Pretty good tribute album. The best song here is easily Shania Twain's cover of Dolly's classic hit "Coat Of Many Colors", Shania sings this song with great emotion and sincerity.

I love this cd. I listen to it all the time. All the artist did a wonderful job with this collection. I especially love the Norah Jones song.

This is album is great, if one is expecting to hear Dolly Parton's versions only on a tribute album then maybe they should realize what they are buying. It is great to have some different musical interpretations of Dolly's songs. And all the people that criticized Sinead's cover should be slapped for such idiotic heresy.

This is an extremely disappointing tribute (sic) to one of the greatest singer-songwriters of our age. We all know Dolly Parton's art is beyond just country music but must we have nearly all of these tracks performed as if they were recorded for a easy listening/folk college radio program?? The instrumentation is as listless as the vocals by this slew of pop/rock female singers. Even Alison Krauss is among the guilty (strangely, the countriest track is by Shania Twain!) This record is frankly a mess. It certainly would have been nice to see some of Dolly's contemporaries on this disc, like Loretta Lynn, Donna Fargo, or Connie Smith. Maybe someday we will get a "country" tribute to Miss Dolly.

I don't write reviews for CD's because people usually don't need help deciding on whether or not to buy one but this one is so danged good I can't help myself.
While there is no substitite for Dolly, hearing other women perfom her music and put their own spin on it is an experience. My favorite by far is Sinead O'Connor's Dagger Through My Heart... it's haunting and you can feel the pain in her voice. Light of a Clear Blue Morning by Allison Moorer is a great listen and my second favorite on the CD.
I bought one for myself and then one for a friend who needed a pep talk. This CD delivers.
If they'd left Shania "Nails on the Chalkboard" Twain off the CD, it'd be even better.

I am only going to talk about one song on the album and that is 'The Grass Is Blue' sung by Norah Jones. Norah sings this song so well and has adapted Dolly's bluegrass song into her own. Right from the first note to the very end Norah keeps you spellbound. Well Done!! Worth buying just for that 1 song.

I couldn't believe what I heard - Dolly's song done in rap? Got the wrong people doing these wonderful songs. God knows I think Alison Krauss is great but she is horrible doing 9 to 5. Bad mismatch of artist to songs. Melissa Etheridge - keep doing your rock and leave Dolly along. I love Dolly doing country and bluegrass but these gals can't interpret her songs - don't buy this - it stinks!!

Skip this one. I can't understand what all these reviewers are praising this CD about. Stick with Dolly Parton's original versions. There is some incredibly weak (and bad) singing on this CD, with Melinda Etheridge and Skinhead O'Conner leading the worst of the worst. Only Emmylou Harris and Alison Krauss' versions of Dolly's songs are worth listening to. I would love to know what Dolly honestly thinks of these performances. Sigh. I promptly gifted this CD to a lesbian.

Country music has always taken the backseat when next to more popular genres. However, it is America's favorite, with best selling stars like Garth Brooks and the transcendent Dixie Chicks. Even folk music has divided into modern rock or country, so, it comes as no surprise that many contemporary artists who are in the popular genre are gathering up to salute a country diva - Dolly Parton.
Parton's music and impressive songwriting abilities have made her the legend that she is. With that status, Parton released the aptly titled Just Because I'm a Woman: Songs of Dolly Parton, a tribute album with and extraordinary guest list.
Parton's songwriting abilities produced one of the biggest singles of all time. The mastermind behind Dollywood penned the Whitney Houston smash hit "I Will Always Love You," which received a Sapphic rehashing by none other than Melissa Etheridge on this disc.
Parton, being country music's answer to Madonna, is never afraid of being honest, neither in her personal life nor the stripped-down lyrics of her songs, whether she is tackling everyday trailer hassles on "9 To 5," which is constructed beautifully by Alison Krauss on this album, or speaking out about poverty on "Coat Of Many Colors," redone here by Shania Twain and Union Station.
Jazzy vocals are laid on "The Grass Is Blue" by Grammy favorite Norah Jones and country blues on "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind," retouched by the mesmerizing strength of Joan Osborne's arrangements.
Although these tracks are all gems from a long list of Dolly Parton's songs, the cover version seal is very evident on most of them. Since it is extremely hard to equal the original, let alone provide a better version, many tracks fall short of their past glory, such as Mindy Smith's rendition of "Jolene" and Shelby Lynne's "The Seeker."
Me'Shell N'Degeocello offers a funkier version of "Two Doors Down," shying away from the very country line-up. Emmylou Harris delivers an unfathomable version of "To Daddy."
Parton herself closes the tribute album with "Just Because I'm A Woman," showing everyone who the big boss is.
This is an official tribute album consented and promoted by Dolly herself and it shows. This collection has many victories, however, all of which leave you only wanting to hear the original.

This wonderful album will appeal to anyone who likes mellow rock, pop, or country and appreciates heartfelt lyrics sung with raw emotion.

I'd never heard of Allison Moorer before I purchased this album, but for my money, she's the best new singer around. I've just purchased all of the albums in her catalog, and feel the joy of having discovered an incredible new talent on this album. Mindy Smith and Kasey Chambers are also wonderful and sound like future superstars should.

Of course, these women wouldn't shine if it wasn't for Dolly herself. She has always been a very gifted songwriter. When you think about her journey from the mountains to Nashville, Hollywood, and Dollywood, Dolly Parton is one of the most amazing women on the planet. Self taught. Self wrought. Talent beyond imagining. To appreciate Dolly, compare these covers to her originals, and you'll see just how talented Dolly is. Hooray for Dolly Parton!

What are you waiting for? This is an album you'll really enjoy. Buy it today!

Dolly Parton is one of the premier songwriters of our time. If you just said, " learn something new everyday", than purchase this CD. If you would place the afforementioned sentence into the little known fact category than this CD will be a introduction to the proof. If you've never listened to Ms. Parton, just remember the chills you recieved when you first heard Whitney Houston sing "I will always love you". That's an example of Dolly's songwriting. This CD bears testimony, that was not a chart topping fluke. This cowgirl can write, not to mention sing(the last song is the diva herself singing the song the album is named for, a treat for the devoted fans.) Plus be sure to read the album notes; they tell you why certain singers chose certain songs and how they were touched by Dolly, nice addition.
Okay here's the premise; 12 singers remake some of Dolly's greatest starting with Alison Krause one of the more popular singers on the album. She sings "9-5" and although her sound is not displeasing, this is not stellar. It's like the original beat got drunk on moonshine. Very slow. Alison has nice range and its all around nice, but has lost the manic monday feel of the original. The next one is the only real dud. Its Melissa Etheridge singing "I will always love you." It's harsh and the arrangement is just wrong. When you hit next on your player be prepared for the most wonderful of songs. Its Norah Jones singing "Grass is Blue". From the first note her vocals and piano playing ring out your heart. Its everything you've ever felt when in denial about anything. The simple way she says the lines conveys a depth of troubled intensity. Lines like: There's snow in the tropics/ there's ice on the sun make you want to google reality just to make sure. Joan Osburne is next and she sings "Do I ever cross your mind". Sweet sweet song. She's so clear, and the musical instruments and her blend and carry you to some quiet mountain spot. What justice she gives to that song!'"The seeker" is Shelby Lynne in one word ; forgettable. But Oh, Jolene. This is the song you'll play on loop. This is the song that will wear out the rubber on your repeat button. Her anguished pleas, her octave, everything. Why is Mindy Smith unknown? This is the best track on the album. Emmylou, does her song proud but if you don't enjoy the gentleness of mountain ballads; Or if you've ever told that joke about playing country music backwards skip it. Shania sings"Coat of many colors" from her soul. It's quite possibly her best song ever sung. I can't hear it without crying. The rest are all worth an equal hear. Except maybe "little sparrow" which is a blugrass treat. A must have for the music lover.

I must say this is the first Dolly Parton album I've purchased. Although I love Dolly most of her charisma is better showcased live than on vinyl. After seing Dolly and Shania on Oprah I ran out to pick up the album..and was completely taken by Shania's rendiction of "Coat Of Many Colors". Alison does a wonderul job as well in harmonies...but it's Shania that grabs your heart strings.

Shania's heartfelt performance is stunningly raw and aside from Dolly is the only artist that can truly say this project had profound meaning.

Yes, Shania detractors will find fault with everything and anything Shania but those of us that appreciate real raw talent without the ability to awaken dogs & cats will love this album.

All the women do a fabulous job...Dolly is always wonderful. My only wish was that Shania also do "To Daddy" another one of her favorites from her early childhood.

Way to go, Dolly! Brillantly done Shania!!

This cd has become an intregal part of my collection. If you like dolly, bluegrass, or any of the artists on it, don't hesitate to buy it.

I discovered this compilation on a listening station at my local Borders, and I'm glad I bought it. I've always been anti-country music, but this has some of my favorite artists on it (Norah, Sinead). But it's a new artist, Mindy Smith, who really roped me in. Her version of "Jolene" is worth the price of the cd alone. Other standouts are Alison Krauss singing "9 to 5" and Joan Osborne's "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind". The only turkey is Melissa Etheridge doing "I Will Always Love You." I love Melissa's own records, but I've never heard a singer more mismatched to a song. A voice as powerful and rocking as hers trying to do a breathy ballad is just wrong. Despite this one fault, I highly recommend this record to all fans of female singer-songwriters.

This is one of the best albums of 2003!

This album is like the girl with the curl--when it is good, it is very good, when it is bad, it's horrid. That being said the majority of the album is worth the money. However, I will break this down into the good, the bad and what I liked that others might not.
The Bad:
Suprisingly the first track on the album is "9 to 5" by Allison Krauss--a noramlly good song by a normally good singer. However, she slows it way down and mumbles the whole thing, removing the punch the song needs. Another big shocker is the normally good Melissa Etheridge doing an achingly dull "I will always Love You."
The Okay:
Norah Jones does a good version of "the Grass is Blue" but it is really predictable.
Mindy Smith's "Jolene" fell into the good category until I heard the one on One Moment More with it's haunting duet ending.
Shania Twain's "Coat of Many Colors" actually sounds country--unfortunately they cruelly plopped her between country's most heavenly voice Emmylou Harris and twang so sharp it can slice cheese Kasey Chambers. Unfortunately, you can really tell that this song was recorded in four pieces (AKUS instrumentals, Twain's vocals, AKUS vocals, Parton's voclas) and Twain just doesn't have the vocals to really let go and give this song the emotional push it needs.
Dolly Parton's "Just Because I'm A Woman" (bonus Track) is slightly dated, but more than anything else the open and emotional version she did originally is far superior than this overproduced attempt at empowerment. (If she wanted female empowerment she should have sung "Eagle When She Flies" and not simply added an R&B backdrop to a song involving the lyrics "Now a man will take a good girl/and you ruined her reputation/but when he wants to marry that's a different situation.")
The Good:
Surprisingly, the best cover on the album is from soulful rocker Joan Osbourne on a remarkable back-yard sounding "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind." Here is a rock singer who has talked about doing a country album that shows the vocal chops and musical knowledge to do it.
Shelby Lynne pulls a whole river full of Alabama gospel to turn out a moving "The Seeker."
Emmylou Harris' "To Daddy" disappoints by being the only track on the album previously recorded, but it is one of the best female country songs ever, so, what can you say.
Kasey Chambers does a driving version of "Little Sparrow." Musically, this is pretty much what you would expect form her, but she brings an amazing level of anger to her vocals, so different from the wounded hurt we have grown used to.
Allison Moorer's "Light of a Clear Blue Morning" suffers slightly from the retro production (read record scratchy) yet, the simple, quite joy she brigns to the lyrics takes your breath away.
Stuff I loved which may be off putting:
Sinead O' Connor's "Daggar Through The Heart" starts off stilted, but gets into the rage of he song really well.
I am a HUGE Me'shell N'degeocello fan and I love her rendition of "Two Doors Down," but others might find the funky, sultry mix way too non-country.

I've always liked Dolly for her lyrics mostly, she's just got "something" that gets my attention.

Regarding to this album, I think it's very nice, I like mostly every song, and I love the Shania version of Coat of Many colors!

Is it worth buying? ... For sure!!! either you're a fan of Dolly's or you just like a couple of her songs, this album has a different (but very nice) sound!

I think this was a wonderful way to thank Dolly by making a tribute to her. My favorite one by far is SHANIA TWAIN singing "Coat of many colors." I wasn't a huge fan of Twain till I saw her on Oprah (w/dolly & melissa ethridge) and learned of her upbringing and struggle for success. And how she was moved to sing w/ dolly. Everyone on this cd brings their own unique sound to the traditional dolly songs. You won't be disapointed.

if you love the tribute album, then check out dollys new cd "for god and country" its a tribute to america and out soldiers overseas!! great songs! will make you proud to be an american!! so check it out today!!!

Dolly Parton - Just Because I'm A Woman

As a fan of Dolly, this is kinda a tribute album to Dolly, featuring female singer of different genre to cover Dolly's classic songs.

The album starts of with Alison Krauss doing 9 To 5 which in my opinion is really great, Alison gave the song a bluegrass feeling to it and it's a great song to start the album with. Melissa Etheridge covered I Will Always Love You and I don't think I'm feeling it, its like a effortless cover and it was not a great one. Norah Jones performed with Dolly on The CMA, the live version on CMA was good but on the album is not that good, Norah gave us the impression that she should stick to doing her own style of music. Do I Every Cross You Mind was originally sung by Dolly with Emmylou and Linda, Joan Osborne was kinda nice and I really liked it. Shelby Lynne covered The Seeker and kinda made the song into Shelby version, a great cover and sounds totally new. Mindy Smith a newcomer did a version of Jolene and it's the best version I ever heard, sounds like a mellow bluegrass song and totally blew me away, Dolly should be proud of her. Emmylou Harris recorded To Daddy first and its kinda like it was Dolly who made a cover of it. Emmylous always sounds great and this raise up to expectation as well. Shania and AKUS joined hand on Coat and it was not that great, I love Shania but she simply doesn't sound very country here, in fact, it sounds more like pop version. Sinead O'Connor did a cover of Dagger Through The Heart and I personally don't like it much. I don't think I like the way Sinead O'Connor sings. Allison Moorer's Light Of A Clear Blue Morning is not as good as Dally original version, this version sounds kinda flat but its ok, Allison have a vocal that really impresses me much. The next songs by Me'Shell N'Degeocello was unknown to me but I think its not bad, sounds ok to me, I don't like it and I don't hate it. And Finally it the last track which started Dolly career, its recorded and just as good as ever, the same old Dolly and really a highlight on the album.

I was so excited for this CD to come out, and for the most part, it doesn't disappoint. I would buy the CD just to hear Joan Osborne sing the classic "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?". I have played that song over and over again, and I haven't tired of her version yet.
I agree with an earlier reviewer, in that several of the songs are just lukewarm, but still nice to listen to on a slow, rainy afternoon....while sitting at the computer! Norah Jones is okay, she sounds like Norah Jones. Alison Krauss sings "9 to 5" but I hate the song 9 to 5 so much I can't even comment on it...don't know why she picked that song. Ugh. And the song "two doors down"...another confusing pick. I didn't care for Me'shells version. Ugh again. Dolly has written many many more songs with more heart and soul, I am at a loss as to why more of those weren't on this CD. Odd choice of songs.
I like Shania's version of Coat of Many Colors, but then, I love her voice on most any song.
I would recommend this CD for about 9 of the 13 songs.

I'd heard about this disc and couldn't wait to hear it. It blew me away. I couldn't wait to hear Alison Krauss and Emmylou Harris, but it was Norah Jones, Joan Osborne, Mindy Smith and Shania Twain that struck a chord with me! I love this disc!

Being a fan for almost all of my 40 years, I have always appreciated the genuine, heartfelt songwriting of this American Treasure! FINALLY, the American public, and hopefully, the world will be able to experience the talent of this extroidinary creature that has been brilliantly hidden behind this so called "Dumb Blond" image! As a huge fan, I can honestly say that no artist can measure up to Dolly's versions of her songs, so I listened to each track with that thought in mind. However, after listening to each cut, I found myself mesmerized that so many artists from different genres made each song their own. All I can say is: Dolly Parton is one of the greatest songwriters that we've ever had the pleasure to to listen to. She not only lives her songs, she takes us along to live them with her. And what's even spookier about her, her voice is even better than it was when she captivated me almost 40 years ago!

Dolly Parton, an American icon, is known for lots of things and now, with this fine collection, will also be known for her exceptional song writing. I could have done without Melissa Ethridge's I Will Always Love You and it is too bad that Emmylou couldn't have recorded something new but on a whole this is a real easy listen (not to be confused with easy listening). And I agree with what someone else stated, I will be getting Mindy Smith's (no relation, unfortunetly) album on the strength of her Jolene.

When I mention that I like Dolly Parton, people look at me funny. But you know what? I'm glad. That means that I can keep her to myself just a little bit longer...until they pick up any one of her last three albums (The Grass is Blue, Little Sparrow and Halos and Horns) and see what a wonderful voice she has and what an incredible songwriter she is. And now this album comes along.

This tribute album, filled with songs that Dolly has written over her long career, is something to behold. Sure, people have heard these songs many times before...Jolene, I Will Always Love You, Coat of Many Colors...but many didn't realize that Dolly herself actually wrote them too! And to hear these great voices pay tribute to one of our American treasures is a pleasure.

Standouts include Shelby Lynne's The Seeker, Norah Jones' The Grass is Blue and Emmylou Harris' To Daddy (sent chills down my spine!). But of course, the definitive versions of all of these songs will always be Dolly. Always Dolly.

I listened to this album in a United Airlines flight to California. I was totally mesmerized by the songs. Never having been a fan of Dolly Parton, the power of her lirycs and music was a surprise. I bought the CD as soon as I could and in fact it is playing as I write this review. What great numbers! Those by Shelby Lynne, Mindy Smith and Ammylou Harris are mindblowing. A compilation that will endure and be enjoyed for years to come.

Sometimes it's refreshing to hear a new voice singing old, familiar material. And some songwriters' lyrics are better sung by someone else. Judy Collins, for example, often sings Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen songs much better than they do and makes the material her own. That is not the case here. No one sings Dolly better than Dolly. Although Whitney Houston made barrels of money on her version of I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU, she cannot touch Dolly's heartfelt rendition of that song. And nobody on earth should sing COAT OF MANY COLORS but Ms. Parton The only singer who comes close to Dolly on this CD is Emmlou Harris singing TO DADDY. I have loved her version of that Parton classic for years.

At her best, Dolly writes and sings beautiful music. You'll be better off buying a Dolly Parton Greatest Hits CD or, for that matter, the wonderful TRIO CD recorded several years ago by Dolly, Emmylou and Linda Ronstadt This CD is a real disappointment.

What an incredible collection! Do not let the negative reviews convince you not to buy this album. Dolly fan or not, if you love acoustic music, you will LOVE this CD! From Alison's powerful voice on the ragtime rendition of "9 to 5" to the re-make of the title cut by Dolly herself, there is just not a song that I skip over when it is in my stereo (and, believe me, it is in there all the time). I just can't get enough of it. I love hearing a songwriter sing their own song. But, in this case, Dolly's songwriting abilities will shine more than ever when you hear these other phenomenal artists interpret her material. My favorites: Alison Krauss on "9 to 5" - leaves you wanting more. Norah Jones on "The Grass is Blue" - breathtaking! Kasey Chambers on "Little Sparrow" - when she sings those lyrics, they become so vivid! Sinead O'Conner on "Dagger Through the Heart" - you MUST hear this version!!! It is incredible!!! Listen to it a couple of times and you begin to hear the depth in her voice. Her words are soooo angry you feel like her voice is just waiting to reach outside of your stereo and strangle her unfaithful lover. What an awesome interpretation of this song! This is not just a good album, it is one of the best I have added to my collection. I will go a step further and say that it is one of the greatest "tribute" albums I have ever heard. Buy this CD!!!! What are you waiting for?

Dolly Parton is one of those peculiarly American institutions that seem to straddle all boundaries - blue collar, white collar, rich, poor, even to some extent black, white (she is phenomenally popular in Africa). She doesn't follow any rules but her own (witness her recent high-on-sentiment "For God and Country" after the critically acclaimed bluegrass albums), and for this reason, she's always authentic. She's never been given her full due as a songwriter, and an album like this was long overdue. Now, it's hard to top Dolly on any song she recorded herself (she's also not given her full due as a singer), and most of these singers wisely choose alternative interpretations. With the possible exception of Melissa Etheridge's "I will always love you" there's nothing I want to skip over. That song is tough, because even Dolly's retakes on it didn't touch her understated original version - try to put in too much emotion and it becomes overwrought. The standouts are somewhat surprising. I never liked Joan Osborne's big hit, "One of us", in part because she seemed to have put on a particular voice to sing it. None of that in "Do I ever cross your mind", which gets my vote as the outstanding song on the album - clean, clear, perfectly understood. This version rivals, if it doesn't surpass, Dolly's. Allison Krauss's "9 to 5" is fine, but I also prefer the pumped-up speed of Dolly's original. Norah Jones made "The grass is blue" work in a way I felt Dolly did not on her own album - didn't care for the song on that album, but Jones' quiet but moving delivery is perfect for it. Then there's Osborne, Shelby Lynne, and Emmylou Harris. Why are people complaining about Emmylou's previously recorded version of "To Daddy"? When something's perfect, why mess with it? This is an incredible song, and this version and Dolly's own are priceless. Mindy Smith's Jolene is a more vulnerable take on Dolly's classic, but to me she throws away the repeated Jolene's by singing them similarly. In Dolly's version, there's a build-up with each Jolene, and each is sung with a different emphasis. I give Smith major points for trying a new take, however. This is one song where no one will ever touch Dolly's version. The rest (Allison Moorer, Kasey Chambers, Meshell Ndegeocello) is fine, if not quite up to the standard of Osborne and Harris. Sinead O'Connor's version of "Dagger Through the Heart" is histrionic and frankly bizarre, but it gets to you in a way Dolly's didn't. I have to count it as a highlight. Shania Twain is not nearly as terrible as made out - she can't come close to the classic original of Dolly's because she doesn't have the voice or the acting skills, but back-up vocals by Dolly and Allison Krauss help a lot, and it's pleasing enough to the ear. It's interesting that of all the performers, Shania Twain probably related to this song most closely from her own life experience, though she's now the queen of glitzy country-pop. Heard on this album, the take is OK. If you play it and then play Dolly's original version, it does pale very badly in comparison. Overall, an interesting album that has earned repeated listens by me - for Dolly neophytes, get this and then get the originals.

Why would anyone slow down 9 to 5 - the whole point of this song as lost. I do, however, like Shania's version of Coat of Many Colours. Perhaps my disappointment stems from the fact that Dolly has always been country and each of these artists completely ignored the root of these songs. I'm all for doing things in a new and unusual way - as long as you are making an improvement. I felt that some of the songs were done in a new and different way just for the sake of saying it was different, not necessarily better. I guess I am just a Dolly fan afterall.

this was a great tribute album! before this album, the only other tribute album i have ever even remotely enjoyed was 'duke ellington songbook,' which boasts the most heart-wrenching cover of 'what am i here for' (nnenna freelon's) that i have ever heard.

i am a black teenager with eclectic tastes, and certainly not ur stereotypical dolly parton fan, so i was thrilled to see that this album gathered a collection of artists which reflect dolly parton's diverse fan base. my absolute favorite tracks on this cd are, of course, the r&b-heavy updated version of the title track, followed by (and in this order), mindy smith's jolene cover, norah jones' the grass is blue cover, emmylou's to daddy cover and me'shell n'degeocello's two doors down cover. i think these tracks are the most in tune with the spirit of the album. the worst track of the album was, without a doubt, melissa etheridge's 'i will always love you.' it was atrocious and u really just expect more from an artist like her.

as for an explanation of my favorites:

JOLENE IS JUST A HEARTBREAKING SONG! you can't screw it up unless u r musically retarded. i have liked every version of this song i have ever heard from the white stripes' cover of it to reba mcintire's cover of it. mindy smith's, however, was truest to what i imagine was dolly parton's state of mind when she was writing and performing the song. it just makes u fall to pieces.

the grass is blue is probably my favorite dolly parton song, probably because I can relate to it more than any other song she's ever performed or written. people who dislike norah jones' cover of the song dislike it because they DON'T GET IT. complaints that its not emotive or that its predictable are from people who are MISSING THE POINT. it makes me wonder if they have ever listened to the song. 'i just can't go one day without u unless i pretend the opposite's true...the sky is green and the grass is blue and i don't love you. i don't love you.' the song's narrator is trying to forcibly detach herself from any emotion, any feeling she has for the man she speaks of and this, in itself, is what's so heartbreaking. since the song's narrator is already post-breakdown, the fact that norah jones was able to deliver the song sans any detectable histrionics makes the cover what it is: a true portrayal of the song's lyrics. the apparent lack of emotion in her voice, the distant tone of it are the precise elements which make it so depressingly GOOD.

emmylou's to daddy is just beautiful. it's a classic song by a classic artist and really, if u have ears, my attachment to the song needs no explanation. if u r a fan of traditional country music, then just this track along with dolly's updated 'just because i'm a woman' is worth the price of the album.

two doors down by me'shell n'degeocello...i was just amazed by this song. i'm quasi-familiar with this artist, she's a great bass player and i first became enamored with her voice when i heard the stripped-down 'you made a fool of me' on the otherwise pretty uneventful love + basketball soundtrack. she made two doors down an entirely new song. she made it entirely her own and often--as was the case with melissa etheridge's atrocious cover--this does not work. me'shell MADE IT WORK!!

Folks, save your money and buy instead one of the great Dolly Parton anthology albums out there where someone who can actually feel her music (Dolly herself) is singing it. This is a horrifying abuse of some of the best country songs ever written. The worst thing I ever heard is Shania Twain butchering Coat of Many Colors (I'm certain that if Joseph himself heard this he'd want to stay at the bottom of a well till it was over). Allison Krauss sounds great as usual but who's idea was it to SLOW down this classic song?

The only good rendition on this album is Just Because I'm a Woman...oh wait, is that Dolly herself singing? No wonder...sheesh!

From the opening beats of the slowed (and nicely so) Krauss cover of "9 to 5", I had a really good feeling about the album. I was not let down ... mmmm except for one. Shelby Lynne - of all the artists - who'da thunk. It's an okay version of "The Seeker". I always liked this song and had hoped for a more rousing interpretation (I love Dolly, but sometimes songrwriters should let other folks sing what might be too close to them). And Mindy Smith didn't do much for "Jolene" that hasn't already been done, but that's okay. It's obligatory -- and any other interpretation might have felt like sacrilege to her die-hard fans. Exceptional renditions by Krauss, Emmylou, and (suprise!) Sinead, make the album worth every penny. Melissa Etheridge's version of "I Will Always ..." sure beats the heck outa Spitney Houston's version. Me'Shell N'Degeocello's "Two Doors Down" certainly isn't for everybody but I enjoy a truly twisted take on a song. And when Shania Twain can sound as good as all these great artists, well, bras off to the producer!!

First let me say that I am NOT a Shania fan. Second, while I am a great admirer of Dolly, Joan Osborne, Allison Krauss, Shelby Lynne, and Norah Jones, it was Ms Twain who inspired me to buy this album. How's that for a twist? After seeing her break down in tears on Oprah over the meaningfulness of Dolly's songwriting in her life, and hearing her give emotive folk vocals to Coat of Many Colors, I realized that Dolly's songs were likely to draw great performances out of these artists. How true it is! This album is a fabulous showcase for these artists. I really can't stop listening to it. The biggest surprise is Sinead's amazing performance on Dagger. The only track I skip is Melissa Etheridge - bad, bad song choice. Lastly, Shania, if you're listening, keep it up! Tell Mutt he should do without all that Def Leppard production more often!

Like many I have been a Dolly fan for most of my life. I have loved her through every phase of her career. Whether it is her '80's pop days or her recent return to her bluegrass roots. All of her various phases are represented here. Great songs that have been given a new spin by female artist both respected and new. I really appreciate all of the tracks(except maybe Melissa Ethridges weird version of "I Will Always Love You"). Each artist brings their own style and experience to the song they have chosen. The cuts that I was most impressed by were Alison Kraus' "9 to 5", Norah Jones' "Grass Is Blue", Kasey Chambers' "Little Sparrow", & most suprisingly Me'Shell N'Degeocello's "Two Doors Down". I was blown away by this particular tracks blusey quality. It totally took on a different light interpreted this way. Way to go. I would suggest that all Dolly fans buy this album. I would also suggest that all those that are put off by Dolly's "persona" also check this album out because her amazing song writing talent shines through.