Unlike many colleagues from Nashville, singer and songwriter Dolly Parton rarely let go of the traditional country & western and bluegrass patterns. There were trips (the cover of Stairway To Heaven on from 2002) but the iconic blonde singer was sparingly spent in a broader genre such as americana. Better Day also mainly sounds good-spirited bluegrass. The motherly Parton (she never had children
… of her own but always took good care of her many brothers and sisters) wants to support the sinking America with Better Day. That is why she sounds especially cheerful and energetic in songs like In The Meantime (with the message: trust in God and seize the day) and the title track (keep faith in the return of better times). The strength of Parton, who herself grew up in a poor but devout family and grew into one of the richest women in America, is that she does not come across as naive in this, but is the (American) country fan with her clear vibrato voice and feminine presentation. misere makes you forget. (MR)more
