Dolly Parton – Together You And I (Single Review)
Time – 3:56
Label – Dolly Records/Sony Music Entertainment Limited
Release Date – May 23, 2011 (Digital)
Writer – Dolly Parton
Rating (Out of 10): 7/10
Dolly Parton has never been one to miss a trick. Realising the good country folks are in need of an injection of the feel good factor in tough economic times regarding her new album BETTER DAY the country music icon said “, “I wanted to do an album that would be very uplifting and positive, as well as inspirational”.
‘Together You And I’, the lead off single, certainly lives up those expectations. Parton penned it back in 70’s when it first appeared on the album PORTER ‘n’ DOLLY which was a duet album with Porter Wagoner and was originally released back in March 1974.
The Coat of Many Colors Tennessean songstress reopens her songwriting paint box and refreshes the song with new hues, a quicker tempo and a contemporary sound with the slick country-pop production.
The track gleams right out of the gate with the guitar riffs as Dolly adds: Du-u-u Du-u-u Du-u-u-u-u-u wa Du-u
The opening verse with its words might be tagged as corny, but it is immediate, sweet and has an honest sentiment:
“My love for you is deeper than the depths of any ocean, And as faithful as the stars that grace the night”
With a flawless vocal and continuing in joyful gusto she sings:
“As constant as the sun making its journey through heavens, and we’ll always be together you and I”
Bright harmonies and pedal steel elevate the chorus and with some minor lyrical tweaking to the original score Dolly spreads joyfulness across the canvas:
“Together you and I can stop the rain and make the sunshine / Paint a pretty rainbow brushed with love across the sky/ Together you and I belong like a songbird and a song”
The energy and hopefulness persist as she increases her intensity on the bridge marred by a production that is too forward and a little cluttered which muddy the shades and tarnish Parton’s fragrant words.
Thankfully there is enough musical sunshine to keep the grey skies at bay.
In a few short weeks the UK will once again be saying “Hello Dolly”, when, with sequins sparkling, the 65-year old superstar will burst onto the major stages as fans welcome her back on her Better Day Tour including a return to London’s O2 Arena.
In a few short weeks the UK will once again be saying “Hello Dolly”, when, with sequins sparkling, the 65-year old superstar will burst onto the major stages as fans welcome her back on her Better Day Tour including a return to London’s O2 Arena.
The album is due to drop in Britain on 29 August 2011
Livewire