The Art of the Summer Playlist: Crafting Tunes with a Touch of Dolly Magic
Summer is the season of fun in the sun, warm evenings, and carefree days. But no summer is complete without the perfect soundtrack. A summer playlist needs to capture the essence of the season – it should get your toes tapping on hot afternoons, lift your spirits on long drives with the windows down, and set the mood for backyard barbecues and beach bonfires under the stars.
Who better to curate summer hits than the Queen of Country herself – Dolly Parton? With over 50 years in the music industry, Dolly has crafted dozens of songs that embody the spirit of summer. Her upbeat anthems, romantic ballads, and tales of joy and empowerment are the perfect ingredients for any seasonal playlist. By following some simple guidelines and sprinkling in her magic touch, you can create music memories to last all season long.
Start with the Classics
No summer playlist is complete without Dolly’s timeless signature songs. “Here You Come Again” is the quintessential feel-good singalong, with its infectious melody and lyrics celebrating newfound love. Released in 1977, it still sounds fresh over 40 years later. Similarly, “Jolene” has become one of the most iconic songs in country music history since its 1973 debut. Its tale of a beautiful redhead tempting Dolly’s man away is as compelling as ever.
And who doesn’t want to escape the daily grind when they hear the opening notes of “9 to 5”? Released in 1980, the anthem for overworked women everywhere is a guaranteed pick-me-up. These classics never get old – they’re the perfect way to kick off your summer soundtrack and immediately lift your mood.
Add Some Upbeat Singalongs
To keep the good vibes flowing, include some of Dolly’s most joyful and energetic songs. “Two Doors Down” from 1967 tells the story of young love blossoming between neighbors with bubbly enthusiasm. Its hand-clapping rhythm and Dolly’s exuberant vocals are impossible not to sing along to.
Released in 1982, “Sweet Summer Lovin’” captures the carefree spirit of a fling during the sunny season. With lyrics like “We didn’t care about nothing but sweet summer lovin’/And lovin’ you was better than ice cream,” it’s the ultimate soundtrack for warm nights. Dolly also covered “Peace Train” in the early 70s, putting her unique spin on Cat Stevens’ message of togetherness and hope. Its upbeat folk melody is perfect for dancing around your kitchen on a sunny afternoon.
Add a Beachy Vibe
What’s summer without a little time spent at the beach or lake? Dolly collaborated beautifully with Kenny Rogers on their 1980 smash hit “Island in the Stream.” Evoking tropical breezes and sparkling waters, its smooth melody and harmonies paint a vivid picture of island romance.
For an even more laidback beachy vibe, check out Dolly’s version of “Peace Train.” Released in 1971, she put her inimitable spin on Cat Stevens’ message of togetherness and hope with an upbeat folk melody perfect for dancing around your kitchen on a sunny afternoon. Don’t forget some surf rock either – The Beach Boys’ “Help Me, Rhonda” gets an irresistible bluegrass twist when Dolly covers it live.
Sprinkle in Some Romance
Every great summer soundtrack needs love songs to set the mood. Top of the list has to be Dolly’s legendary breakup ballad “I Will Always Love You.” Released in 1974, its emotional lyrics and soaring melody make it impossible not to feel something. No matter how many times you’ve heard it, Dolly’s powerful vocals give you chills.
For flirty summer romance, check out “Why’d You Come in Here Lookin’ Like That” from 1969. Its playful lyrics about temptation are accompanied by Dolly’s sultry tone. And “Love is Like a Butterfly” from 1974 captures the giddy feeling of new love with its whimsical imagery and lilting melody.
For a touch of sweet nostalgia, include “Old Flames Can’t Hold a Candle to You” from 1980. Its sentimental message about how past loves don’t compare is perfect for driving down memory lane. Rounding things out, “Yellow Roses” from 1983 tells the story of a couple parting ways but leaving each other with happy memories through simple imagery and gentle acoustics.
Add Some Wisdom and Inspiration
Summer is also a great time for reflection, so don’t forget songs with deeper meaning. “Coat of Many Colors” from 1971 tells Dolly’s rags to riches story with hope, resilience and family values. Its folksy melody and lyrics about overcoming hardship through love make for thoughtful listening.
Released in 1974, “The Seeker” finds Dolly on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. Its peaceful acoustics and message of inner strength are perfect for sunrise yoga sessions or evening stargazing. And no summer soundtrack is complete without empowerment. The feisty “Bargain Store” from 1973 and anthemic “Touch Your Woman” from 1976 remind us that with courage and community, we can overcome any challenge.
Include Bonus Tracks for Variety
To keep things interesting, add in some unexpected twists. Dolly’s joyful bluegrass cover of Queen’s “We Will Rock You” never fails to put a smile on faces. For an adventurous pick, check out “Shaking the Blues Away” from 1971 – its upbeat rhythm and lyrics about dancing away your worries are surprisingly uplifting.
And who said a summer playlist had to be all sunshine? Dolly’s spiritual ballad “Hello God” from 2016 finds hope even in hard times with its message of faith, gratitude, and perseverance through life’s storms. It’s a gentle reminder that summer isn’t always carefree – but with the right attitude and people around you, you can weather any season.
Mix Up the Tempos
A summer soundtrack needs variety to keep the energy flowing all day. Be sure to mix up your playlist with a balance of fast and slow songs to match your mood. Start with upbeat singalongs in the morning to get your day started on the right foot. Save romantic ballads and introspective tunes for sunset drives when you want to wind down.
And don’t forget dance breaks! Sprinkle in high-energy numbers like “Two Doors Down” and “Sweet Summer Lovin’” to get your heart pumping and feet moving when energy starts to lag. A good mix of tempos ensures your playlist keeps pace with your summer adventures from dawn to dusk.
Consider Collaborations
Dolly’s long career is full of incredible collaborations that add richness to any playlist. Her duets with Kenny Rogers like “Island in the Stream” are legendary for a reason. But don’t stop there – explore her bluegrass harmonies with Porter Wagoner in the 60s and 70s.
Dolly also proved she’s forever current by collaborating with younger artists in recent years. Her versions of “Jolene” with Pentatonix and “9 to 5” with Fall Out Boy bring new life to her classics. And her 2019 album with Willie Nelson “After the Rain” is full of gems. Collaborations show Dolly’s timeless appeal across genres and generations.
Think Beyond Country
While Dolly will always be the Queen of Country, her musical influences span far beyond any single genre. Explore her bluegrass and folk roots with acoustic gems like “Coat of Many Colors.” Her pop covers of songs like “Island in the Stream” and “We Will Rock You” show her range.
And Dolly wasn’t afraid to experiment – her gospel albums and 2016 hymns record “Pure & Simple” bring a spiritual element. Surprise your playlist with Dolly’s takes on rock anthems or Celtic and Americana songs. By thinking beyond country, you unlock new layers of her artistry and keep things feeling fresh all summer long.
With a little Dolly magic infused throughout your playlist, you’ll have the perfect soundtrack for long sunny days, warm evenings with friends and family, road trips with the windows down, and any summer adventure that comes your way. Her timeless songs of love, fun, wisdom and empowerment are guaranteed to lift your spirits all season long. Now get out there and make new memories to the melodies of the incomparable Dolly Parton.