Dolly Parton: 'Better Day' - Album review

Dolly Parton celebrates 54 years in the music biz this year and what better way to mark the occasion than with a new album? Her 41st to be precise, which, considering the downturn of the music industry, is an almost unthinkable accomplishment.

Even more so is that she's done it without bandwagon-hopping; something she continues unwaveringly on Better Day - a 12-strong collection of 21st century country songs that each glow with her infectious personality as well as giving us a fresh batch of sayings for our Dictionary of Dolly-isms.

"The greatest days we've ever known are the days we're living in," Parton sings over barn-dance beats on 'In The Meantime' - though title track 'Better Day' proves her optimism isn't completely opaque: "You gotta keep the faith/ 'Cause I believe there's a better day," she insists over a swaying country melody and twinkling piano.

Even lead single 'Together You & I', which sees her talking about companionship and overcoming adversity, avoids the realms of novelty - flanked by traditional banjos and and heart-tugging emotion. Elsewhere, Better Day continues to spread Dolly's no-brainer philosophy that has always been the key to her longevity - as she neatly puts it on 'The Sacrifice': "You don't drink the water, if you don't dig the well."

Tracks to download: 'Together You & I', 'In The Meantime', 'Better Day', 'The Sacrifice', 'Country is as Country Does'
If you like this, you'll like: Patty Loveless, Kenny Rogers, Taylor Swift

Watch Dolly Parton's 'Together You & I' video below: