| For God and Country - Dolly Parton | |
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Reviewed by Jolene Downs
The latest release from Dolly Parton is titled For God and Country. The title very accurately describes the material Dolly has chosen to record. Each and every song on there is a testament to the love Dolly has for God and for her country. Several of the songs are covers of some well-known songs, and many are songs she has penned herself. As usual, Dolly has made sure that there is something for everyone and the songs are varied in lyrics and tempo to hold the interest of the listener. Dolly has included little commentaries on some of the songs, and her distinct giggles and love of her profession are left on the CD for all to enjoy.
She starts the album with a reverent performance of "The Lord Is My Shepherd." The 23rd Psalm seems a fitting beginning to an album completely dedicated to God and Patriotism.
Dolly included a song she previously recorded on different albums, "Light Of A Clear Blue Morning." She said she penned the song in response to some rough times she was having in her life. It says that no matter how dark life becomes, you can always catch a glimpse of the light of a clear blue morning on the horizon.
"Welcome Home" is a song penned by Dolly. It talks about different scenarios of welcoming home soldiers. There is the physical welcome home that a soldier gets when he walks through the front door of his house to the cheers and happy tears of his family and friends. There is also the welcome home a fallen soldier gets when he walks into the light after losing the fight for life on the battlefield. It is a very gripping song.
I enjoyed Dolly's version of "Gee, Ma, I Wanna Go Home." She added several of her own verses to this popular marching song. It was her chance to throw in her two cents about the recent war and her humor shines through.
Dolly's last few albums have taken her back to her bluegrass roots. This album includes an original song Dolly penned that is titled, "Red, White and Bluegrass." It is one of my favorites on the album.
"I'm Gonna Miss You" is a ballad that makes you run for the box of tissues. Another Dolly-penned song, it is a song about life without a loved one lost in war.
The organ is a backdrop for "Go To Hell." After a short intro by Dolly about the basic battle of good over evil, it turns into a rousing song you would hear in a Pentecostal church. It has the clapping and the tambourines and all the trappings of a full choral production. This one is another favorite of mine on the album, she tells it like it is.
"Ballad of the Green Beret" is an old military standard that Dolly performs wonderfully. She is backed up with some great harmony vocals.
"Color Me America" is a song that talks about the colors of Patriotism. She sees red when evil causes blood to spread on the street. Blue brings the shades of grief and sorrow at the sight. White is the light of love. It is a great song.
Bottom line is that this album is pure Dolly. It is a great addition to anyone's collection and has something for everyone. Everything Dolly chooses to do has her unique stamp of God-given talent and this is no exception.
Song List:
Album cover used with permission of Blue Eye Records
Sound clips courtesy of Barnes & Noble.
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