Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.
All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.
Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student assistant Giuliana (class of 2028) and features Dolly Parton’s 1974 album Jolene. Thanks, Giuliana!
Dolly Parton’s 1974 album, Jolene, is one of my favorites. It is a great set of songs for people that want country with more of a pop feel. I love how Dolly conveys a story in each one, while also making them feel personal in a way through the emotion that she puts into them. For example, “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “Cracker Jack” demonstrate a sample of the versatility within this album. Ranging from pleading, to declarations of love, and then playfulness, the songs relate to the listeners’ feelings and prove that she is a storyteller, not just a songwriter. She tries and succeeds to capture a full spectrum of honest emotions.
I believe this album is a staple and important to take note of because Dolly Parton is one of the most influential and successful female artists of her time. She especially shaped the voice of women in country music, proving that they could be both successful and creatively independent. Her authenticity and uniqueness asserted herself as a woman in a male dominated field, and created a legacy that will influence generations to come. Even today she is setting new standards; in 2022 she was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but to prove to herself that she earned it, she stepped outside of her comfort zone and created a full rock album, a desire that she has had for a long time!
