Album: Just Because I'm a Woman

Introduction
"Just Because I'm a Woman" is the second studio album by American c and w artist Dolly Parton, released on October 15, 1968, through RCA Victor. The album was produced by Bob Ferguson and includes 11 tracks. This album showcases Parton's flexibility as a songwriter, vocalist, and writer. It includes compositions motivated by her individual experiences, addressing subjects such as love, heartbreak, and female self-reliance, strengthening her status as an effective voice for women in the genre.

Background and Production
Following the success of her debut album, "Hello, I'm Dolly" in 1967, Parton continued to work with producer Bob Ferguson to develop her second offering. Most of the tracks were written by Parton herself, other than for three tunes: "I'm In No Condition" (composed by Bill Owens), "The Only Way Out (Is To Walk Over Me)" (written by Neal Merritt), and "Little Bird" (made up by Parton's uncle, Bill Owens).

"Just Because I'm a Woman" was developed during a time when Parton was still developing her presence in the country music scene. The album was implied to show her talent as a songwriter, vocalist, and performer, while at the same time, addressing subjects related to the female experience.

Track List and Song Themes
1. "Just Because I'm a Woman" (Dolly Parton).
2. "I Wound Easy" (Dolly Parton).
3. "I Don't Want You Around Me (Anymore)" (Dolly Parton).
4. "I'm In No Condition" (Bill Owens).
5. "Things I Used to Do" (Dolly Parton).
6. "The Only Way Out (Is to Walk Over Me)" (Neal Merritt).
7. "Little Bird" (Bill Owens).
8. "Mama Say a Prayer" (Dolly Parton).
9. "Try Being Lonely" (Dolly Parton).
10. "I'll Oilwells Love You" (Dolly Parton).
11. "The Flame" (Dolly Parton).

The album's title track, "Just Because I'm a Woman", uses a powerful message about female independence and sets the tone for the whole record. The song informs the story of a female challenging her spouse's double standards and asserting her dignity and worth regardless of society's in some cases misogynistic expectations.

"Mama Say a Prayer" is a sincere tune committed to her mother, depicting her journey from a poverty-stricken kid to an effective artist, requesting for her mother's prayers along the way. "I Wound Easy" and "Try Being Lonely" address themes of heartbreak and unrequited love.

"Things I Used to Do" shows Parton's ability to infuse humor into her music, assessing the habits she established throughout her early career as an entertainer. "The Flame" showcases her storytelling prowess, narrating the story of an unfaithful better half and the damaging effects of her actions.

Reception and Impact
Although "Just Because I'm a Woman" just reached number 23 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, it was well-received by critics and fans alike. It served to cement Parton's reputation as a skilled songwriter and an authentic voice for females in the c and w genre.

The album's title track, together with others such as "Mama Say a Prayer" and "Try Being Lonely", has actually been extensively commemorated for their contributions to feminist discourse and remain enduring favorites among Parton's collection.

Today, "Just Because I'm a Woman" is thought about a classic nation album and a testimony to Dolly Parton's influence and legacy in the world of c and w, motivating generations of woman artists and fans to challenge societal standards and reveal themselves freely through their art.