AOTY 2023

Rockstar

Dolly Parton - Rockstar
Critic Score
Based on 22 reviews
2023 Ratings: #687 / 746
User Score
Based on 112 ratings
2023 Ratings: #1014
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CRITIC REVIEWS

100
American Songwriter
For as much as the record is a tribute to rock and roll, it is as much a testament to Parton’s prestige. Who else could gather so many for a party in honor of the genre?
100
The Skinny
With a flying V guitar hanging from her rhinestoned shoulders and a steaming hot cup of ambition in hand, Dolly Parton expertly crafts an electric collection of collaborative covers and captivating original material on her 49th studio album.
100
Classic Rock

A monumentally hideous, yet strangely glorious album. Some might say it goes up to 11.

80
Evening Standard
She's well and truly earned her devil horns with her first ever rock album.
80
NME
The most positive woman in pop lassoes Paul, Ringo, Miley, er, Kid Rock, and more for an explosively upbeat, 30-song rhinestone rocker.
76
Paste
The country legend’s 49th album boasts some of her funnest work to date and features an all-star lineup of all-time greats.
70
PopMatters

Dolly Parton’s Rockstar is another solid, consistent piece of work that shows the country legend having fun and enjoying herself at this point in her career.

70
AllMusic
A star-studded double album where Dolly attempts every sound under the rock & roll sun.
70
The Irish Times

Rockstar is a waggish nod to the mild controversy that engulfed her last year.

70
The Forty-Five
Joined by a cast of big names spanning decades, country’s most iconic star enters epic new territory.
70
Spill Magazine

What is clear is that Parton had a great deal of fun with Rockstar. It is an opportunity for Parton to show off her still strong vocals and her own takes on some very iconic song ... It is one of those albums that you simply have to hear to appreciate.

60
Mojo

Even if there are moments when Rockstar seems under-amped, you have to admire her chutzpah.

60
The Telegraph
The queen of country’s rock record may sound like overblown karaoke, but Parton’s got the vocal chops – and a sparkling guest list to boot.
60
The Independent
Following her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Parton gathers the stars together for an A-list karaoke party.
60
Slant Magazine
Spanning more than two hours, the album comprises nine original tracks and 21 cover songs.
52
Pitchfork
Dolly Parton’s star-powered, overly reverential, 30-song rock album aims straight down the middle.
50
musicOMH
This 30-track behemoth of a record features an A-list of willing music co-stars who gamely collaborate on a largely AOR covers playlist.
48
Spectrum Culture
Not every piece of pop culture has to be a statement or an artistic leap, but there's just too little that recommends this album.
40
The Observer
There’s more style than substance on this guest-stuffed beast of an album, overshadowing inspired moments with Debbie Harry, Lizzo and more.
40
The Guardian
Country legend’s first rock album is like endless karaoke.
Use_name
30

Who allowed Kid Rock and Lynyrd Skynyrd to be on the same album?

ShoegazeJake
NR

“Ma’am, you don’t need to open your car door to place a drive thru order”

PashaPS_
69

Dolly, you can be anything you want. I confess honestly, I will even accept metal and opera from you.

America's national treasure does not lose her love for life even on her 49th studio album. On the contrary, Dolly does the impossible - only she can call Elton John, Stevie Nicks, Steven Tyler, Paul McCartney, Debbie Harry and Joan Jett at the same time with a request not only to take their song, but also to sing a duet, and get an unequivocal “yes” from everyone.

Of course, it ... read more

McDunken
50

Probably a bad album, but it’s not a bad listen. It’s just too absurd and long to take seriously.

lindmacintosh_
24

Don't get me wrong, I think Dolly is a fantastic person and someone who uses her influence and celebrity status to help others. and it pretty impressive that someone her age still goes hard on alot of tracks. but Jesus alot of this was really lame. Kid Rock? Really? This might make a redneck start waving a lighter with tears in their eyes, but makes me think of doing anything else but. Certainly not the worst country ive heard, but it's still country, which means I dont wanna touch it with a 20 ... read more

NTTR
67

Dolly Parton - Rockstar

Genre: Pop Rock
Country: US

Final Verdict: 67% (Good Album)
Yearly Ranking: 199th / 976

Highlight: What's Up?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ruw0_o-tWzk

Made me think of:
Emmylou Harris
Joan Jett
Shania Twain

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Added on: May 9, 2023