Album cover. Welk Music Group (79756-2) (2003)
|
Dolly Parton
For God and Country Welk Music Group / Blue Eye (79756-2) November 11, 2003
|
Background
Dolly appeared on the June 3, 2003 episode of MWL Star to premiere the music video for "I'm Gone" from here 2002 album, Halos & Horns. In addition to premiering the music video, she announced that she planned to release a new album in the fall titled For God and Country, containing inspirational and patriotic songs. She performed one song from the album, "I'm Gonna Miss You", and "9 to 5". On June 18, Dolly made an appearance at a preview of her Dixie Stampede's new Orlando location, where she performed "Color Me America," which was used as the show's finale. She said she planned to include the song on her next album and that it should be released by September 11. On July 3, she appeared on Good Day Live where she announced that the album had been pushed back to early 2004. That evening she was interviewed on Larry King Live where she said that she planned to tour in 2004 to promote the album and that it would be a larger-scale event, describing it as her first big tour in several years. She also announced two more song titles from the album, "Peace in the Valley" and "Whispering Hope". The following night Dolly headlined the 2003 A Capitol Fourth Independence Day concert. The special aired live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington. She performed two songs from the upcoming album, "Light of a Clear Blue Morning" and "When Johnny Comes Marching Home", in addition to "9 to 5".
Recording
The album was recorded at Two Monkeys Productions in Nashville, Tennessee.
Release and promotion
The album was formally announced by Welk Music Group on August 26, 2003, with the album's release date, artwork, and track listing being revealed.
The album was released November 11, 2003, on CD and cassette.
The album was released November 11, 2003, on CD and cassette.
Singles
The album's first single, "Welcome Home", was released in November 2003, and failed to chart. Its music video was filmed over the January 10–11, 2004 weekend. It was premiered by CMT on February 4.
Light of a Clear Blue Morning" was released as the second single in February 2004. It also failed to chart.
Light of a Clear Blue Morning" was released as the second single in February 2004. It also failed to chart.
Television appearances
Dolly appeared on the September 11, 2003 episode of The John Walsh Show where she performed two new songs that would be included on the album, "Color Me America" and "Brave Little Soldier”.
On November 5, she appeared on The Early Show and performed "Color Me America" and "Welcome Home", which she announced would be the album's first single.
Dolly made an appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman the following evening, where she performed "Red, White and Bluegrass”.
On November 13, Parton appeared on Late Night with Conan O'Brien and performed "Light of a Clear Blue Morning" and "I Will Always Love You”.
Dolly made an appearance on Live with Regis and Kelly on May 7 where she performed "Light of a Clear Blue Morning" and announced that it would be the album's second single. She performed the song again on the May 20 episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, in addition to "9 to 5”.
On November 5, she appeared on The Early Show and performed "Color Me America" and "Welcome Home", which she announced would be the album's first single.
Dolly made an appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman the following evening, where she performed "Red, White and Bluegrass”.
On November 13, Parton appeared on Late Night with Conan O'Brien and performed "Light of a Clear Blue Morning" and "I Will Always Love You”.
Dolly made an appearance on Live with Regis and Kelly on May 7 where she performed "Light of a Clear Blue Morning" and announced that it would be the album's second single. She performed the song again on the May 20 episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, in addition to "9 to 5”.
Critical reception
Brian Mansfield with USA Today gave a mixed review, saying that "Parton apparently saved up all the glitz she left off her recent bluegrass albums for this patriotic collection." He went on to say "the album comes off as her personal USO revue." He concluded by saying that "the album contains enough moving performances to erase any doubts about the sincerity of Parton's intent."
AllMusic's review of the album noted that "after recently recording countrified versions of songs like "Stairway to Heaven", Parton delivers these patriotic songs in a completely straightforward fashion. Other than the inherent twang of her pristine voice, there's little country flavor." The review went on to praise the original songs, saying, "The flag-wavers that fell from Parton's own pen, however, can't help but display the country legend's musical roots, and it's these that are the ultimate standouts."
AllMusic's review of the album noted that "after recently recording countrified versions of songs like "Stairway to Heaven", Parton delivers these patriotic songs in a completely straightforward fashion. Other than the inherent twang of her pristine voice, there's little country flavor." The review went on to praise the original songs, saying, "The flag-wavers that fell from Parton's own pen, however, can't help but display the country legend's musical roots, and it's these that are the ultimate standouts."
Commercial performance
The album debuted and peaked at number 23 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart dated November 29, 2003. It charted for a total of 10 weeks. It also peaked at number 167 on the Billboard 200 chart and number 6 on the Billboard Independent Albums chart.
The album has sold 87,000 copies in the United States as of October 2005.
The album has sold 87,000 copies in the United States as of October 2005.
Personnel
|
|