Diamonds & Rhinestones: The Greatest Hits Collection cover

Diamonds & Rhinestones: The Greatest Hits Collection

Dolly Parton · 2022

72 min · 23 tracks · country music

A celebratory collection of country anthems and heartfelt ballads showcasing Dolly Parton's unique storytelling and vocal charm.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Jolene — This track remains one of Parton's signature songs, showcasing her storytelling prowess through the haunting narrative of a woman confronting a rival for love.
  • →
    I Will Always Love You — Parton's emotive delivery and poignant lyrics have made this song an enduring classic, famously covered by Whitney Houston, amplifying its reach beyond country music.
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    9 to 5 Start here — As an anthem for working women, this song reflects Parton's ability to blend social commentary with catchy melodies, capturing the zeitgeist of the early '80s.
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    Islands in the Stream — This duet with Kenny Rogers highlights Parton's versatility and cross-genre appeal, becoming a staple in both country and pop music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

54 /100
Foothills
Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

This compilation highlights Dolly Parton's storytelling and vocal charm but lacks a cohesive narrative flow.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks are sequenced to highlight Parton's storytelling, often transitioning from personal narratives to broader themes.
  • The collection includes both solo performances and collaborations, such as 'Islands in the Stream', which shifts the vocal dynamic.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 8/10

Defined its genre or moment. 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

  • nostalgic sing-alongs with friends
  • steady flow of timeless classics
  • heartfelt storytelling in every track
  • for sunny road trips
  • warmth for cozy evenings

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking experimental or avant-garde sounds
  • prefer longer, conceptual albums

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Starting Point — A comprehensive collection showcasing her iconic hits for new listeners.
Themes
working women's anthem· 1970s country charm· heartfelt storytelling
Career context
By the release of Diamonds & Rhinestones: The Greatest Hits Collection in late 2022, Dolly Parton was a revered icon with a career spanning over six decades. This compilation arrives as a retrospective of her most beloved hits, encapsulating her journey from breakthrough success in the 1970s to contemporary recognition, including her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier in 2022.
Stylistic neighbors
Emmylou Harris· Linda Ronstadt· Patsy Cline

Tracklist

  • 1 9 to 5 Start here 2:47
  • 2 Jolene 2:42
  • 3 Here You Come Again 2:57
  • 4 Islands in the Stream 4:11
  • 5 I Will Always Love You 2:56
  • 6 Coat of Many Colors 3:05
  • 7 My Tennessee Mountain Home 3:08
  • 8 The Bargain Store 2:43
  • 9 Baby I’m Burnin’ 2:38
  • 10 Better Get to Livin’ 3:35
  • 11 Why’d You Come in Here Lookin’ Like That 2:33
  • 12 Love Is Like a Butterfly 2:22
  • 13 Heartbreaker 3:34
  • 14 Red Shoes 2:59
  • 15 The Seeker 3:17
  • 16 Together You and I 3:59
  • 17 Two Doors Down 3:07
  • 18 When Life Is Good Again 4:11
  • 19 Tennessee Homesick Blues 3:23
  • 20 It’s All Wrong, but It’s All Right 3:18
  • 21 Real Love 3:52
  • 22 Silver Threads and Golden Needles 2:25
  • 23 Faith 3:07

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata