Album: Blue Smoke

Overview
"Blue Smoke" is the 42nd studio album by American country music icon, Dolly Parton. It was launched in Australia and New Zealand in January 2014, followed by an around the world release in May 2014. The album is a compilation of 12 tracks, consisting of new material, covers of old classics, and re-recorded versions of some of Parton's formerly launched tunes. The album received mainly positive evaluations from critics who valued its blend of traditional c and w, infusion of gospel aspects, and sincere storytelling. "Blue Smoke" attained industrial success, reaching top positions in various music charts and making a gold accreditation in the UK.

Production and Musical Style
"Blue Smoke" was produced by Parton herself, in addition to Kent Wells, a manufacturer and guitarist who has been working extensively with Parton throughout her career. The album has a diverse mix of musical styles like country, bluegrass, gospel, and pop. Parton's unique voice finishes each tune with a strong sense of emotion and credibility.

The album opens with the title track, "Blue Smoke", a catchy, positive tune including train noises and Parton's famous nation twang. The tune sets the tone for the record, diving deep into bluegrass and traditional nation. Throughout the album, Parton pays homage to her country and gospel roots. "Banks of the Ohio" and "If I Had Wings" display te blend of those elements.

Cooperations
"Blue Smoke" also features multiple cooperations with other artists. On the track "You Can't Make Old Friends", Parton reunites with fellow country legend Kenny Rogers. The song, at first taped by Rogers for his 2013 album, was re-recorded for "Blue Smoke". The pair's harmony communicates the genuine message of treasuring lasting relationships.

Another noteworthy cooperation is with bluegrass artist and singer Alison Krauss and her band Union Station on the track "From Here to the Moon and Back". Initially written for the 2012 film "Joyful Noise", this version provides a new take on the love ballad, underscoring the romantic lyrics with consistencies from Krauss.

Significant Tracks
A number of tracks on "Blue Smoke" especially stand apart for their storytelling and Parton's emotive efficiency. One such song is "Miss You, Miss Me", a heart-wrenching ballad about the struggles faced by children experiencing their moms and dads' divorce. Parton's poignant lyrics and strong vocal performance successfully convey the tune's psychological message.

Another noteworthy track is Parton's cover of Bon Jovi's "Lay Your Hands on Me". This gospel-infused performance showcases her distinct capability to put a nation spin on a rock classic while keeping its core essence. Additionally, it highlights her flexibility as a musician.

Important Reception and Chart Performance
"Blue Smoke" received usually favorable reviews from music critics. Some commended it as a lively album that remains true to Parton's country and gospel roots while mixing modern noises. Others kept in mind that Parton's voice has aged well and still carries the same power and feeling as it did decades back.

Commercially, "Blue Smoke" carried out well in different markets. It debuted at number 6 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and number 2 on the UK Albums Chart. In the United Kingdom, it was licensed gold for sales going beyond 100,000 copies. This album also performed strongly in Australia, where it reached number 7 on the ARIA Albums Chart.

Overall, "Blue Smoke" stands as a testimony to Dolly Parton's enduring skill, her capability to touch listeners' hearts, and her continued influence on the c and w scene.