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Trio

Dolly Parton

Linda Ronstadt

Emmylou Harris

1987

Trio
Album Summary

Trio is a collaborative album by American singers Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris. It was released on March 2, 1987, by Warner Bros. Records. The album has platinum certification in the US for sales of one million copies, and has total worldwide sales of approximately four million. Longtime friends and admirers of one another, Parton, Harris, and Ronstadt first attempted to record an album together in the mid-1970s, but scheduling conflicts and other difficulties (including the fact that the three women all recorded for different record labels) prevented its release. Some of the fruits of those aborted 1970s recording sessions did make it onto the women's respective solo albums. Finally, a collaboration effort came to fruition, being produced by George Massenburg. When Trio was released in March 1987, it spawned four hit singles–including a remake of Phil Spector's 1958 hit by the Teddy Bears, "To Know Him Is to Love Him".

Wikipedia

Rating

3.13

Votes

12326

Genres

  • Country

Reviews

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Aug 15 2022
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5

Before The Avengers, before the A-Team, before Charlie's Angels, there was The Trio. I'm a simple man, I see a Dolly I give her 5 stars.

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Aug 16 2023
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4

Album #700 for me! Holy shit! It's funny this one is coming up today as I was just chatting with my two sisters yesterday about how we need to be a unanimous united front to take down the wicked evil trying to oppress us right now. Feels like some sort of divine intervention or message from the music gods that my assertions are correct - "The Power of Three will set us free!" Also, Linda Ronstadt's hair and outfit is EVERYTHING on this cover. Major cowgirl serve right now, I am feelin' the fantasy!

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Nov 18 2023
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4

This turned me into an atheist. Or alchemist. Or whatever the term is that means I'd really like to fuck Linda Ronstadt. Or Emmylou Harris, which I believe some comic referred to as Gram Parsons disease. Whatever. I share a birthday with Dolly Parton. That used to mean something. I find Dolly to be a better actress than singer. Oh, you want a hotter take? Her best performance was in On Golden Pond. Great, now I'm confusing Dolly for Jane Fucking Fonda. Or maybe Dabney Coleman. If I end up masturbating to Dabney Coleman instead of Dolly's jugs I'm just going to run with it. Good Lord these are some strong ass shrooms. My mother was right. Never kiss a rodeo clown. As Dolly would say in her Oscar winning role as Klute, Here You Come Again. And here I go.

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Nov 01 2022
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2

To start with, three amazing artists with incredible careers. Great, distinctive voices, amazing song writers. But DAMN That was depressing.as.hell. And disappointing - where’s the strong female voice from Working 9 to 5? These are some severely dated songs, even for the late 80s. To be fair - I’m pretty sure these are all or mostly cover tunes, but I mean, there’s a song about a coffin! Although it did make me realize two things - I don’t know if there are trains in heaven, and you just don’t hear people talk about ‘hobos’ much anymore. So much respect, but not for me.

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Oct 21 2022
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5

What a great album. Nothing revolutionary in terms of country but it's just so easy listening and enjoyable. Their three voices just combine perfectly

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Oct 15 2022
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5

The crossover we didn't knew we needed between three of the best female country singers. This album is pure magic, every song is a banger and both the voices and the instrumentation are beautiful.

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Sep 15 2022
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4

Could be subtitled "Men Are Bastards" (except JC, he's cool). This is a beautiful joining of three amazing voices, a trio of country/pop perfection

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Aug 13 2024
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2

Apple Music calls this “a record that erased genre boundaries”. I’m sorry, what other genres are they covering here? It all sounds like country music to me.

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Sep 18 2024
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4

This is a great concept. Three strong artists who dig each other just do an album and crush it. Great vibe and talent. I'm a bit surprised I'm not feeling a 5 vs what I thought I'd find when I first saw what the album was, but I only gave it one listen and am feeling the 4.

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Aug 26 2022
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4

Country in its sunday finest, with quite a few choice performances. it's really good but it didn't linger in my mind for too long

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Oct 14 2022
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5

An enjoyable set of legends! I think they shine a little stronger solo, but really good work regardless.

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Aug 15 2022
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5

Good apart from telling me lies (extremely 80s)

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Aug 07 2024
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4

No. 228/1001 The Pain of Loving You 4/5 Making Plans 3/5 To Know Him Is To Love Him 3/5 Hobo Meditations 4/5 Wildflowers 4/5 Telling Me Lies 5/5 My Dear Companion 4/5 Those Memories Of You 4/5 I've Had Enough 3/5 Rosewood Casket 3/5 Farther Along 4/5 Average: 3,73 Very good country album. This was a positive surprise.

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Jun 16 2024
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3

Nostalgia of the country music in Dad's truck in the 80s and early 90s. Mostly pretty good overall with a dud or two 'Hobo's Meditation's that haven't aged well.

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Oct 21 2022
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5

What an incredible combination. These 3 were destined to sing and harmonize together. GOATs of country pop. Beautiful songs, perfect production, great run time, I enjoyed this thoroughly.

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Sep 18 2024
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3

They all have great voices. I just wish there were some faster/more upbeat songs. It was fine, probably won't listen to it again.

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Sep 15 2024
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3

Belles harmonies, sujets profonds, beaucoup de cœur et de bienveillance, même dans la mélancolie

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Sep 09 2024
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2

Trio by Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris features stunning vocal harmonies and exceptional skill. The album is a testament to the trio’s remarkable ability to blend their voices into rich, lush arrangements. Songs like To Know Him Is to Love Him and Wildflowers showcase their impeccable technique and the warm, inviting quality of their harmonies. Although the artistry and craftsmanship are evident, the style of music isn't to my personal taste. The mellow, country-folk sound, while beautifully executed, doesn’t resonate with me as much as other genres might. Despite this, I can certainly appreciate the skill and dedication that went into creating Trio. For fans of this genre, the album is likely to be a deeply rewarding listen. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 0 STAND OUT TRACK - None

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Jun 12 2024
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2

It must be very tough to deal with Southern US men! There is little doubt about the legendary status of Parton, and it's nice to learn about Ronstadt and Harris too. Twelve years after Trio, they released Trio II, would be interested to check that one out as well. Trio is a pleasant summertime listen, as the album fits perfectly the mood of a slow June workday – I'm just not enthusiastic about country music. So, please note that two stars isn't a bad rating by any means, I just don't see myself purposefully listening to this album again – not easy to reflect that on a five-star scale.

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Aug 28 2024
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1

Nope. Country is shit. I made it to 1:30 of the first track and was cringing all the way then came the steel guitars. Had to take a vom break. This is very commercial shopping mall music too. Just all the cliches, nothing new or vital and not classic either. I was very sure to put Spotify into private mode for this one. I do not want this inexcusable excrement in my already awful recs. Me listening to the albums on this list: "I literally never want to hear another rap/hip-hop or country album or song ever again". Far from making me appreciate some elements of these genres that had evaded me before it is simply convincing me how right I am to dislike this drivel. And is this not a candidate for worst album artwork ever? Hideous. If you want to listen to an album with 3 greats on it, listen to "Passion, Grace and Fire", or "Friday Night in San Francisco". Still no Isley Brothers. Fuck.

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Nov 11 2023
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1

I'll just repeat myself - Dolly Parton is a great human being, a very good singer and an icon of country music. I just can't listen to this genre at all. It's just too much. Sorry

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Jan 04 2023
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1

Varied between dull and hilariously bad (Hobo's meditation was a particularly ridiculous take from Dolly P and her two clones). Dont like country in general and though I can appreciate some of Dolly's songs are well written these were all rubbish.

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Sep 01 2022
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1

too much country.. struggled to listen to all of this!

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Nov 27 2024
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5

A good old-fashioned country album with three voices that blended beautifully, I loved it.

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Nov 20 2024
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5

That cover! Why do they all look like waxworks. But also, this is great. Amazing talent all working together, totally ego-free, and just so charming and touching.

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Sep 26 2024
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5

Excellent harmonies - really liked this one

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Sep 26 2024
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5

Lovely country album with wonderful harmonies, all three vocalists have such distinctive voices!

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Sep 22 2024
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5

Beautifully crafted country songs courtesy of 3 of country's finest. Their voices are incredible together, and they all deliver extremely heartfelt performances

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Sep 20 2024
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5

Loved this album and I’m no big country fan but this was something else on a Sunday morning.

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Sep 18 2024
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5

Three women at the top of their game. Doesn't do anything insane, but is a rock solid classic country album. Great harmonies, great musicianship, great production. I nice easy listen that flew on by. Dolly can't help it but, she stands out.

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Aug 14 2024
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5

Was soll ich schreiben? Dass ich kein großer Countrymusik Anhänger bin. Dolly Parton aber für ihr Lebenswerk bewundere. Und nun das. Drei Superstars vereint. Und wie. Ich bin sprachlos. Hier stimmt einfach alles: perfekte Gesangsharmonien wie die Beach Boys oder Andrew Sisters, die Arrangements so genial. Das Lied "I've Had enough" steht für all das. Das habe ich nicht erwartet, so unglaublich schön. Mag sein, kitschig. Es ist so schön, dass ich einfach nur geflasht bin. Ja, am Schluss noch die Mandoline/Banjo, die ich unbedingt erwähnen muss. Grandios. Das Trio hat mich in eine wunderschöne Countrywelt gezogen. Danke.

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Aug 12 2024
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5

I never listed to this! OMG 3 of the best and I do love a more traditional country. When it first came out, I'd have avoided this, though secretly it would appeal to my formative years of these 3 artists on our family turn table. After a full exploration of Alt. Country in the 90's and becoming reborn in "true" and "outlaw" country, I love this album!!!

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Jul 31 2024
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5

This album was incredible. What a power trio. But in an album of equals, Dolly seems a little more equal than the rest. Every time her voice kicks in it makes the song better.

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Jul 26 2024
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5

5/5. A beautifully sung and and orchestrated collection of songs, just a sweet and yet sad album from three intelligent and strong women, expressing their feelings and worries in front of the listener, not worrying about being accepted, just a message told. This was a great listen, it's not perfect. I would say just some songs are not perfect but this was near perfect for sure. Best Song: Wildflowers, Making Plans, Farther Along

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Jul 04 2024
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5

Exactly the kind of classic country I fw. I love the vocal harmonies and all three of their voices are so powerful.

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Jun 12 2024
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5

Difficult to rate it without bias. I'm very picky with country music, I honestly can't stand most of it. Except for (good) bluegrass and everything Dolly blesses with her presence. I already knew some of the songs, and I'm glad I got around to listening to the whole album now, will definitely listen to it again in the future.

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May 05 2024
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5

Such great harmonies, really fantastic stuff, they are all legends. 15 stars.

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Apr 25 2024
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5

Wow what a beautiful record. It’s got so much- country, bluegrass, honky tonk, even a couple more contemporary sounds but the real star of this one is the VOCALS. Like are you fucking kidding me. Three absolute legends all together?? Fuck man. If you’ve ever seen O Brother Where Art Thou you’ll know what this one sounds like. Each of these singers is an absolute treasure like cmon it’s DOLLY here. But the way their voices just compliment each other is absolutely outstanding. I listened to the 2016 remastered version and I gotta say it sounds like it was recorded recently. There’s plenty of fiddle and mandolin in the band and piano and ugh it’s just all so beautiful. Lyrically it’s mostly love songs but they’re the kind of love songs that are about lost love or longing. The first track almost brought me to tears in the dunkin drive thru haha. If you’re feeling bummed out or kinda meh this will lift you up for sure, even if the songs are a lil bit sad. I think my favorite song on this is Wildflowers but yeah this is incredible.

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Apr 16 2024
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5

This is an unbelievably beautiful noise. I don't generally listen to conventional country music, I prefer the modern variety (Molly Tuttle for example), but a person would have to have a heart of stone not to be melted by the blend of these voices. It's just sublime. Like Sinatra, their talent elevates what might otherwise be average songs way beyond their normal standing. I could listen to this all day and just allow the shivers to run up and down my spine.

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Apr 05 2024
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5

One of the best. If you love great voices and harmonies this is awesome.

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Apr 04 2024
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5

okay so a few of them were too dreary or too 80s but most of this was TIMELESS. the harmonies… what can be said. Women win every time

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Apr 04 2024
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5

So fun! Didn’t rock with all of the songs but the ones i did we’re so refreshing. I love you Dolly

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Apr 02 2024
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5

Three legends. I love the old school country motifs in the slick Nashville sound.

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Mar 22 2024
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5

Amazing album. Amazing women. Five stars +

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Mar 16 2024
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5

Truly beautiful album. All 3 ladies share each song wonderfully. Love me some old country

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Mar 16 2024
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5

Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris team up to cover country songs. What's not to love?

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Mar 06 2024
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5

The pain of loving you👍🏻 Wildflowers👍🏻 Telling me lies👍🏻 Those memories of you🤤 Honestly just has that classic feel to it. Their voices together are amazing and I can’t get enough.

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Mar 01 2024
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5

This. Now THIS is my jam. It combines some of my favorite things in music - pretty lyrics, pretty voices and harmonies, oh the harmonies... A perfect auditory feast for my ears.

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Feb 09 2024
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5

Now THAT'S what I call country! Dolly and the gang deliver big time on this one. And if you're able to take your ears off the marvelous vocal harmonies throughout the record, you might notice some pristine and gorgeous slide guitar, mandolin and various other strings that accompany these angelic voices. This is not my general flavor of music, but I honestly have nothing negative to say here. Maybe this isn't the most ambitious album of all time, but it doesn't need to be. I'm gonna go with my gut here and say 5 stars, well deserved.

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Jan 17 2024
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5

These ladies voices are the star on this album. Angelic harmonies that complement the slide guitar, mandolin and piano. Pure and soulful. One of the greatest collaborations ever produced in country music.

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Jan 16 2024
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5

Take three amazingly talented women with distinctive, wonderful voices, and bring them together in the most beautiful harmony, singing lovely songs, accompanied by absolutely perfect instruments. This is pretty glorious and delightful. I might not have really sought this out when it came out. I wasn't quite into country music then, but I have learned better, and this has been one of my most anticipated selections in this project. It was well worth the wait and I am so happy.

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Jan 16 2024
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5

I knew of the existence of this album, although my first listen was within the last year or so. It’s amazing to hear this trio, and I love their sound!

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Jan 16 2024
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5

I’m glad that the fates finally allowed this album to be made, because it exceeds my already high expectations! These woman sound incredible together. I enjoyed this from start to finish. A big surprise was how they breathed new life into “To Know Him Is To Love Him.” This is an oldie that I didn’t think I had any need to really hear again, but listening to this trio’s version it sounded like a new, amazing song. What a wonderful album!

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Jan 08 2024
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5

Clearly a “1,001” album. The trio of Parton, Emmy Lou Harris and Linda Ronstadt is as powerful as they come. The rendition of “To know him is to love him” is among the best. “Making Plans” was my favorite! All time classical Album to be sure!

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Jan 03 2024
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5

Great songs sung by three great voices with beautiful harmonies. Perfect record.

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Dec 24 2023
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5

This album is one I have never listened to before (I’m not that much of a country fan), but it is good. Each of the girls’ voices blend really well together, and the harmonies sound amazing. 4.8/5 Favorite: “Wildflowers”, “Hobo’s Meditation” Least Favorite: “Telling Me Lies”

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Dec 17 2023
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5

look, i mean you have three of the best country singers of the 20th century singing together. it cannot get better than this. this album has the best harmonies you have ever heard. sometimes the material they cover is a little less than desired, but the pure beauty of these three voices together is enough to carry any song. incredible

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Oct 25 2023
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5

Very interesting. A very new space for me.

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Oct 15 2023
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5

Beautiful voices singing beautiful compositions in exquisite harmonies.

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Sep 10 2023
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5

3 beautiful legendary voices make a beautiful album.

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Aug 28 2023
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5

One of the best country/Americana albums of the 1980s, and perhaps ever, Trio combines the power of Linda Ronstadt, EmmyLou Harris, and Dolly Parton in their prime. Parton especially had had a string of crossover pop hits at this time, making this something of a back-to-basics album for her. Their combined talents always complement and never compete. The song selection is spectacular. It's easier to point out the very few lesser songs (To Know Him is to Love Him? Really?) than suggest the gems. It's so full of gems that it sparkles like a tiara. Parton's contributions are especially wonderful though, especially Wildflowers and Rosewood Casket which feature Dolly's exquisite dulcimer playing. There was a follow up (Trio II) that, while good, doesn't rise to the lofty heights of this album. This is a rare oppurtunity to see three amazing songwriters and performers at their best, made better by their collaboration.

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Aug 24 2023
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5

Not usually one for country music, but I absolutely love this. Three of my favorite artists and women.

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Aug 20 2023
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5

Not my standard listening but these voices together are awesome.

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Jul 10 2023
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5

Wonderful! Marvelous! Good songs and stellar harmonies.

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Jun 26 2023
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5

Three premier performers making great music. They're all so flawless, what a great album.

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Jun 25 2023
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5

This is gorgeous country, the voices blend so well together and the sweet gentle tone is mesmerising. Some nice fiddling, too.

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Jun 23 2023
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5

3 amazing voices that blend together well

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Jun 14 2023
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5

Three great (and distinctive) vocalists collaborate (and harmonize) in the best possible ways. Really a masterclass on how all of these "superstar" collaborations should be done. Simply beautiful.

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Jun 13 2023
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5

This fucking slaps. Three totally perfect singers join voices in a sort of voltron esque creation of unstoppable country music. Telling Me Lies is the perfect example.

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Apr 28 2023
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5

a beautiful classic country album.

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Mar 16 2023
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5

Where has this been all my life?!?! I am a sucker for good harmonies so right off the bat I loved this. But the songs themselves are beautiful lyrically and musically. Nothing crazy just pleasant listening and I would be lying if I said a couple songs didn’t make me tear up thinking about family members of mine who have passed or aren’t in the best health. Bravo to these 3 ladies who put together a masterpiece of harmonies.

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Feb 16 2023
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5

Dolly, Linda and Emmylou. What did the world do to deserve the three of you? At this juncture of all three stunning careers, they've done everything possible: collaborations with wayward souls, career-defining songs that still echo and resonate, changing genres with an ease most people couldn't perfect and many, many more. What's left to do than come together and bang out an album that not only is a classic but demonstrates all three at their peak. Weaving together well-worn classics with the then-modern touch that exemplified grace, the result that became Trio is the type of record that can best be an introduction and also a reminder of the talents that all three have. Thank the heavens that such a creation was allowed to be made. We're not worthy.

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Jan 25 2023
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5

Un autre album country cette semaine mais celui-ci merite vraiment son 5. Un excellent album par 3 super chanteuse

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Jan 11 2023
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5

Heck yeah. Trio is just magic. The combination of voices (personally, I'm especially partial to Emmylou Harris, but you can't fault Dolly or Linda) is better than any of them alone. To Know Him is to Love Him is an absolute stand out. Yes, some of the songs are a bit corny, and many of them have been overplayed. It's an 80s country album with 80s overdone production (and seriously, Emmylou, what were you thinking with that HAIR?), but this is ICONIC. Smashing good album.

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Sep 26 2022
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5

Entrancing voice of a good-souled woman.

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Aug 27 2022
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5

Una belleza de álbum en todos los niveles. Sin duda es El Trío. La unión de sus voces es un regalo.

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Aug 23 2022
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5

To know him is to love him é bem gostosinha

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Dec 02 2024
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4

"Trio" is collaboration album by American singers Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris. The trio attempted an album in 1970's but scheduling conflicts prevented it. This country-style album was produced by George Massenburg and included session musicians Albert Lee (guitars, mandolin) and Billy Payne (pianos, organs, harmonium). Commercially, the album hit #6 in the US and #60 in the UK and, critically, had positive reviews. Dolly Parton's "The Pain of Loving You" opens the album. Mandolin, piano and drum beat. The women harmonizing beautifully. A slide guitar and violin. This is very easy listening and enjoyable. They slow it down a bit on Phil Spector's "To Know Him is to Love Him." Softer harmonization. An interesting time signature of 12/8. I had to look that up since I couldn't quite get it. And yes, a love song and, of course, a Kona Hawaiian guitar solo. Dolly Parton takes the lead in her "Wild Flowers." The other woman on backing vocals. Violin and acoustic guitar. Dolly compares herself to wild flowers that cannot be contained. No, Dolly, you cannot be contained. It's Linda Ronstadt's turn on lead in the beautiful "Telling Me Lies." Linda Thompson wrote this and Ronstadt give a great emotional performance. A slow beat, slide guitar and piano. She just can't go on. What's not to like about this album? Tremendous individual, backing and harmony vocals by Dolly, Linda and Emmylou. The hidden all-stars might the ace-guitar and piano/organ playing by Payne and Lee. It's a pleasant and enjoyable listen that mostly everyone will like.

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Nov 29 2024
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4

The way I feel about Dolly Parton's voice is the exact opposite of Billy Bragg - I could listen to her all day. Nice album with some sweet songs, especially To know him is to love him and wildflower

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Nov 26 2024
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4

Legends!! What a way to wrap up my 1001st album

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Nov 20 2024
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4

It's always a good day with Dolly

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Nov 15 2024
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4

Titans of country and they surely delivered. One of the big surprises of this project

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Nov 13 2024
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4

Hade inte hört deras trio förut men jag gillade den på tåget.

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