Dolly Parton
Pure & Simple
(RCA Records Label Nashville)

The sweet shuffle of “Pure and Simple,” about the pure and simple wonderfulness of good love, opens Dolly Parton’s 43^rd solo album, Pure & Simple. This 10-song album (a 10-song greatest hits second disc is packaged with the Walmart and international editions) began from some intimate shows Dolly performed at the famous Ryman Auditorium a year ago. From there, the 70-year-old country legend figured she’d present this stripped-down record and a tour to promote it.

It’s on the tunes where it’s pretty much only Dolly, a simple backing of acoustic guitars and fiddle or pedal steel where this record (and actually Dolly’s performances) work best for me. “Can’t Be That Wrong” is a starkly-put tune about cheating. I love this idea coming from a strong female’s point of view. “Forever Love” has Dolly declaring her love over sweet strings and picked acoustic with probably her best vocals here. The ballad “Mama” presents a tribute to mothers with just Dolly and a piano. “Outside Your Door” has organ and drums leading over the full band mix, about a woman ready, willing, and needing what she so obviously needs from her man. “Head Over High Heels” is sassy-chick-acting-like-a-peacock-to-get-her-man tune with a singable chorus. “Forever Love” has Dolly declaring her love over sweet strings and picked acoustic, probably her best vocals here. “Lovin’ You” ends Pure & Simple with its harmony vocals, pedal steel, and simple snare hits.

Dolly Parton is a legend and Pure & Simple, with its simply brilliant songwriting (and don’t forget that second disc of greatest hits!), proves once again why she is.