Description
Dolly Parton – 9 To 5 And Odd Jobs – 180 Gram Rising Sun Galaxy Vinyl Record
Vinyl Me Please
Vinyl Me, Parton Record of the Month for August 2023
(AAA) Lacquers cut from tapes by Ryan Smith, Sterling Sound
Pressed on Exclsuive 180g Rising Sun Galaxy vinyl
VMP Limited
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Released on November 17, 1980, Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs is an album that celebrates the everyday struggles and triumphs of working-class people, blending country, folk, and pop in a way that only Parton can. The album features the iconic and immensely popular title track “9 to 5,” which was written for the hit film of the same name, in which Parton made her acting debut alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. The album not only captures the spirit of the time, addressing themes of labor, empowerment, and economic challenges, but it also showcases Parton’s versatility as a songwriter and artist.
The album is a mix of original songs and covers, and its theme of hard work, personal resilience, and empowerment resonates with the blue-collar audience that Parton herself grew up around. 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs successfully merges country music with mainstream pop and soft rock influences, marking another milestone in Parton’s ever-evolving career as she continued to bridge the gap between traditional country and the broader popular music world.
By the time Dolly Parton released 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs, she was already an established country star, known for hits like “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.” However, the late 1970s and early 1980s saw Parton shifting towards a more crossover pop sound, reaching new audiences outside of her traditional country base. The song “9 to 5” was central to this shift, becoming a massive success not only as a single but also as a key part of her debut as an actress in the 1980 film 9 to 5, which became a cultural touchstone for its portrayal of women in the workplace.
The broader theme of the album centers around labor, inequality, and economic hardship, reflecting Parton’s own humble beginnings and the struggles she witnessed growing up in rural Tennessee. The album’s storytelling reflects Parton’s deep empathy for the working class and her ability to tell relatable stories with warmth, wit, and a bit of sass.
9 to 5 and Odd Jobs blends several genres, including country, pop, blues, and folk, reflecting Parton’s growing interest in broadening her musical horizons. While much of the album retains her country roots, it also incorporates more polished, mainstream production, making it accessible to a wider audience.
The album’s biggest hit, “9 to 5,” is a perfect example of Parton’s ability to fuse country with pop. The song’s upbeat tempo, catchy piano riff, and instantly recognizable chorus propelled it to the top of both the Billboard Hot 100 and Country Charts, showcasing Parton’s ability to appeal to both country fans and pop listeners alike.
In addition to the pop-influenced sound of tracks like “9 to 5,” the album also explores a more traditional sound with songs like “House of the Rising Sun,” which brings a folk-blues vibe with Parton’s powerful vocal delivery. Similarly, “Sing for the Common Man” has a folky, anthemic quality that highlights her ability to convey the struggles of everyday people.
Tracks like “Working Girl” and “Poor Folks’ Town” are more stripped-down, focusing on storytelling and narrative-driven lyrics that reflect Parton’s country roots. These songs give the album an authentic, down-to-earth quality, reminding listeners that, at heart, Parton is still the country girl from Tennessee who knows the value of hard work.
At its core, 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs is about work—the long hours, the struggle for fair treatment, and the dignity that comes from perseverance. The album’s thematic focus on labor and the working-class experience makes it one of Parton’s most socially conscious records, resonating deeply with listeners who have experienced the trials and tribulations of daily work life.
The title track, “9 to 5,” is not just a catchy song but an anthem for working women, capturing the frustration of being undervalued in the workplace and the fight for respect and recognition. The song’s themes of female empowerment and solidarity continue to make it relevant decades after its release.
Songs like “Poor Folks’ Town” and “Sing for the Common Man” reflect the economic hardship experienced by many Americans at the time. Parton’s lyrics convey empathy for those living paycheck to paycheck, showing her connection to her working-class roots and her understanding of the hardships faced by those at the bottom of the economic ladder.
Throughout the album, Parton emphasizes themes of resilience and determination. Whether singing about the daily grind of work or the challenges of escaping poverty, Parton’s songs encourage perseverance and finding pride in hard work. In “Detroit City,” for instance, Parton’s character yearns for the comforts of home but keeps pushing forward in the face of struggle.
Notable Tracks
“9 to 5”: The album’s standout hit and one of Parton’s most iconic songs, “9 to 5” captures the frustrations of the working world with humor and energy. Its catchy melody, driven by a typewriter-like piano riff, and its empowering message of women demanding respect in the workplace made it an instant classic. The song’s blend of pop accessibility and country roots epitomizes the album’s crossover appeal.
“House of the Rising Sun”: Parton’s rendition of this folk classic is a powerful, soulful interpretation. Her emotive vocal delivery gives new life to the well-known narrative, blending country with blues in a haunting arrangement that stands out on the album.
“Poor Folks’ Town”: A poignant reflection on the hardships of growing up in poverty, this song shows Parton’s deep connection to her working-class roots. The simple, stripped-down arrangement and heartfelt lyrics make this one of the most emotionally resonant tracks on the album.
“Working Girl”: This track is a tribute to the hard-working women who make up the backbone of society. With its folk-inspired sound and Parton’s engaging storytelling, the song captures the spirit of female resilience and the pride that comes from honest work.
“Sing for the Common Man”: A folksy anthem, this song champions the struggles and perseverance of the working class. The lyrics emphasize solidarity and the idea of finding dignity in work, making it a strong thematic closer for the album.
Upon its release, 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs received widespread praise for its blend of country storytelling and crossover pop appeal. Critics lauded Parton for addressing timely social issues, particularly the struggles of working women and the working class, while maintaining her signature warmth and accessibility. The album’s success helped solidify Parton’s status as a crossover star, appealing to both country and mainstream pop audiences.
The title track, “9 to 5,” became one of Parton’s biggest hits, earning her Grammy Awards for Best Country Song and Best Country Vocal Performance, Female. The song’s legacy has endured, remaining an anthem for workplace empowerment and gender equality. The album itself, while sometimes overshadowed by the immense success of its title track, is often viewed as an important record in Parton’s catalog for its thematic depth and its celebration of the everyday worker.
9 to 5 and Odd Jobs is a testament to Dolly Parton’s ability to connect with her audience by telling stories that reflect real life. The album’s themes of hard work, resilience, and empowerment resonate as strongly today as they did in 1980, making it one of Parton’s most relatable and socially conscious records.
For fans of Dolly Parton, or anyone looking for an album that combines catchy melodies with meaningful lyrics about the struggles and joys of working life, 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs is a must-listen. It captures the spirit of perseverance, the dignity of work, and the hope of overcoming life’s challenges—all wrapped up in Parton’s infectious warmth and undeniable talent.
Track Listing
9 To 5
Hush-A-Bye Hard Times
The House Of The Rising Sun
Deportee (Plane Wreck At Los Gatos)
Sing For The Common Man
Working Girl
Detroit City
But You Know I Love You
Dark As A Dungeon
Poor Folks Town