Introduction:
The collaboration between Barry Gibb and Dolly Parton on the song “Words” was released in 2021. This reimagined version of the classic Bee Gees hit is featured on Barry Gibb’s album “Greenfields: The Gibb Brothers Songbook, Vol. 1″. This album sees Gibb revisiting and reinterpreting Bee Gees songs with the accompaniment of various country and bluegrass artists.
The genre of this particular rendition leans towards country and acoustic. While the original “Words” by the Bee Gees, released in 1968, was a pop ballad, Gibb’s “Greenfields” project specifically aimed to infuse these iconic songs with a Nashville sound. Dolly Parton’s distinct vocal style and the stripped-down instrumentation contribute to this country-infused feel, highlighting the heartfelt lyrics and the enduring melody.
As this version of “Words” was released as part of a collaborative album, its achievements are intertwined with the album’s success. “Greenfields: The Gibb Brothers Songbook, Vol. 1” garnered significant attention and critical acclaim. It debuted at number 1 on the UK album chart, marking Gibb’s first solo number one album and his first overall number one in 42 years. In the US, the album debuted at number 15 on the Billboard 200, becoming Gibb’s highest-charting solo album. It also topped the Billboard Americana/Folk Albums chart and reached number 2 on the Billboard Album Sales chart and number 3 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. The collaboration with a legendary figure like Dolly Parton undoubtedly contributed to the album’s buzz and appeal, showcasing the timeless quality of the Bee Gees’ songwriting and Gibb’s enduring musical talent in a new light. While the specific Barry Gibb and Dolly Parton version of “Words” may not have had its own standalone chart success, it stands as a notable highlight within a commercially and critically well-received project.