Run, Rose, Run cover

Run, Rose, Run

Dolly Parton · 2022

38 min · 12 tracks · country music

A vibrant blend of country storytelling and pop sensibilities that showcases Dolly Parton's signature warmth and lyrical depth.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Run Start here — The opening track sets an energetic tone with its catchy melody and compelling narrative about resilience and moving forward, encapsulating the album's overarching themes.
  • →
    Woman Up (and Take It Like a Man) — This empowering anthem stands out for its bold lyrics that challenge gender norms, showcasing Parton's ability to address social issues through her music.
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    Demons — A poignant reflection on inner struggles, this track highlights Parton's emotional depth and storytelling prowess, making it a standout moment on the album.
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    Dark Night, Bright Future — This song offers a hopeful perspective amidst adversity, perfectly illustrating Parton's knack for blending optimism with realism in her songwriting.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album balances contemporary sounds with classic storytelling, showcasing Parton's lyrical strengths.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that emphasize a lively tempo, while the second half shifts to more introspective themes and slower melodies.
  • Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional impact of the lyrics.
  • The instrumentation blends traditional country elements with modern pop production techniques, creating a polished sound throughout.
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
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • short, engaging listening sessions
  • uplifting storytelling themes
  • reflective mood transitions

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Strong release showcasing continued vitality in Dolly's artistry.
Themes
gender norms challenge· resilience in adversity· small-town struggles· hopeful storytelling
Career context
Released on March 4, 2022, 'Run, Rose, Run' is Parton's first album in five years, following her 2017 holiday collection 'Christmas on the Square'. This album arrives at a time when Parton continues to solidify her legacy as a cultural icon while also expanding her artistic endeavors into literature and film.
Stylistic neighbors
Emmylou Harris· Linda Ronstadt· Patsy Cline

Tracklist

  • 1 Run Start here 2:46
  • 2 Big Dreams and Faded Jeans 4:07
  • 3 Demons 3:24
  • 4 Driven 2:40
  • 5 Snakes in the Grass 2:41
  • 6 Blue Bonnet Breeze 5:19
  • 7 Woman Up (and Take It Like a Man) 2:27
  • 8 Firecracker 3:13
  • 9 Secrets 2:52
  • 10 Lost and Found 3:18
  • 11 Dark Night, Bright Future 2:37
  • 12 Love or Lust 3:22

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata