Independent
Release Date: September 9th 2022
Reviewed by: Joshua Andre
Kelly Clarkson & Dolly Parton– 9 To 5 (FROM THE STILL WORKING 9 TO 5 DOCUMENTARY) (Single) (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Track Listing:
- 9 To 5 (FROM THE STILL WORKING 9 TO 5 DOCUMENTARY)
One of the most accomplished singer-songwriters/pop artists of this generation is the very first American Idol winner. Kelly Clarkson won the inaugural season in 2002 to much support; and ever since that title, she’s been storming down the gates, with her moving, inspiring, and powerful music, as well as resonating and empowering anthems. You can read about her in our blog about her influence here; and songs like “Since U Been Gone”, “Breakaway” (actually written by Avril Lavigne!), “The Trouble With Love Is”, “A Moment Like This”, “Never Again”, “Invincible”, “Mr. Know It All”, “Stronger”, “Medicine”, “I Do Not Hook Up”, “Piece By Piece”, and “Dark Side” (to name a few), have impacted and influenced listeners all over the globe. Kelly has charted Billboard lists, become an icon for pop music over the years, and has even hosted her own talk show The Kelly Clarkson Show in recent years, becoming a TV show host personality, just as much as she is a music personality. Kelly has also been a coach on The Voice throughout the years as well; and while her last studio album was 2017’s Meaning Of Life (she released a Christmas album last year, as well as a brand new single “I Dare You” in 2020, and a covers EP this past June!), it begs the question- when will Kelly release something brand new? The answer: we don’t have to wait that long for something new. In fact, Kelly just released her ‘brand-new’ song. Well… it’s kind of brand-new.
Dolly Parton, one of the most accomplished singers ever, is still making music to this day. She has been a force to be reckoned with within the country music sphere for many decades now, and she has even crossed over the CCM circles, collaborating with Zach Williams and for KING & COUNTRY to name a few. Dolly is synonymous with the smash-hit “Islands In The Stream” (sung with Kenny Rogers, but actually a Bee Gees song!). However, we’re not here to write an exegesis about Dolly and her influence. We will write about her in our forthcoming blog about her in our series about iconic and identity building artists. But what we are here for is to gloss over Dolly’s recent collaboration with Kelly Clarkson.
A short time ago, Kelly and Dolly unveiled a brand-new rendition of “9 To 5”, the iconic Dolly song from yesteryear. It’s a moot point to discuss the song itself- you can read about it on Wikipedia, as well as the film, TV series, and later on musical from which the song was inspired from. This year, a documentary about the film, called STILL WORKING 9 TO 5, was released this past week at select cinemas on a limited run. It’s evident that “9 To 5” is incredibly iconic and has etched its way into music culture and folklore; and for both Dolly and Kelly to reimagine this classic; is bound to give all of us spine tingling chills. “9 To 5” (this version), is a laid-back acoustic ballad-y version, in contrast to the upbeat original recording. But the impact and heart behind the song still remains timeless, and the lyrical themes and content depicting a person disgruntled with their job and their boss; still remains relevant and true today. Sometimes we do feel indifference and dare I say it- hate, towards our job and our boss; and “9 To 5” inspires us to always tell each other our feelings in a constructive way instead of thinking about ways to hurt our boss and deliberately sabotage our job.
While Dolly Parton, a living legend in her own right, answers to no-one, and we all wouldn’t even be fazed if she never makes another album ever again (because she has earnt her right to relax and she doesn’t really need to explain her decisions to anyone!); Kelly Clarkson, a current legend, is one whom listeners and fans are intensely eager for a new album- even though Kelly doesn’t really need to give answers as to why her new album isn’t coming yet either! Slated for release in 2023, Kelly is one of the biggest stars of our generation; and together with Dolly, she has created a fabulous and incredible rendition of one of the biggest songs in history. Well done Dolly and Kelly; I can’t wait to see and hear what’s next for both of you!
Score: 5/5
RIYL: P!NK, Delta Goodrem, Tina Arena, Christina Aguilera, Martina McBride, Alan Jackson, Vince Gill, Carrie Underwood