Hungry Again cover

Hungry Again

Dolly Parton · 1998

41 min · 12 tracks · country music

A vibrant blend of heartfelt narratives and traditional instrumentation, weaving personal stories with classic country charm.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Hungry Again Start here — This title track encapsulates the album's themes of longing and desire, expressed through poignant lyrics and a catchy melody that draws listeners in.
  • →
    The Salt in My Tears — With its emotional depth, this song highlights Parton's storytelling prowess, revealing vulnerability while showcasing her signature vocal style.
  • →
    Blue Valley Songbird — This track stands out for its rich imagery and yearning tone, illustrating Parton's ability to evoke nostalgia and connection to her Appalachian roots.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends traditional country sounds with personal narratives, showcasing strong songwriting and production.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks feature storytelling lyrics that reflect personal experiences, often using vivid imagery to convey emotions.
  • The last three tracks slow down the tempo, creating a contemplative atmosphere as the album concludes.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • heartfelt storytelling experiences
  • reflective and emotional journeys
  • steady, comforting listening sessions
  • intimate late-night reflections

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Marks a strong return to country roots after pop exploration, showcasing enduring talent.
Themes
Appalachian roots· longing for connection· emotional storytelling
Career context
Released in 1998, Hungry Again marked Dolly Parton's return to the country music scene after a brief exploration of pop and adult contemporary styles. This album came shortly after her successful collaboration with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt on Trio II, showcasing her ability to cross genres while reaffirming her roots. It represented a pivotal moment as Parton aimed to reconnect with her core audience.
Stylistic neighbors
Emmylou Harris· Linda Ronstadt· Patsy Cline

Tracklist

  • 1 Hungry Again Start here 3:18
  • 2 The Salt in My Tears 3:49
  • 3 Honky Tonk Songs 4:27
  • 4 Blue Valley Songbird 4:17
  • 5 I Wanna Go Back There 3:02
  • 6 When Jesus Comes Calling for Me 2:45
  • 7 Time and Tears 2:53
  • 8 I’ll Never Say Goodbye 3:10
  • 9 The Camel’s Heart 3:15
  • 10 I Still Lost You 3:33
  • 11 Paradise Road 3:09
  • 12 Shine On 3:58

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata