Released 46 years ago this November
9 to 5 and Odd Jobs
Dolly Parton · 1980
28 min · 8 tracks · country music
A vibrant blend of country and pop that speaks to working-class struggles with Dolly's signature warmth and wit.
Top tracks — play these first
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9 to 5 Start here — This title track captures the frustrations and aspirations of working women, becoming an anthem for gender equality in the workplace.
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Working Girl — The song embodies the spirit of ambition and perseverance, serving as an uplifting narrative about women's contributions in the workforce.
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Hush‐a‐Bye Hard Times — This track poignantly reflects on economic hardship with a blend of vulnerability and hope, showcasing Parton's storytelling prowess.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends catchy melodies with relatable themes, showcasing Parton's strong songwriting and vocal delivery.
What we noticed
- The album opens with the upbeat title track, followed by a series of mid-tempo songs that maintain a consistent energy level.
- Several tracks feature prominent backing vocals and harmonies, enhancing the storytelling aspect of the lyrics.
- The last two tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a reflective mood that contrasts with the earlier songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo sing-alongs
- uplifting anthems for workers
- reflective moments of resilience
- short bursts of relatable narratives
Maybe skip if you
- seeking lengthy immersive experiences
- prefer fast-paced instant gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album features the iconic title track that solidified her cultural impact.
- Themes
- working women's movement· economic hardship· blue-collar aspirations
- Career context
- By the time '9 to 5 and Odd Jobs' was released in November 1980, Dolly Parton was already a well-established artist, known for her crossover appeal. This album followed her commercial peak with the hit single '9 to 5', which had become synonymous with the working woman's movement. It marked a significant moment in her career, showcasing her ability to address social issues through accessible pop-infused country music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Emmylou Harris· Linda Ronstadt· Patsy Cline
Tracklist
- 1 9 to 5 Start here 2:45
- 2 Hush‐a‐Bye Hard Times 3:46
- 3 The House of the Rising Sun 3:57
- 4 Deportee (Plane Wreck at Los Gatos) 4:41
- 5 Working Girl 3:15
- 6 But You Know I Love You 3:18
- 7 Poor Folks Town 2:55
- 8 Sing for the Common Man 3:46
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Simple Dreams
Linda Ronstadt
Shares a vibrant blend of country and pop, addressing personal and social themes with warmth.
Luxury Liner
Emmylou Harris
Features storytelling about working-class struggles with a rich blend of country and folk influences.
Common Sense
John Prine
Explores economic hardship and everyday life through witty lyrics and acoustic-driven melodies.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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