Dolly Parton wears many hats, or in her case, many wigs. The singer, songwriter, actress and entrepreneur has never shied away from trying different things and successfully mastering them. The same can be said for the different genres she's tackled. She cut her teeth on traditional country music and through her long, illustrious career has dipped her toes in pop, dance, bluegrass and gospel.

Her newest album, Better Day, is a glowing example of the type of variety Dolly still brings to the table. Her 41st studio album is brimming with the type of upbeat, uplifting sentiments Ms. Parton has become known for. The bouncy pop-country of the opening cut "In The Meantime" sounds like a hit single upon first listen. The album then delves into traditional bluegrass ("Just Leaving"), lazy, loping blues ("Better Day") and modern gospel ("The Sacrifice").

Dolly has always had a knack for writing clever, catchy pop tunes coupled with smart, sassy lyrics and Better Day is certainly no exception. Longtime Dolly fans will savor every minute of this fine album and newer fans who might be more familiar with the most recent crop of upstart female country singers will probably revel in the inspiration and influence Dolly still extols.

Her trademark chirping vocals are still intact and perky as ever, and she sounds downright jubilant on her newest effort. Better Day is another fine album in Dolly's huge catalog and it only bolsters her status as country music royalty.

3 and 1/2 stars

This article appears in Aug 11-17, 2011.

I was born on a Sunday Morning.I soon received The Gift of loving music.Through music, I Found A Reason for living.It was when I discovered rock and roll that I Was Beginning To See The Light.Because through...