I absolutely love Dolly Parton from the old stuff right on up through Halos & Horns, and that's why I laid down my money for this one. Everything Dolly touches turns to gold, and though I was a little hesitant about the patriotic cover songs, I know she has the ability to turn overplayed songs into something beautiful (i.e. Stairway to Heaven on Halos & Horns), and I was sure this would be no exception. Sadly, this is the cheesiest bunch of crap I've heard in a long time. The USO style of the album complete with canned laughter and hokey jokes is actually painful to listen to considering what I'm used to hearing from Dolly. I know she loves God and is very patriotic, but I'm not accustomed to commercialism being her style. I'm sure this album could have gotten the same message across and been something truly beautiful, but unfortunately it has failed miserably. 'Light of a Clear Blue Morning,' 'Welcome Home' and the remake of the gospel song 'There Will Peace In The Valley For Me' are the only tracks that make me give this album even one star. I hope this is just a temporary leave of absence from the talent I've grown to expect from Dolly, and that her next offering will more along the lines of her last few albums. As for anyone still wanting to buy this album after my scathing review, I'd be more than happy to sell you my copy at a much reduced price...

Touching, tender, brought tears to my eyes, humorous and honest, sincere and leaving me speechless in the end. What she does to these songs with her voice is breath new life into them, and shares with us in her own way God and patriotism for country. I do think anyone who followed the war, was affected by it or September 11, will be touched by this cd, even if they aren't a Dolly fan; it's that heartfelt.

This CD is great. I love the songs on it and am amazed at the range of emotions that they could stir up.
Regardless of your stance on war or anything like that, this CD is a great collection of patriotic songs that remind us all of the freedoms that we enjoy and have access to.
The record is done in a funny and personal way (USO Style some will say) with canned laughter and corny jokes...but for some reason it works!
I was truly moved by "The Star Spangled Banner" and "The Ballad of the Green Berets" while on the other hand, some songs made me laugh out loud. I especially loved the song "Gee Ma I Wanna Come Home" in which Dolly pokes fun a Saddam , Osama and her "weapons of mass destruction." This song is an old camp song from which a million verses can be added or made up.
One of my favorite tracks is "Red White and Bluegrass" it is infused with a sense of foot-stompin' good fun and old fashioned patriotism. Nicely Done.
All in all, this album is great, and it comes to us from one of the premier singer/song-writers in any generation. It is an excellent addition to ANY library of music and a must have for those serving in the military and their families. Good work. Red White and Blue...these are my true colors...

I have been a fan of Dolly's since 1981. I love her so much as an artist. This album is the most unique blend of gospel and patriotic numbers ever. I'm mesmerized by Dolly's vocals on this album. No one can sing like this and she's 57. The bottom line...this album is annointed. I got chills listening to the gospel songs. My favorites are The Lord Is My Sheperd, God Bless America, Light of a Clear Blue Morning, Peace in the Valley, Gee Ma I Wanna Go Home (hilarious), I'm Gonna miss you. Color Me America should become a standard. I think my absolute favorite is Go to Hell. Dolly becomes a singing evagelist. Her voice is so perfect for this song. I hope this album does really well...cause it is one of her best. If radio will give some of these songs a chance, I know she could have some big hits. Many hurting people will be touched by Dolly's voice and lyrics in a special way. Everyone that felt the pain of September 11th should own this album. It covers every emotion felt. Thank you Dolly for releasing another album full of creative genious.

While Parton is incapable of recording a truly bad album (well, there was 1987's RAINBOW), this is a major letdown after the understated elegance of her recent folk/bluegrass work. The production is as over-the-top glitzy as her outfit on the cover, and the song selection is baffling. Rather than including the war-mongering "Ballad of the Green Beret", she would have been better off with Woody Guthrie's "This Land is Your Land" and "Pastures of Plenty", which would have been equally patriotic, but would also have been more in keeping with her last three albums. Instead, what she ended up with was an album that sounds like it's designed as a soundtrack for the next Republican convention.