Miley Cyrus’ Bob Dylan Cover a Sign of Country Music to Come?

Nineteen-year-old singer/actress Miley Cyrus has been something of a lightning rod for controversy of late, with several of her more questionable moments captured on tape, from smoking cigarettes and salvia and referring to herself as a "stoner" to posing with a provocative birthday cake and cursing at a fan who wanted a photo. Yet, all it takes to remind us that there is an incredibly talented young singer buried beneath all that media scrutiny is just four minutes. That's the length of 'You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go,' Miley's country-tinged contribution to the four-CD 'Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International.'

Watch Miley Cyrus Cover Bob Dylan

The bare-bones video for the acoustically-rendered tune has garnered airplay on MTV and VH1, as well as GAC and CMT. Miley's sweet yet mournful interpretation has even earned favorable comparisons to her godmother, Dolly Parton, who remains a staunch defender of the young star, telling Parade magazine, "I remember myself at her age. We've all been a bit too hard on her. I hope she holds it together because there's a world of things she can do. She should keep an eye on things and make wise decisions."

Dolly, who also guested on Disney's 'Hannah Montana,' which starred Miley and her dad, actor and country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, is quick to defend Miley's musical talents as well.

"She's like a little Elvis!," the country icon told The Boot. "The kids love her because she's Hannah Montana, but what people don't realize about her is she is such a fantastic singer and songwriter. She writes songs like she's 40 years old! She's really deep. I'm amazed at the talent that child has and the effect she has on people."

Miley has certainly had an effect on YouTube viewers. Her official clip for 'Lonesome,' posted by Amnesty USA, has logged more than 2.2 million views. And while the young starlet may always have her detractors, the fact that she's embraced a more country vibe with this track has earned such comments on the video site as "so much better as a country singer" and "that's her genre right there."

We heartily agree and we're anxious to hear more in the same vein from the singer. Country fans are nothing if not forgiving, after all. Just ask Miley's daddy. We've forgiven him for 'Achy Breaky Heart' (well, almost), so we can certainly look past his daughter's youthful indiscretions, especially when we know what she's capable of bringing to country music.

Miley is set to perform 'You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go,' (originally featured on Dylan's landmark 1975 album, 'Blood on the Tracks') on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' on Monday, Feb. 6, as the talk-show host pays tribute to the work of Amnesty International.