Once More
Dolly Parton · 1970
24 min · 10 tracks · country music
A heartfelt blend of country storytelling and gospel-infused melodies that echo the simplicity of life's emotional truths.
Top tracks — play these first
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Daddy Was an Old Time Preacher Man Start here — This opening track encapsulates the album's themes of familial love and nostalgia, with Parton's storytelling painting a vivid picture of her upbringing.
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One Day at a Time — This song reflects a poignant message about living in the moment, displaying both vulnerability and strength in its lyrics and delivery.
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I Know You’re Married but I Love You Still — This track dives into complex emotions surrounding love and longing, showcasing Parton's ability to convey deep feelings within her narratives.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong storytelling and vocal performances, with effective pacing and emotional depth.
What we noticed
- Several tracks feature prominent harmonies, particularly in the choruses, emphasizing emotional connections between the lyrics and melodies.
- The last three tracks gradually slow down, creating a reflective conclusion that contrasts with the more upbeat opening.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 with warmth
- short tracks for quick listens
- concise narrative progression
- intimate moments of reflection
- for evening relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer long, sprawling albums
- seek high-energy party tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Elevated Dolly's status in country music, building on previous successes.
- Themes
- familial nostalgia· small-town preacher life· everyday resilience
- Moods
- Nostalgic· Introspective
- Career context
- In 1970, Dolly Parton was solidifying her position as a prominent voice in country music, following the success of her previous collaborations with Porter Wagoner. 'Once More' came after their hit album 'Just Between You and Me,' showcasing Parton's growing artistry and emotional depth. This album marked an evolution in her sound, as she began to incorporate more personal themes into her songwriting.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Emmylou Harris· Linda Ronstadt· Patsy Cline
Tracklist
- 1 Daddy Was an Old Time Preacher Man Start here 3:00
- 2 I Know You’re Married but I Love You Still 2:21
- 3 Thoughtfulness 2:24
- 4 Fight and Scratch 2:32
- 5 Before Our Weakness Gets Too Strong 2:37
- 6 Once More 2:29
- 7 One Day at a Time 2:29
- 8 Ragged Angel 2:05
- 9 A Good Understanding 2:41
- 10 Let’s Live for Tonight 2:07
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Pieces of the Sky
Emmylou Harris
Shares a similar heartfelt storytelling approach with rich emotional themes and folk-inflected melodies.
Poems, Prayers & Promises
John Denver
Captures a blend of country and folk storytelling with themes of nostalgia and personal reflection.
Heart Like a Wheel
Linda Ronstadt
Combines country-infused melodies with deeply personal lyrics, echoing resilience and emotional honesty.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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