The Best There Is
Dolly Parton · 1987
29 min · 9 tracks · country music
A vibrant blend of country storytelling and pop sensibilities, infused with Dolly's unmistakable charm and warmth.
Top tracks — play these first
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9 to 5 Start here — This track became an anthem for working women everywhere, capturing the struggles and aspirations of everyday life while showcasing Dolly's sharp songwriting and catchy melodies.
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I Will Always Love You — Originally released in the early '70s but gaining renewed fame through Whitney Houston's cover, this song exemplifies Dolly's poignant storytelling and emotional depth.
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Jolene — As one of Dolly’s signature songs, it tells a compelling narrative of vulnerability and desperation, highlighted by its haunting melody and memorable lyrics.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
As a compilation, it showcases Parton's hits but lacks a cohesive narrative or new material.
What we noticed
- Each track maintains a consistent production style typical of the era, blending traditional country instrumentation with pop elements.
- The sequencing places the most commercially successful songs at the beginning, creating an immediate impact before moving into slightly less well-known material.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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
- upbeat anthems for morning energy
- heartfelt ballads for reflective moments
- quick bursts of emotional storytelling
- steady melodic progression throughout
- easy sing-alongs with friends
Maybe skip if you
- seeking lengthy immersive experiences
- prefer complex, sprawling compositions
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Starting Point — Compilation of hits offers accessible entry to Dolly's music and legacy.
- Themes
- working women's anthem· Nashville storytelling· emotional balladry
- Career context
- Released in 1987, The Best There Is is a compilation album that showcases Dolly Parton's most beloved hits up to that point. By this time, she was already an established star, following her breakthrough in the late 1970s with iconic tracks like Jolene and I Will Always Love You. This album marked a moment of consolidation in her career, bringing together her diverse musical influences and appealing to both country and pop audiences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Emmylou Harris· Linda Ronstadt· Patsy Cline
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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I Will Always Love You
The final verse shifts from expressing gratitude to a bittersweet farewell, revealing deep emotional nuance amidst the song's overall tenderness.
This structural choice intensifies the emotional impact, creating a sense of closure that elevates the song beyond simple love declarations.
Tracklist
- 1 9 to 5 Start here 2:47
- 2 Here You Come Again 2:58
- 3 Do I Ever Cross Your Mind 3:53
- 4 Think About Love 3:26
- 5 Coat of Many Colors 3:05
- 6 Jolene 2:41
- 7 I Will Always Love You 2:56
- 8 Appalachian Memories 4:15
- 9 But You Know I Love You 3:18
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Luxury Liner
Emmylou Harris
Shares a similar blend of country storytelling and emotional depth, with a warm vocal delivery.
Simple Dreams
Linda Ronstadt
Combines pop sensibilities with country influences, featuring strong narratives and emotive performances.
Golden Hour
Kacey Musgraves
Merges contemporary country with pop elements, highlighting personal storytelling and vibrant melodies.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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