Album spotlight : Dolly Parton - The Very Best of

With an artist like Dolly Parton - one who has performed well over 3000 songs and had hit after hit, how do you manage to release a very best of and choose simply the best, without disappointing fans?

In Parton's case, it's to release Greatest Hits/Best of's every couple of year and hope it satisfies her fans.

Already owning more than my fair share of Parton Compilations, I was interested to see whether or not this Very Best of was any different from the others.

This time around, I was pleasantly surprised. The album actually does span her long career and capture the essence of her as a country singer.

On most Dolly Parton Best of's, there is always going to be the songs that are almost a requisite, so it was no surprise to find 'Jolene', '9 to 5' and 'Coat of Many Colors' but this time around you also get hidden treasures like Parton's first hit 'Dumb Blonde'.

'Coat of Many Colors', 'I Will Always Love You' and 'Jolene' capture the writing talents of Parton, who has penned nearly every song that she has written.

'To Know Him Is To Love Him', 'Romeo' and 'Silver Threads and Golden Needles' shows that Dolly’s talents at harmonising, and see her team up with country legends Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, and Linda Ronstadt during the 80’s.

The Very Best of, brings out old gems like 'Old Flames Can’t Hold A Candle To You', 'Applejack and 'Potential New Boyfriend'- tracks you don't hear much on Dolly Compilations but are always a treat.

Like all Greatest Hits/Best of , there are going to be the die-hard fans who will grumble about what should or should not have been on this album. That’s fair enough, but for new comers of the brilliance that is Dolly, this is a nice treat and introduces them to not just her bigger hits, but some of her older songs.

The Very best of defines the ups and downs that have come with Dolly’s music - how she has managed to rise up against all odds - and still be the most recognized female country singer of all time.

Tracks not to miss: 'Baby I’m Burnin', 'Islands In The Stream', 'Potential New Boyfriend', 'Why'd You Come in Here Lookin' Like That' and 'Coat Of Many Colors.