Thursday, 27 October 2022

Dolly Parton - A Holly Dolly Christmas (Ultimate Deluxe Edition)


59 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Buy A Holly Dolly Christmas (Ultimate Deluxe Edition) here (Dolly's store)
Stream A Holly Dolly Christmas (Ultimate Deluxe Edition) here (external link)
Read my original A Holly Dolly Christmas review here

I am all for the trend of artists extending their holiday album campaigns by adding new songs/live tracks for even up to two/three years after the initial release. That is exactly what Dolly Parton has done with her A Holly Dolly Christmas collection. Initially released in 2020, she added some of the exclusive bonus tracks available at different retailers to a Deluxe 2021 edition and this year she has collated those bonus tracks alongside three more new songs and some CD/digital rarities. I mean, what's not to love - it may be a bit of a Christmas raffle of additions but it is almost a whole new album to add to the magic you already had. Don't forget, you can also watch Dolly's Christmas On The Square movie once again this holiday season (on Netflix); and if you are lucky enough to be in England there is a brand new musical - Dolly's Smoky Mountain Christmas - playing in the west end...
  • Three Candles ~ what's not to love about a Dolly ballad, particularly one at the most wonderful time of the year. Essentially just piano and Dolly, some of it is a conversational (if melodic) narrative ("you know me, I'm always wishin'"  feels rather lovely) whilst the lilting chorus is a modern day carol that should (and will) survive through the years for many holiday seasons to come. Sometimes we all need to hear that wishes do come true...
  • The Wish Book ~ Dolly ups the pace somewhat on this peppy, feel good number which expands on the themes of the previous song (sequencing on this album has been excellent). Layered backing vocals make this feel like a convivial sing-along whilst also giving the song a magical quality (those shimmering bells help). There's also some trademark Dolly humour in the lyrics too which always brings a smile to my face
  • Baby It's Cold Outside (w/ Rod Stewart) ~ this classic has had a bad rap over the years due to how the lyrics haven't aged particularly well, but Dolly has never been swayed by such opinions - she revives this recording from Rod's 2004 album and gives the female vocal a confidence that it is often missing. Their combined voices give the song a perspective of mutual flirtation from two grown, consenting adults. 
  • Something Bigger Than Me ~ I'm pretty sure this is a 25 year old song from Annabel's Wish movie but I'm not averse to it being added to this edition. It's a beautiful song of hope and comfort, one that has clearly aged like a fine wine - showing that it was always a timeless classic to begin with. Those strings match Dolly's voice so elegantly and it adds a power to an understated performance.
  • A Smoky Mountain Christmas ~ I suspect this brand new song is from her London musical of the same name (which may well be based on her holiday movie in the early 80s). It has an engaging, theatrical feel to it - setting a scene with a compelling narrative whilst strumming guitar keeps pace with Dolly's mellifluous delivery. It works well as a studio recording but it makes me eager to see how it translates to being a part of a musical cast recording. Lush.
  • I'd Like To Spend Christmas with Santa ~ the second new song has such a fun vibe to it that even the cheesy kids chorus can't mute your enjoyment. And it is because Dolly embraces it; she doesn't do it for a gimmick - it is delivered in a way that makes you believe she is getting as much of the fun factor from it as everyone else. And that is a lovely, non-cyncial place to me. I could do with more of that in my life!
  • Wrapped Up In You ~ the final new song completes the trilogy with a romantic little number that focuses on the redemptive and rewarding power of love. Dolly has always been able to draw out the glimmering sentiment in relationships and here swathes it in a sparkling instrumental. The soaring chorus shines like the brightest star on the tree, with textured vocals that accentuate all the right words. Heavenly.
  • Silent Night ~ there's not always a lot you can do with one of the world's most sung carols; but sometimes all you need is one of your favourite artists singing those oh so familiar words. With a hushed instrumental, it provides comfort in these troubled times - a brief respite where the worries of the world fade away, even if just for the length of time it takes to play the track. And best thing is you can then hit repeat and start a Holly Dolly Christmas all over again. 
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