Better Day

Dolly Parton may be a country-music veteran, but she sings with the passion and energy of a teenager. She wrote all twelve songs here and they’re further proof of her underrated songwriting greatness. “Somebody’s Missing You” features Emmylou Harris and Alison Krauss on backing vocals and is the sweet meeting of angelic vocals that you’d expect tucked inside a great modern country tune. “Better Day” plays like a slinky barroom vamp with Parton whispering and shouting up and down the dynamic scale. “Together You and I” has a bright pop patina shoring up its infectious energy. The uptempo numbers —  “In the Meantime,” “Just Leaving,” “Country Is As Country Does” — add a thrilling power and a balance to the pedal-steel ballads. “I Just Might” is the sound of a country master working the most vulnerable edge of her range. “Get Out and Stay Out” retains a brutal attack underneath Parton’s gentle vocals. “Let Love Grow” is a positive power anthem that sounds as genuine as the best of her work.