Dolly Parton - Greatest Hits (2003)

01. Jolene
02. I Will Always Love You
03. We Used To
04. Harper Valley P.T.A.
05. D.I.V.O.R.C.E
06. Here You Come Again
07. Lovin' You
08. Bobby's Arms
09. 9 To 5
10. Do I Ever Cross Your Mind
11. Two Doors Down
12. Hold Me
13. It's My Time
14. In the Ghetto
15. Mama Say A Prayer
16. Love is Like A Butterfly

The majority of the 16 tracks featured on this CD were recorded in the years 1968-77, and 10 were written by Dolly herself, including “9 to 5” which dates from 1980.

Inevitably, many of the songs are available on other compilations. For instance, eight also appear on the excellent 3CD box set, “Legends” and the same number likewise do so on the very good 2CD album “The Essential Dolly Parton.” However, the version of “Two Doors Down” on “Greatest Hits” is not the one featured on “Legends.” Moreover, the recording of “I Will Always Love You” on “Greatest Hits” differs from the one found on the other compilations just mentioned. The version of “Two Doors Down” on “Greatest Hits” is Dolly’s favourite. It is a very catchy up-tempo number—Dolly was dissatisfied with the first recording (which appeared on early pressings of her album “Here You Come Again”) and replaced it with this much livelier track, complete with modified lyrics. The rendition of “I Will Always Love You” on “Greatest Hits” also exists on another Dolly compilation, “Love Songs”, and while restrained (Dolly keeps the emotion under control), is less subdued and reflective than the one that appears on “Legends” etc. Furthermore, the musical arrangement differs. On “Greatest Hits” the backing includes a harmonica, tasteful piano playing, and more prominent strings. I love both recordings of “I Will Always Love You.” However, on the whole the one on this CD is my favourite and I know several people who share my opinion. I am reluctant to cross swords with a fellow Parton fan, but I disagree with another reviewer’s claim that Dolly sings this version in a half-hearted, lacklustre way. Her performance is wonderfully expressive and the beauty of her voice shines through very clearly, as of course it does on the other recording.

Highlights of “Greatest Hits” also include “D.I.V.O.R.C.E”; an impressive version of “In The Ghetto” (which Dolly sings in a poignant, heartfelt manner); and “Mama Say A Prayer”, none of which appear on “Legends” or “The Essential Dolly Parton.” All in all, this is a worthwhile collection that supplements more extensive compilations of Dolly material., amazon.com

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