.
Search

Follow Us

Edit Content
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • New Music
  • Reviews
  • Caught Live
  • Future Pop
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • New Music
  • Reviews
  • Caught Live
  • Future Pop
Facebook Instagram Spotify Tiktok
RPM031 Menu-3
  • NEWS
    • All
    • 1980s
    • 1990s
    • 2000s
    • Pop
    • R&B / Hip-Hop
    • Dance
    • Rock
    • All
    • 1980s
    • 1990s
    • 2000s
    • Pop
    • R&B / Hip-Hop
    • Dance
    • Rock
    Kesha Boy Crazy Artwork-4

    Kesha drops expended edition of latest album with JADE collaboration

    The new LP from the singer marks her debut as an independent artist and includes recent singles such as JOYRIDE..

    Oasis Reunion Credit Simon Emmett-4

    Oasis reunion tour launches band back to No. 1 on UK Albums Chart

    The group took to the stage together for the first time in 16 years at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales on July 4.

    D-Ream Do It Anyway Press Handout 2025-4

    D:Ream announce new album Do It Anyway

    Due July 25, the LP is preceded by its title song, out now, and dates back 30 years, when singer Peter Cunnah pitched the track to Kylie Minogue. 

    Haim (Handout); Stevie Nicks (Handout)-5

    Haim tease Stevie Nicks collaboration: ‘The song is really good’

    The sibling trio hailed the Stand Back hitmaker as “the greatest human being on this planet”.

  • EXCLUSIVES
    • All
    • 1980s
    • 1990s
    • 2000s
    • Pop
    • R&B / Hip-Hop
    • Dance
    • Rock
    • All
    • 1980s
    • 1990s
    • 2000s
    • Pop
    • R&B / Hip-Hop
    • Dance
    • Rock
    Cascada Studio 24 Handout-4

    Cascada on her Studio 54-inspired new album and 20 years of global hits [Exclusive]

    As they return with their fifth album, Cascada’s Natalie Horler looks back on 20 years of hits and reacts to her recent interview that went viral online.

    Nicki French Who, What, Where Handout Energise-4

    Nicki French considered Eurovision return with new album track: ‘Would they really go for a 60 year old singer… again?’ [Exclusive]

    As she returns with her new album, Nicki French reveals she almost submitted one track into the running for next year’s Eurovision.

    Pixie Lott Encino Press Handout-4

    Pixie Lott talks new album Encino: ‘When you fall into your authentic self, that’s when the magic happens’ [Exclusive]

    A decade after releasing her self-titled third album, Pixie Lott returns with a body of work that reflects the place she’s at in her life today.

    Betty Boo Rip Up The Rulebook Credit Sandro Hyams-4

    Betty Boo: ‘It’s a philosophy that I have to not let anybody tell you that you can’t be who you want to be!’ [Exclusive]

    As she returns with her epic new album ‘Rip Up The Rulebook’, Betty Boo opens up about creating her most diverse work to date.

  • NEW MUSIC
  • REVIEWS
    • All
    • 1980s
    • 1990s
    • 2000s
    • Pop
    • R&B / Hip-Hop
    • Dance
    • Rock
    • All
    • 1980s
    • 1990s
    • 2000s
    • Pop
    • R&B / Hip-Hop
    • Dance
    • Rock
    Tom Aspaul Cabin Fever Artwork

    Tom Aspaul – Cabin Fever

    Kim Wilde Closer Artwork Cherry Red

    Kim Wilde – Closer

    Gwen Stefani Bouquet

    Gwen Stefani – Bouquet

    Cascada Studio 24

    Cascada – Studio 24

  • CAUGHT LIVE
  • FUTUREPOP
  • RELEASE RADAR
Home Reviews

Dolly Parton – Rockstar

Connor Gotto by Connor Gotto
November 14, 2023
in Reviews
Dolly Parton Rockstar
21
SHARES
206
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Released: November 17

On the back of her induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, Dolly Parton ditches country in favour of her epic first rock album. 

Clocking in at 30 songs with a selection of originals and cover versions, and huge line-up of big-name collaborators, it’s her most ambitious project yet and a moment of personal triumph for the legendary musician.

Don't Miss...

Dolly Parton honours late husband with new song If You Hadn’t Been There

Dolly Parton musical Hello, I’m Dolly set for Broadway debut

“I am very honoured and privileged to have worked with some of the greatest iconic singers and musicians of all time and to be able to sing all the iconic songs throughout the album was a joy beyond measure,” she says. “I hope everybody enjoys the album as much as I’ve enjoyed putting it together!”

Opening with the original title song, it establishes the performer as an aspiring rocker letting loose in her bedroom, shouting back to her parents: ‘I’m gonna be in rock and roll whether you like it or not!’

It’s a typically tongue-in-cheek approach for an album worlds away from hits like Jolene, Coat Of Many Colors and 9 To 5, while maintaining the empowering essence of her lyrics and showcasing her still-phenomenal vocals at 77. 

Listening to ‘Rockstar’ is like a fever dream; whether it’s belting out The Police’s Every Breath You Take with Sting, trading verses with Debbie Harry on Blondie’s new wave classic Heart Of Glass or harmonising with Goddaughter Miley Cyrus on Wrecking Ball, it’s an impressive feat that only Dolly could pull off. 

Among the highlights, a gospel-influenced rendition of Prince’s Purple Rain sees the superstar at her vocal best (and gives a glimpse at what the future may hold as she nods towards a full LP in the genre), while the Stevie Nicks original What Has Rock And Roll Ever Done For You – an outtake from the ‘Rock A Little’ (1986) / ‘Tango In The Night’ (1987) sessions is a masterclass from two powerhouse performers.

She also delves into her personal catalogue, reimagining the folk-y My Blue Tears into a vast power ballad with Duran Duran’s Simon Le Bon. 

At times, the epic tracklist is overbearing but rarely does it cross the line into throwaway, so while ‘Rockstar’ may be best enjoyed in two sittings, it’s a great romp of an album and a testament to the force of nature that is Dolly Parton. 

Tags: Dolly Parton
Connor Gotto

Connor Gotto

Founder and editor of RETROPOP. Self-proclaimed pop aficionado. Usually seen with a wine in hand.

More Like This

Dolly Parton If You Hadn't Been There Butterfly Records-4
New Music

Dolly Parton honours late husband with new song If You Hadn’t Been There

by Connor Gotto
March 7, 2025
Dolly Parton Run Rose Run Credit Stacie Huckeba Butterfly Records-4
News

Dolly Parton musical Hello, I’m Dolly set for Broadway debut

by Connor Gotto
June 6, 2024
Dolly Parton Credit Stacie Huckeba
News

Dolly Parton announces new album, docuseries about family history

by Connor Gotto
May 28, 2024
Dolly Parton Southern Accents Credit YouTube-3
New Music

Dolly Parton shares stunning cover of Tom Petty’s Southern Accents

by Connor Gotto
April 7, 2024
Dolly Parton (Vijat Mohindra); Beyoncé (Parkwood)
News

Dolly Parton urges fans to stream original Jolene before Beyoncé releases her version

by Connor Gotto
March 28, 2024

Follow Us

The RETROPOP Edit

Never miss a story - sign up to RETROPOP's Daily Edit newsletter for free!

Please wait...

You're in! Keep an eye on your inbox for all the latest!

The Latest

Kesha Boy Crazy Artwork-4

Kesha drops expended edition of latest album with JADE collaboration

July 14, 2025
Oasis Reunion Credit Simon Emmett-4

Oasis reunion tour launches band back to No. 1 on UK Albums Chart

July 14, 2025
Sugababes Press When The Rain Comes 2023

Sugababes unleash latest banger Shook

July 9, 2025
RETROPOP No. 31 : Sept '24
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
Change privacy settings
MEDIA KIT

RETROPOP participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.

Copyright © 2025 Irresistible. All rights reserved.

  • Home
    • Home – Layout 1
    • Home – Layout 2
    • Home – Layout 3
  • News
  • Fashion

© 2025 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.

CloseMenu

New issue out now

SHOP HERE