Dolly Parton Album: “For God and Country”

I absolutely love Dolly Parton from the old stuff right on up through Halos & Horns, and that's why I laid down my money for this one. Everything Dolly touches turns to gold, and though I was a little hesitant about the patriotic cover songs, I know she has the ability to turn overplayed songs into something beautiful (i.e. Stairway to Heaven on Halos & Horns), and I was sure this would be no exception. Sadly, this is the cheesiest bunch of crap I've heard in a long time. The USO style of the album complete with canned laughter and hokey jokes is actually painful to listen to considering what I'm used to hearing from Dolly. I know she loves God and is very patriotic, but I'm not accustomed to commercialism being her style. I'm sure this album could have gotten the same message across and been something truly beautiful, but unfortunately it has failed miserably. 'Light of a Clear Blue Morning,' 'Welcome Home' and the remake of the gospel song 'There Will Peace In The Valley For Me' are the only tracks that make me give this album even one star. I hope this is just a temporary leave of absence from the talent I've grown to expect from Dolly, and that her next offering will more along the lines of her last few albums. As for anyone still wanting to buy this album after my scathing review, I'd be more than happy to sell you my copy at a much reduced price...

Ok not all of the album is great but most of it is!

And First Things First DOLLY IS NOT CASHING IN ON THE WAR!

She is doing this because she has always wanted to do a patriotic

album and now was a good time to do it. She even had it planned out before the Sept 11 Attacks.

BUT Without dollys songs on this album this CD Would have been a pure failer!

Anyways now on to the music.

The Lord is my sheperd (C+) is not that bad I only listen to the first verse of the song and skip the rest of the talking.

Star Spangled Banner (B+) is nice with dollys strong vocals it seems as if it was her own song

God Bless The USA (I)Is a problem It is far overproduced Just like all the other modern country music today. But She holds a long note at the end

Light Of A Clear Blue Morning (B-) is pretty good but the introduction at the beggining is so annoying when you relay the song over and over again

When Johnny Comes Marching Home (A-) Is one of the better songs on the album. It was Re-aranged by dolly and has a second verse written by dolly

Welcome Home (A+)Is even better

Gee Ma I Wanna Go Home (A-) Is the funniest song on the album. She tells jokes about her two secret weapons of mass destraction "shock 'n all" And it has 2 new verses about sadam and his mother, it his halarios

Whispering Hope (A) Is pretty amazing I have never heard dolly's voice go that high and sound that way before

There will be peace in the valley for me (B+)

Red White And Bluegrass (A-) Is good foot stomping fun and it's written by dolly. But it sounds alot better when she sings it live!

My Country Tiss (I OR F) I hate to be so mean to this song but not all of it works out. Sorry but the beggining for some reason is the best part and slowly turns into a mess at the end

Im Gonna Miss You (A+)Is one of the most sad songs dolly has ever written. I also love the arangements to it

Go To Hell (B) A True Standout

Ballad Of The Green Beret (A-)Is A Good Song But I Cant Think Of Anything To Say About The Song exept for the haunting ending and the once again annoying intro to the song

Brave Little Soldier (A++++) MY ABSOLUTE FAVEORITE SONG ON THE ALBUM! It sounds so sad, so alone, so haunting, so erie, so happy all at the same time. And yes it was written by dolly.

Tie A Yellow Ribbon (A+) I never actually though that this song would work in a bluegrass version but it dose and the results are great

Color Me America (A) Another True standout written by dolly. and she holds a couple long notes in the song

Overall Its A Good Album but not as good as her greatest work ever: HALOS AND HORNS, LITTLE SPARROW, THE GRASS IS BLUE, HUNGRY AGAIN.

So I Would Recomend it to almost anyone who likes great music

I also recomend LIVE AND WELL and her new release THOSE WERE THE DAYS!

This album is very touching. Some of it is different with Dolly talking between each song, but it works. One can tell that Dolly wanted to do this project and leave it for all American's to enjoy. If you can't find at least 2 songs to enjoy on this CD, then one has to wonder if you are a true fan of Dolly or her original music. The songs she has written for this CD is a testiment to why she is in the National Songwriters Hall of Fame.

After "Hungry Again," "The Grass Is Blue," "Little Sparrow," and "Halos & Horns," an amazing burst of creativity in her last four original releases, Dolly gets thematically patriotic in "For God & Country." She wears the same outfit she had on for the 2003 4th of July celebration at the Capitol in Washington D.C. She looks and sounds as great as ever. The long talking introductions somewhat distracted for me for repeated listening. However, a couple of these tracks sound better than I've ever heard them. "My Country 'Tis," her version of "My Country Tis of Thee," is energetic and bubbles with Gary Davis' bluegrass banjo. It's an amazingly joyful ditty. I also thoroughly enjoy Dolly's dusting of Staff Sergeant Barry Sadler's 1966 hit, "Ballad of the Green Beret." Its march-like percussion and beautiful melody are made to shine with Dolly's careful rendering. Dolly's updating of "Gee, Ma, I Wanna Go Home" with Sadam lyrics is a hoot. Dolly's "Light of a Clear Blue Morning" that was on her 1977 "New Harvest...First Gathering" set is done well here and fits well into the theme. Like few entertainers, Dolly has the ability to touch our hearts and inspire us even in the most difficult times. Enjoy!

I have been a Dolly fan forever, and I can honestly say that every single song made me feel something unique. She is such a musical genius. Her voice soars high above any singer there is around today. Sit down and think of every female singer you have heard sing in the last 30 or so years - then compare it to the power, emotion, strength, angelicness and pure joy in Dolly's absolutely fantastic, amazing, breathtaking, astounding, bewildering, emotional, powerful voice.

A little woman with a MASSIVE voice.

Buy this CD or I guarantee you will live the rest of your life wondering what experience you are missing out on by not grabbing this musical masterpiece!

Dolly is the most talented, beautiful, emotional, intelligent human being on this planet.