“Alexa, play ‘9 to 5’, "Gemini, play ‘Jolene’, followed by ‘I Will Always Love You’ and ‘Here You Come Again’, pronto” were probably the most spoken words when the announcement of Ms Parton’s untimely passing was made. And rightfully so, for they are brilliant songs that defined her 70-year-career. They have also served as part of the soundtrack to many of our own lives. These are songs that are commonly played at funerals, weddings, 40th (and 21st) birthday parties – as well as everything in between.
However, such tracks being so famous and well-loved does have a bit of a downside. It means that some of Dolly’s lesser-known work is often overlooked – even more likely in the wake of her passing, as we all concentrate on celebrating the hits and highlights of a life well-lived.
Dolly Parton released an astonishing 49 studio albums, nine live albums and over 200 compilation albums internationally. She produced country, bluegrass, gospel, folk and rock music throughout her expansive career, leaving no stone left unturned.
So, this article will highlight some of Dolly’s hidden gems, that may have got lost in the midst of her colossal catalogue of masterpieces – giving you the ultimate ‘alternative’ Dolly playlist!
MITB’s Beyond ‘Jolene’ Playlist:
‘Blue Smoke’
Kicking off the playlist, is the title track from Parton’s 44th studio album, ‘Blue Smoke’. This is a beautiful blend of the country and bluegrass genre, merging bold acoustic strings with scintillating folk vocals to create a classic smoky mountain sound. It has a catchy chorus and a unique arrangement, with repetitive backing vocals and pop-style hooks that do not normally appear on such a number. Ultimately, ‘Blue Smoke’ prioritises both Parton’s Tennessee roots as well as classic country-pop music tropes to create a catchy yet nostalgic bop.
‘Dumb Blonde’
Next up, is a terrifyingly underrated track from Parton’s 1967 debut album ‘Hello, I’m Dolly’. ‘Dumb Blonde’ is an empowering feminist anthem that sees the speaker fight back against a sexist man who dismisses her as being a “dumb blonde” – a stereotype Parton spent most of her adult life pushing against. Parton delivers an exceptionally tender vocal performance, whilst delivering smart and sassy lyrics like: "Just because I’m blonde / Don’t think I’m dumb / Cause this dumb blonde ain’t nobody’s fool”.
‘PMS Blues – Live’
Here we have another feminist anthem that was very much ahead of its time. ‘PMS Blues’ was exclusively recorded in front of fans at Parton’s Dollywood Theme Park, for her 1994 live album, ‘Heartsongs: Live from Home’. It humorously explores the realities of premenstrual tension, even tackling themes such as incontinence. Parton proves herself to be a comic genius on this record, due to its kitsch, witty and observant nature. Think Victoria Wood meets Randy Newman – diversity at its finest.
‘Down from Dover’
This track sees Parton at her most vulnerable. It proves that she is a wonderful storyteller, as well as being a fine musician. The song tells the story of a young girl who finds herself pregnant out of wedlock and abandoned by her family and partner. The ending of the song has some of the most heart-wrenching lyrics you will ever hear: “Our baby has been born but something’s wrong / It’s much too still I hear no crying / I guess in some strange way she knew / She'd never have a father's arms to hold her / And dying was her way of telling me / He wasn't coming down from Dover”.
‘Could I Have Your Autograph’
On a lighter note, this track comes from Dolly’s campy, 1987 disco-diva album ‘Rainbow’. This really is a criminally overlooked gay anthem and highlights what a flamboyant, bold and supportive figure of queer cultures Parton really was. ‘Could I Have Your Autograph’ walked so ‘Padam Padam’ could run.
‘Potential New Boyfriend’
In a similar fashion to ‘Could I Have Your Autograph’, ‘Potential New Boyfriend’ is another camp anthem that embraces northern soul, traditional disco and country-pop to create yet another floor-filling bop. It will certainly appeal to fans of 80s popstars such as Paula Abdul and Sinitta too. Get your pink cowgirl hats on, and get line-dancing (preferably with your potential new boyfriend).
‘Barbara On Your Mind’
‘Jolene’ may be the ultimate “other woman” anthem; however, ‘Barbara On Your Mind’ also sees a woman in distress worried about her husband’s infidelity. This goes one step further than ‘Jolene’ though because the speaker’s husband has actually committed adultery, she speaks directly to her lover about how she often finds “traces of her kisses on your skin / And strands of chestnut hair / That say you have been with her again”. Thus, making this the ultimate heartbreak anthem.
‘Daddy’s Working Boots’
This comes from another of Parton’s earlier albums, ‘My Tennessee Mountain Home’. Although the album’s title track is a huge hit, this beautiful piece deserves some appreciation too. If you love ‘Coat of Many Colours’, you will have this on repeat. A truly beautiful song about childhood memories and father figures.
‘Hit Me With Your Best Shot’
Dame Dolly may have been known as the Queen of Country, however she knew how to rock out with the best of them too. This cover of Pat Benatar’s ‘Hit Me With Your Best Shot’ showcases the rocky, belty edge Parton had to her vocal. On this track, she manages to pair these vocals with heavy guitar riffs and punchy electronic beats. It came from Parton’s final studio album, ironically titled ‘Rockstar’, a phrase that should be associated with this Country Queen more often than it is.
‘Don’t Think Twice’
Rounding off the list, is another cover. However, this time it’s Parton’s superb reinvention of the Bob Dylan hit, ‘Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright’. It is one of those covers that is so good you end up forgetting the original even exists. Sorry Bob, but I’m sure even you would agree!