Always, Always Explained

Always, Always
Type:Album
Artist:Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton
Cover:alwaysalways.jpg
Released:June 30, 1969
Recorded:December 3, 1968–April 23, 1969
Studio:RCA Studio B (Nashville)
Genre:Country
Length:28:27
Label:RCA Victor
Producer:Bob Ferguson
Prev Title:Just the Two of Us
Prev Year:1968
Next Title:Porter Wayne and Dolly Rebecca
Next Year:1970

Always, Always is the third collaborative studio album by Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton. It was released on June 30, 1969, by RCA Victor. The album was produced by Bob Ferguson. It peaked at number five on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and number 162 on the Billboard 200 chart. "Yours Love" and the album's title track were released as singles, peaking at numbers nine and 16, respectively.

Recording

Recording sessions for the album took place at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee, on December 3 and 20, 1968. Three additional sessions followed on April 21, 22 and 23, 1969.

Release and promotion

The album was released June 30, 1969, on LP and 8-track.

Singles

The album's first single, "Yours Love", was released in February 1969[1] and debuted at number 39 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. It peaked at number nine on the chart dated May 10, its tenth week on the chart. It charted for 14 weeks. The second single, "Always, Always", was released in May 1969[2] and debuted at number 60 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart dated June 21. It peaked at number 16 on the chart dated July 26, its sixth week on the chart. The single spent 11 weeks on the chart.

Critical reception

The review in the July 12, 1969 issue of Billboard said, "In the tradition of the country duet, you would have to see far to find another as polished and professional as Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton—and few of those would be as successful. Here's their hit "Always, Always", and the impactful "Yours Love". Also recommended: "I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby"."[3]

Cashbox published a review which said, "Titled after their latest single, this talented twosome offer a powerful package loaded with listening and sales appeal. Set contains twelve oldies and newies, including "Milwaukee, Here I Come", "Why Don't You haul Off & Love Me", "There Never Was a Time", "No Reason to Hurry Home", and "Anything's Better Than Nothing". Expect instant action on this one."[4]

AllMusic rated the album 3 out of 5 stars.

Commercial performance

The album debuted at number 35 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart dated August 2, 1969. It peaked at number five on the chart dated September 19, its eighth week on the chart. It spent a total of 27 weeks on the chart. The album also peaked at number 162 on the Billboard Top LPs chart.

Reissues

The album was reissued on CD with 1971's Two of a Kind in 2008. It was released as a digital download on November 2, 2010. The album was included in the 2014 box set .

Personnel

Adapted from the album liner notes and RCA recording session records.

Release history

Region! scope="col"
DateFormatTitleLabel
VariousJune 30, 1969Always, AlwaysRCA Victor[5]
United StatesFebruary 12, 2008CDAlways, Always / Two of a KindAmerican Beat[6]
VariousNovember 2, 2010Digital downloadAlways, Always<[7]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Spotlight Singles . World Radio History . Billboard . September 25, 2020 . 76 . February 15, 1969.
  2. Web site: Spotlight Singles . World Radio History . Billboard . September 25, 2020 . 88 . May 31, 1969.
  3. Web site: Album Reviews . World Radio History . Billboard . September 25, 2020 . 63 . July 12, 1969.
  4. Web site: Country LP Reviews . World Radio History . Cashbox . September 25, 2020 . 47 . July 12, 1969.
  5. Web site: Porter Wagoner And Dolly Parton - Always, Always . Discogs . 20 May 2019 . en.
  6. Web site: Parton, Wagoner - Always Always / Two of a Kind - Amazon.com Music . www.amazon.com . 25 May 2019.
  7. Web site: Always, Always by Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton on Amazon Music - Amazon.com . www.amazon.com . 25 May 2019.