In the mid-1990s, Dolly Parton and Ricky Skaggs each turned away from the contemporary country market—and each enjoyed a creative renaissance making rich, authentic bluegrass instead.

Now Dolly makes a bid for the mainstream again, and proves that her appeal still eclipses genre considerations. Even with a more commercial sound, Backwoods Barbie is buoyed by the same blend of wit and sensitivity that bolstered Dolly’s bluegrass work.