Dolly Parton: Jolene

Dolly Parton's "Jolene" on VMP: Style Over Sonic Substance

"Jolene" stands as one of Dolly Parton's most recognizable and enduring hit singles, serving as the title track for her thirteenth solo studio album. Released during Parton's pivotal transition from Porter Wagoner's weekly TV series and road show to a fully independent career, this album represents an important milestone in her artistic evolution.

Musical Context
While the album contains several noteworthy tracks, none quite match the raw emotional power and vocal intensity of "Jolene" itself. The album's second single, "I Will Always Love You," also reached number one on the country charts and arguably features Parton's most affecting lyrics on the record. In the context of Parton's extensive discography, "Jolene" ranks among her top five albums, though "Coat of Many Colors" remains her definitive artistic statement.

The Vinyl Me, Please Edition
The Vinyl Me, Please offering of "Jolene" functions essentially as an exclusive retailer edition, similar to special pressings occasionally available through mass merchants like Walmart and Target. Following VMP's typical approach, this reissue features colored vinyl (blue in this case) manufactured by the original rights holder—Sony Music Entertainment under the RCA label, with Memphis Record Pressing handling production.

Manufacturing Quality
The physical manufacturing quality meets acceptable standards, with the blue vinyl presenting well visually with minimal pressing defects. However, the sonic presentation proves decidedly average, delivering sound quality indistinguishable from standard black vinyl editions released through Sony/RCA. The overall audio experience feels uninspired and somewhat flat—characteristics typical of records mastered at GZ Media.
The soundstage lacks depth, with instruments and vocals occupying a somewhat two-dimensional space. Detail retrieval remains adequate but unexceptional, failing to reveal nuances in Parton's performances or the accompanying instrumentation. Dynamic range similarly meets basic expectations without delivering the engaging contrasts that premium pressings can achieve.

The Collector Appeal
The primary selling point for this edition clearly centers on its packaging and collector appeal rather than sonic excellence. Released in 2019 as a "limited edition," it follows the industry trend of stretching the definition of "limited"—VMP subsequently issued a purple vinyl variant in November 2023, suggesting these special editions will continue as long as demand exists.

VMP's business model focuses on offering distinctive collectible editions with minimal additional investment in sound quality improvement. Colored vinyl and exclusive packaging drive the premium pricing rather than enhanced mastering or audiophile-grade pressing quality.

The Vinyl Verdict
For collectors prioritizing visual appeal and variant collecting, this VMP edition provides an attractive option, albeit at a premium price point. However, audiophiles seeking a revelatory listening experience of Parton's classic album would be better served looking elsewhere.

While this pressing might serve admirably as a conversation piece or display item, it fails to deliver the "wow factor" that justifies its elevated cost on sonic merits alone. Listeners must decide whether the aesthetic appeal and presumed collectibility outweigh the unremarkable sound quality when considering this particular pressing of Parton's iconic album. 💸

💰 Invest
 💵 Consider
💸 Pass