BMG's 2001 pairing of this title with 1975's "My Tennessee Mountain Home" (which is otherwise unavailable on CD) offers twice the music (plus a bonus track) for a few dollars more."

Her Roots

gemini_j | Canada | 03/25/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jolene is where Dolly's roots are, it was that era where some of her most memorable music came from, this cd being no exception whatsoever. This is pure gold. There are classics on this cd such as Jolene, the original version of I Will ALways Love You, Lonely Comin Down, and other memorable songs lik River of Happiness, Early Morning Breeze, and It Must Be You. All the songs are winners. This is a must have, and a great place for new fans of Dolly to start their collection. Go out and get it if you already havent!"