Dolly Parton has a new album coming out in November that’s a compilation of classic rock covers as well as new songs, called Rockstar. I wasn’t so sure about the concept, even though I love Dolly, because I’m not sure it plays to her strengths as a performer. But she just released her version of the Beatles classic “Let It Be”, recorded with Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Pete Frampton, and Mick Fleetwood. And it blew me away. Paul harmonizes with Dolly beautifully.
Dolly Parton is now an honorary member of the Fab Four.
The country icon reunited the two living Beatles, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, for a moving cover of the band’s 1970 classic “Let It Be.” Parton puts a gravelly, blues-rock spin on the wistful ballad, which features gentle harmonies from McCartney and a scorching guitar solo from Peter Frampton.
“Well, does it get any better than singing ‘Let It Be’ with Paul McCartney who wrote the song?” Parton said in a statement. “Not only that, he played piano! Well, it did get even better when Ringo Starr joined in on drums, Peter Frampton on guitar and Mick Fleetwood playing percussion. I mean, seriously, how much better does it get? Thanks guys!”
The track comes from Parton’s upcoming album “Rockstar” (out Nov. 17), which features a mix of covers and original songs, and features A-list guests Elton John, Pink, Miley Cyrus, Sting, and many more.
This song really plays to Dolly’s natural style of singing and delivery, and I also believe that it’s meaningful to her because Dolly has often talked about the importance of her faith. And so I think the lyrics resonate with her, and you can feel that coming through in her performance. To me the production style is a little bit “generic arena rock” but it still works. And I like how Dolly slightly changes the melody of the song to better suit her own style. Hearing her sing this song almost made me cry. It’s one of the best songs that the Beatles ever did and Dolly has made it her own–which is something only a legend like her could do.
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