Search - Dolly Parton :: Golden Streets of Glory

Dolly's first gospel album

Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 03/20/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Dolly has recorded a fair number of gospel songs or songs that could be interpreted as gospel songs, but this 1970 album was the first (and for a long time, only) full gospel album that she did. Dolly eventually recorded a second gospel album, Precious memories, but this was never put on general sale so is not easy to get, especially for those of us who do not live in America. This album, like all of Dolly's early albums, was recorded in a simple, traditional country style.Seven of the songs here are originals written by Dolly or members of her family. Of these, I particularly like The master's hand (since covered by the New Coon Creek Girls) and the title track but all the original songs are wonderful. Three famous gospel songs are also included, these being I believe (the most successful gospel song in British chart history, though sadly not because of Dolly's version), How great thou art and Wings of a dove.This album was a rarity on vinyl so it was particularly good to see it made available on CD. Later, it was re-issued with a different title (I believe) and different artwork and the track sequence altered. Only the record company know why these changes were made, but as I write this review, that version of the album is still in print."