Album cover. Butterfly / Big Machine (843930095131) (2023)
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Dolly Parton
Rockstar Butterfly / Big Machine (843930095131) November 17, 2023
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HSN edition bonus tracks
31. Mama Never Said (Dolly Parton) 3:47 32. Hit Me with Your Best Shot (Eddie Schwartz) 2:59 33. Rockin' It (Live) (Dolly Parton) 3:06 |
UT limited edition bonus track
31. Rocky Top (Live)* (Felice Bryant, Boudleaux Bryant) 2:55 * Previously released on the 2004 live album Live and Well. |
Download Exclusive Version bonus tracks
31. Two Tickets to Paradise (Eddie Money) 4:42
32. Jolene (featuring Måneskin) (Dolly Parton) 3:12
31. Two Tickets to Paradise (Eddie Money) 4:42
32. Jolene (featuring Måneskin) (Dolly Parton) 3:12
Background
Dolly was nominated for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on February 2, 2022. A little over a month later on March 14, Dolly took to social media to decline her nomination, saying she was "extremely flattered and grateful," but didn’t feel that she had earned it. She went on to say that the nomination had inspired her to "put out a hopefully great rock 'n' roll album at some point in the future." The Hall of Fame responded by saying that she had earned it and that she would remain on the ballot. Dolly stated during a promotional interview for her book Run, Rose, Run, that she had changed her mind and if inducted she would "accept gracefully." The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced Dolly as a member of the Class of 2022 on May 4 alongside Pat Benatar, Duran Duran, Eminem, the Eurythmics, Lionel Richie, and Carly Simon. Dolly said she was "honored and humbled" by the honor. Dollymania was the first to announce that Dolly had begun recording her rock album when they announced on August 15 that she had recorded a song with Sting that was currently being engineered. Dolly announced that she had officially retired from touring in the Rock Hall of Fame special edition of Pollstar magazine in October, saying, "I do not think I will ever tour again, but I do know I'll do special shows here and there, now and then." She went on to announce that work had begun on her rock album, with plans to re-record "Stairway to Heaven" (which she had previously recorded on 2002's Halos & Horns) and that she wanted to collaborate with Ed Sheeran, Heart, Stevie Nicks, and goddaughter Miley Cyrus, among others. She also said she had written a special song titled "Rockin'" to perform at her Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. And that it would likely be recorded for inclusion on the album. Dolly was officially inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on November 5 by P!nk, and then proudly exclaimed, "I'm a Rockstar now!" P!nk and Brandi Carlile performed "Coat of Many Colors", followed by a rendition of "9 to 5" by Zac Brown Band and Sheryl Crow. Dolly returned to the stage and performed her original song "Rockin'". The evening closed with an all-rockstar performance of "Jolene" by Dolly, P!nk, Annie Lennox, Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran, Rob Halford, Sheryl Crow, Brandi Carlile, Pat Benatar and more.
Dolly rang in the New Year with goddaughter Miley Cyrus as they co-hosted the festivities on NBC where they performed "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" and a mash-up of "Wrecking Ball" and "I Will Always Love You" before closing out the evening with "Walking After Midnight" and "Jolene". Dolly told USA Today in January 2023 that she had Elton John, Paul McCartney, Miley Cyrus, Steven Tyler, and Joan Jett slated to appear on her rock album in addition to Stevie Nicks on a cover of Nicks' "What Has Rock 'n' Roll Ever Done for Me", John Fogerty on "Long as I Can See the Light", Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran on "My Blue Tears", Steve Perry on "Open Arms", P!nk and Brandi Carlile on "(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction" (and that she was still hoping for Mick Jagger to join them), and that she would hopefully get Cher and Annie Lenox on "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)". Later that month Jimmy Buffet posted a photo of himself with Dolly, Emmylou Harris, and Sheryl Crow which suggested that they would all feature on Dolly's upcoming rock album. Pat Benatar also posted about finishing her duet with Dolly on a song she described as her favorite of all-time. In mid-March, Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx tweeted about his participation on a song for the album. On March 29, Garth Brooks and Dolly were announced as the hosts for the ACM Awards to be held on May 11, where Dolly would debut the lead single from her upcoming rock album. Dolly announced the single would be titled "World on Fire" during a Good Morning America appearance on April 25. Two days later on April 27, Dolly announced that the album would be released in November and that she had not been able to collaborate with Mick Jagger for the project.
Dolly rang in the New Year with goddaughter Miley Cyrus as they co-hosted the festivities on NBC where they performed "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" and a mash-up of "Wrecking Ball" and "I Will Always Love You" before closing out the evening with "Walking After Midnight" and "Jolene". Dolly told USA Today in January 2023 that she had Elton John, Paul McCartney, Miley Cyrus, Steven Tyler, and Joan Jett slated to appear on her rock album in addition to Stevie Nicks on a cover of Nicks' "What Has Rock 'n' Roll Ever Done for Me", John Fogerty on "Long as I Can See the Light", Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran on "My Blue Tears", Steve Perry on "Open Arms", P!nk and Brandi Carlile on "(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction" (and that she was still hoping for Mick Jagger to join them), and that she would hopefully get Cher and Annie Lenox on "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)". Later that month Jimmy Buffet posted a photo of himself with Dolly, Emmylou Harris, and Sheryl Crow which suggested that they would all feature on Dolly's upcoming rock album. Pat Benatar also posted about finishing her duet with Dolly on a song she described as her favorite of all-time. In mid-March, Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx tweeted about his participation on a song for the album. On March 29, Garth Brooks and Dolly were announced as the hosts for the ACM Awards to be held on May 11, where Dolly would debut the lead single from her upcoming rock album. Dolly announced the single would be titled "World on Fire" during a Good Morning America appearance on April 25. Two days later on April 27, Dolly announced that the album would be released in November and that she had not been able to collaborate with Mick Jagger for the project.
Recording
The album was recorded between late 2022 and May 2023, primarily at three studios in Nashville, Tennessee: Kent Wells Productions, Sound Stage Studios, and Starstruck Studios. Additional recording took place at various other studios listed below.
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Release and promotion
The album was released November 17, 2023, on CD, LP, cassette, and digital download.
Singles
"World on Fire" was released as the album's lead single on May 11, 2023. Dolly performed the song live for the first time at the 59th Academy of Country Music Awards the same day. This performance also serves as the song's official music video. The song peaked at number one on the Billboard Rock Digital Song Sales chart, number three on the Billboard Country Digital Song Sales chart, number four on the Billboard Digital Song Sales chart, number 21 on the Billboard Hot Rock Songs chart, and number 26 on the Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. It also peaked at number 78 on the UK Official Singles Download Chart and number 81 on the UK Official Singles Sales Chart.
"Bygones" featuring Rob Halford and "Magic Man" featuring Ann Wilson were released as a double A-side single on June 16. “Bygones” peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Hard Rock Digital Song sales chart, while “Magic Man” reached number 25 on the Billboard Rock Digital Song Sales chart.
"We Are the Champions / We Will Rock You" was released as the album's fourth single on July 21. While the song failed to impact any Billboard charts, a music video was released to tie-in with the upcoming 2024 Olympics Games. A clip of the music video premiered July 27 on Today with the full video being uploaded to YouTube later that day.
The album's fifth single, "Let It Be" featuring Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, was released on August 18. The single peaked at number two on the Billboard Rock Digital Song Sale chart, number 15 on the Billboard Country Digital Song Sales chart, and reached number 22 on the Billboard Digital Song Sales chart.
"What’s Up?" featuring Linda Perry was released as the album's sixth single on September 22. It peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Rock Digital Song Sales chart. The song's music video was directed by Steve Summers and premiered on CMT and YouTube alongside the single's release. The clip was filmed at Eakin Elementary School in downtown Nashville on one the hottest days of the year.
The seventh single from the album, "Wrecking Ball" featuring Miley Cyrus, was released on October 20. It peaked at number six on the Billboard Rock Digital Song Sales chart and number 13 on the Billboard Country Digital Song Sales chart. It also peaked at number 93 on the UK Official Singles Download chart.
"Bygones" featuring Rob Halford and "Magic Man" featuring Ann Wilson were released as a double A-side single on June 16. “Bygones” peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Hard Rock Digital Song sales chart, while “Magic Man” reached number 25 on the Billboard Rock Digital Song Sales chart.
"We Are the Champions / We Will Rock You" was released as the album's fourth single on July 21. While the song failed to impact any Billboard charts, a music video was released to tie-in with the upcoming 2024 Olympics Games. A clip of the music video premiered July 27 on Today with the full video being uploaded to YouTube later that day.
The album's fifth single, "Let It Be" featuring Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, was released on August 18. The single peaked at number two on the Billboard Rock Digital Song Sale chart, number 15 on the Billboard Country Digital Song Sales chart, and reached number 22 on the Billboard Digital Song Sales chart.
"What’s Up?" featuring Linda Perry was released as the album's sixth single on September 22. It peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Rock Digital Song Sales chart. The song's music video was directed by Steve Summers and premiered on CMT and YouTube alongside the single's release. The clip was filmed at Eakin Elementary School in downtown Nashville on one the hottest days of the year.
The seventh single from the album, "Wrecking Ball" featuring Miley Cyrus, was released on October 20. It peaked at number six on the Billboard Rock Digital Song Sales chart and number 13 on the Billboard Country Digital Song Sales chart. It also peaked at number 93 on the UK Official Singles Download chart.
Critical reception
The album was met with positive to mixed reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from professional publications, it was given an average rating of 66 based on 17 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews."
Jacob Uitti of American Songwriter gave the album 5 out of 5 stars, saying, "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? Indeed, the album is a show for the ages, a show for one and all. Standing ovation." Stephen Dalton at Classic Rock Magazine also gave the album a perfect score, calling it "a monumentally hideous, yet strangely glorious album." Jack Faulds reviewed the album for The Skinny and also gave it 5 out of 5 stars. He said, "The queen of Dollywood has more than earned her place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with this stupidly fun and over-the-top love letter to the genre." Writing for NME, Jordan Basset gave the album 4 out of 5 stars, saying that "despite the odd unfortunate guest, Rockstar is as bursting with life and positivity as the woman who made it." Elizabeth Braaten at Paste Magazine rated the album 7.6 out of 10. She said, "Throughout the...project, Parton’s original tracks (including "World on Fire", a stadium-ready stomp-stomp-clap protest anthem) and faithful renditions of classic rock favorites help her get the band back together for one last encore shine through. At age 77, Dolly Parton sounds fresh, brand new and like she's having the time of her life." John gentile at PunkNews.org rated the album 3.5 out of 5 stars, saying that "for the most part, Dolly sounds great–her personality pouring through effortlessly, as well as her masterful way to inhabit a song without making it a caricature." Stephen Thomas Erlewine from AllMusic gave the record 3.5 out of 5 stars, saying, "By the time Rockstar reaches "Free Bird", the party has been rolling on for two hours and is starting to feel a little tired – it doesn't help that Parton is duetting with the ghost of Ronnie Van Zant, either – but that doesn't erase the good spirits created by the rest of the record." In a review for PopMatters, Peter Piatkowski rated the album 7 out of 10. He called it "another solid, consistent piece of work that shows the country legend having fun and enjoying herself at this point in her career."
In a mixed review for The Telegraph, Neil McCormick gave the album 3 out of 5 stars. He felt that the "nine originals interspersed with the overfamiliar classics indicate a songwriter’s fascination with rock form, but only "I Want You Back" justifies its position nestled between so many inarguable classics." Jon Dolan at Rolling Stone gave a mixed review of the record, saying that "Dolly's warmth, up-for-anything spirit, and common touch bring almost everything she does endearingly down to earth, and at 77, she's able to hold her own and work well with every heavy hitter who rolls through." He went on to say that "the new material struggles to get noticed amid all of the classic-rock fireworks. It also might've been nice if more songs had been culled from her own story." Helen Brown gave a mixed review in The Independent. She felt that the album is "so long that it can feel like a bit of a slog." Mojo gave a mixed review of the album, concluding that "even if there are moments when Rockstar seems under-amped, you have to admire her chutzpah." Dana Poland at Slant Magazine rated the album 3 out of 5 stars. She said, "To her credit, Parton still manages to make Rockstar sound and feel like a Dolly Parton album, thanks in large part to her distinctive twang. She and producer Kent Wells make some subtle changes to these songs, like a richer and deeper piano tone on Elton John's "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" and denser lead guitar on "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction", though more inventive arrangements would have distinguished these versions from the originals." Allison Hussey at Pitchfork rated the album 5.2 out of 10, describing it as "a dense and star-studded collection that sounds like the millennium's most expensive karaoke party." Sam Shepherd gave a mixed review for musicOHM.com, rating the record 2.5 out of 5 stars. He felt that the album is "at heart, a well meaning, fun spirited album. It just pushes the joke just too far. There’s still time for her to make a great rock record, but this isn’t it." Writing for The Observer, Kitty Empire gave the album 2 out of 5 stars, calling the album "both a savvy commercial package and a fudged artistic opportunity." Alexis Petridis at The Guardian also rated the album 2 out of 5 stars. He felt that the album "might have got away with the obviousness of its material if it had opted to do something interesting with it, but virtually every cover here seems to have been made as close to the original version as possible."
Jacob Uitti of American Songwriter gave the album 5 out of 5 stars, saying, "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? Indeed, the album is a show for the ages, a show for one and all. Standing ovation." Stephen Dalton at Classic Rock Magazine also gave the album a perfect score, calling it "a monumentally hideous, yet strangely glorious album." Jack Faulds reviewed the album for The Skinny and also gave it 5 out of 5 stars. He said, "The queen of Dollywood has more than earned her place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with this stupidly fun and over-the-top love letter to the genre." Writing for NME, Jordan Basset gave the album 4 out of 5 stars, saying that "despite the odd unfortunate guest, Rockstar is as bursting with life and positivity as the woman who made it." Elizabeth Braaten at Paste Magazine rated the album 7.6 out of 10. She said, "Throughout the...project, Parton’s original tracks (including "World on Fire", a stadium-ready stomp-stomp-clap protest anthem) and faithful renditions of classic rock favorites help her get the band back together for one last encore shine through. At age 77, Dolly Parton sounds fresh, brand new and like she's having the time of her life." John gentile at PunkNews.org rated the album 3.5 out of 5 stars, saying that "for the most part, Dolly sounds great–her personality pouring through effortlessly, as well as her masterful way to inhabit a song without making it a caricature." Stephen Thomas Erlewine from AllMusic gave the record 3.5 out of 5 stars, saying, "By the time Rockstar reaches "Free Bird", the party has been rolling on for two hours and is starting to feel a little tired – it doesn't help that Parton is duetting with the ghost of Ronnie Van Zant, either – but that doesn't erase the good spirits created by the rest of the record." In a review for PopMatters, Peter Piatkowski rated the album 7 out of 10. He called it "another solid, consistent piece of work that shows the country legend having fun and enjoying herself at this point in her career."
In a mixed review for The Telegraph, Neil McCormick gave the album 3 out of 5 stars. He felt that the "nine originals interspersed with the overfamiliar classics indicate a songwriter’s fascination with rock form, but only "I Want You Back" justifies its position nestled between so many inarguable classics." Jon Dolan at Rolling Stone gave a mixed review of the record, saying that "Dolly's warmth, up-for-anything spirit, and common touch bring almost everything she does endearingly down to earth, and at 77, she's able to hold her own and work well with every heavy hitter who rolls through." He went on to say that "the new material struggles to get noticed amid all of the classic-rock fireworks. It also might've been nice if more songs had been culled from her own story." Helen Brown gave a mixed review in The Independent. She felt that the album is "so long that it can feel like a bit of a slog." Mojo gave a mixed review of the album, concluding that "even if there are moments when Rockstar seems under-amped, you have to admire her chutzpah." Dana Poland at Slant Magazine rated the album 3 out of 5 stars. She said, "To her credit, Parton still manages to make Rockstar sound and feel like a Dolly Parton album, thanks in large part to her distinctive twang. She and producer Kent Wells make some subtle changes to these songs, like a richer and deeper piano tone on Elton John's "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" and denser lead guitar on "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction", though more inventive arrangements would have distinguished these versions from the originals." Allison Hussey at Pitchfork rated the album 5.2 out of 10, describing it as "a dense and star-studded collection that sounds like the millennium's most expensive karaoke party." Sam Shepherd gave a mixed review for musicOHM.com, rating the record 2.5 out of 5 stars. He felt that the album is "at heart, a well meaning, fun spirited album. It just pushes the joke just too far. There’s still time for her to make a great rock record, but this isn’t it." Writing for The Observer, Kitty Empire gave the album 2 out of 5 stars, calling the album "both a savvy commercial package and a fudged artistic opportunity." Alexis Petridis at The Guardian also rated the album 2 out of 5 stars. He felt that the album "might have got away with the obviousness of its material if it had opted to do something interesting with it, but virtually every cover here seems to have been made as close to the original version as possible."
Commercial performance
Rockstar debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 chart with 128,000 album equivalent units (of which 118,500 were traditional album sales, 8,000 were streaming equivalent albums, and 1,500 were track equivalent albums). This peak is Dolly's highest placement and third top 10 album on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart. It is also her biggest sales week in the modern Soundscan era, besting 1993's Slow Dancing with the Moon which sold 50,500 copies in its second week. The album peaked at number one on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart, the Billboard Top Rock & Alternative Albums chart, the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, the Billboard Top Album Sales chart, the Billboard Top Current Album Sales chart, and the Billboard Independent Album Sales chart. The album peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart.
The album also saw success across Europe, peaking at number two on the Scottish Albums chart and the Swiss Albums chart, number five on the UK Albums chart, number 17 on the Dutch Albums chart, number 18 on the German Albums chart, number 59 on the Belgian Albums chart, and number 70 on the Irish Albums chart.
The album peaked at number 16 on the Australian Albums chart, number three on the Australian Country Albums chart, and number 12 on he New Zealand Albums chart.
The album also saw success across Europe, peaking at number two on the Scottish Albums chart and the Swiss Albums chart, number five on the UK Albums chart, number 17 on the Dutch Albums chart, number 18 on the German Albums chart, number 59 on the Belgian Albums chart, and number 70 on the Irish Albums chart.
The album peaked at number 16 on the Australian Albums chart, number three on the Australian Country Albums chart, and number 12 on he New Zealand Albums chart.
Personnel
Credits are adapted from the album liner notes and Apple Music. To view credits by song title click here.
Performance
- Dolly Parton – lead vocals
Featured artists
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Special guests
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Background vocals
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Musicians
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Production
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Other personnel
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Alternate covers
Releases
FORMAT / TITLE / LABEL & CATALOG # / REGION / RELEASE DATE
- 2xCD / Rockstar / Butterfly; Big Machine 843930095131 / Various / 11-17-2023*
- 2xCD / Rockstar / Butterfly; Big Machine 843930098835 / Various / 11-17-2023 (UT limited edition with one bonus track)
- 2xCD / Rockstar / Butterfly; Big Machine 843930098842 / Various / 11-17-2023 (HSN edition with three bonus tracks)
- 2xCD / Rockstar / Butterfly; Big Machine / Texas & Oklahoma / 11-17-2023 (Dallas Cowboys alternate cover)
- 4xLP / Rockstar / Butterfly; Big Machine / Various / 11-17-2023 (Standard cover; black)
- 4xLP / Rockstar / Butterfly; Big Machine / Various / 11-17-2023 (Standard cover; clear; Dolly's website)*
- 4xLP / Rockstar / Butterfly; Big Machine 843930095308 / Various / 11-17-2023 (Standard cover; opaque metallic gold; Target)
- 4xLP / Rockstar / Butterfly; Big Machine / Various / 11-17-2023 (Alt cover 1; opaque deep purple; independent record stores; limited)
- 4xLP / Rockstar / Butterfly; Big Machine / Various / 11-17-2023 (Alt cover 1; opaque white; Vinyl Me, Please; limited 1,000 copies)
- 4xLP / Rockstar / Butterfly; Big Machine / Various / 11-17-2023 (Alt cover 1; opaque metallic silver; Walmart - US; HMV - UK)
- 4xLP / Rockstar / Butterfly; Big Machine / Various / 11-17-2023 (Alt cover 2; clear red; Dolly's website)*
- 4xLP / Rockstar / Butterfly; Big Machine / US / 11-17-2023 / (Alt cover 2; clear smoky; Rock Hall of Fame)
- 4xLP / Rockstar / Butterfly; Big Machine / US / 11-17-2023 (Alt cover 2; black; Dollywood)
- 4xLP / Rockstar / Butterfly; Big Machine / Various / 11-17-2023 (Alt cover 3; opaque pink; Amazon)
- 4xLP / Rockstar / Butterfly; Big Machine / Various / 11-17-2023 (Alt cover 3; clear blue; Barnes & Noble)
- 2xCassette / Rockstar / Butterfly; Big Machine / Various / 11-17-2023 (TalkShopLive exclusive, Alt cover)
- Digital download / Rockstar / Butterfly; Big Machine / Various / 11-17-2023
- Digital download / Rockstar (Download Exclusive Version) / Butterfly; Big Machine / Various / 11-19-2023 (Alt cover 2; Dolly's website exclusive with two bonus tracks)
- Streaming / Rockstar / Butterfly; Big Machine / Various / 11-17-2023
*Also released in bundles via Dolly's official store which includes a t-shirt and sticker housed in a Rockstar road case box.