“Jolene”
One of the best-recorded, catchiest and most emotionally subtle songs of its era also happens to have been among Parton’s biggest hits.
“The Seeker”
Dolly’s “Come to Jesus” song, tightly wrapped in back-porch funk.
“I Will Always Love You”
Unlike the majestic Whitney Houston version, Dolly’s lower-key 1974 rendering is appropriate for more than just weddings and funerals.
“Here You Come Again”
A crassly produced disco-era mega hit that’s also terribly catchy and lyrically ambiguous: Does Parton’s “here I go” mean she’s finally leaving her manipulative ex, or is she falling for him all over again?
“Islands in the Stream”
Perhaps the greatest karaoke-bar duet fodder of all time. It’s really the quivering little vocal tics (“ah-hah-uh-ah!”) that twist the knife here.
SEE IT: The sixth annual Dolly Parton Hoot Night is Saturday, June 11, at the Mission Theater. 8 pm. $10-$12. 21+. See music listings for details.
