Trio

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Country harmonies at their best

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.

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

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.

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

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

Good apart from telling me lies (extremely 80s)

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

LOVE THIS ALBUM

“The Blues Brothers” parody of this record’s audience is one of those lies that works because it contains enough truth: cheerful bottles showering the stage followed by tears in beers while the band alternates between the theme from “Rawhide” and “Stand By Your Man”, which might as well be on this covers album, which sounds heavenly while mostly sticking to tropes. The voices are divine, the instrumentation is respectful, perhaps apart from a strange dip into “80’s schmaltz on “Telling Me Lies”. But that song also contains one of those hard bright lyrical flashes that the genre does so well: “You don’t know what a man is/Until you have to please one”. “Hobo’s Meditation” lured out my inner commie: it’s a mighty song. As a whole, this is high-class confectionary.

Unfortunately passed right through me. Nice voices, unmemorable songs

The harmonies are great. This is a little too Dolly forward to get anything higher than a three though.

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

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.

They've got lovely voices, but the music they make ain't for me.

Good voices, boring genre

Twangy country gals. Nah bro.

A bit bland so far. The harmonies are, without doubt, beautiful, but it is just the songs themselves just don't do it for me. An uninspiring cover of To Know Him and I've Had Enough is just dull and passionless. Honourable exceptions - Those Memories of You, Farther Along

Fabulous three way vocal harmonies ove classic country/bluegrass-ey instrumentation

Harmonies and haunting words are sublime

Beautiful American country music sung by 3 iconic voices. What's not to like?

Really beautiful harmonies here

Three country female legends all together on one beautiful album

I would not have sought this out, so I'm glad it's on the list. Three splendid singers serve up the most mellow country music.

True story: my mother had Alzheimer's and was confused and agitated and this album calmed her (I never knew her to listen to music deliberately). The voices are gorgeous both individually and in combination, and I feel like I can hear Linda trying hard not to overpower everyone else, as she definitely could.

ICONIC

I was truly surprised by this album. That's why I am doing the 1001 Album generator to find music I really like which I otherwise would have never discovered.

This was a joy. Three legends. Often with music made in 1987 it can feel of it's time but this didnt. It felt completely authentic. 5 stars

Country is not my cup of tea but these ladies are perfection.

uh yeah bud that's a five

Love it. So calming and sweet and a little sad

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

Ex-ce-llent! What voices!!

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.

Excellent harmonies - really liked this one

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

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

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

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.

absolutely brilliant

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.

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!!!

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

Amazing album. Amazing women. Five stars +

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

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

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.

dollyyyyy

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.

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.

Excellent!

Add to vinyl collection

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.

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.

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!

Glorious. Amen!

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!

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!

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

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”

All time album. So good!

Very interesting. A very new space for me.

Beautiful voices singing beautiful compositions in exquisite harmonies.

3 beautiful legendary voices make a beautiful album.

Loved this !

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.

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

Enjoyable, classic

Not my standard listening but these voices together are awesome.

Wonderful! Marvelous! Good songs and stellar harmonies.

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

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

Dolly stays undefeated

3 amazing voices that blend together well

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.

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.