Dolly Parton and Kelly Clarkson dropped a brand new, reworked version of the former’s classic song, ‘9 To 5’ on Friday.
Parton wrote the original as the theme tune for the 1980 movie of the same name. She’s recorded a new version with Clarkson to accompany a documentary to discuss the film’s legacy. The Oscar-winning movie spawned both a TV show and a Broadway musical.
The new version finds the song slowed down, adding a more poignant edge to the lyrics. The documentary’s producer, Shane McAnally, arranged and produced the track.
Related: Dolly Parton just did something amazing
In a press release, Parton said, “Nobody sings like Kelly Clarkson. She makes any song come alive,” she said. “I love her voice on ‘9 to 5’ and I am so proud I got to sing with her on it. I’m equally as proud of the wonderful arrangement and production by Shane McAnally.”
Kelly Clarkson said, “I am so honored that Dolly asked me to reimagine this iconic song, ‘9 to 5,’ with her! She is so talented, an inspiration to all women, and one of the sweetest people you will ever meet!”
Clarkson acknowledged the new version might not be to everyone’s tastes.
“I hope y’all like what we did, but even if you don’t, remember I got to sing a duet with the magical Dolly Parton, and now have bragging rights til the end of time!”
There’s no arguing with that!
Online, the version has indeed split opinions.
The arrangement is ok and Kelly sounds awesome as usual but why all the effects on Dolly’s voice? It’s ok for me to prefer the original version. Was hoping that was the duet. That being said, it was not bad, just not great and new takes can bring new life to a song.
— Chris Godfrey (@ChrisGodfrey4) September 9, 2022
Love, love, LOVE this! Makes me wonder if it’s closer to Dolly’s original conception of the song and they just bumped up the tempo for the movie. Powerful lyrics make greater impact when you have time to absorb…Kelly and Dolly knocked it out of the park❤️
— Rich on LI (@richaroonie) September 9, 2022
Should have left well enough alone. You just can’t remake a classic. Love Kelly who can sing anything and her voice is fantastic ‘ but Dolly’ she is my all time favorite singer her voice sounds cartoonish. Not a thumbs up for me.
— Gh88dp (@hernandezg1188) September 10, 2022
I love this new arrangement.
The both of you are incredible!
I hope it goes number one.
— DEMOCRACY FOREVER (@Rockiesoul) September 9, 2022
Wow!!! Spectacular reworking!!!
— SiBurman (@symbosimbo) September 9, 2022
Not bad, but gotta be honest, I still like the original much better. Kelly’s lucky to have had you collaborate on this. Without your participation it would probably get little attention.
— Chicago Tim 🌻 🇺🇦 (@iTebowCHI) September 9, 2022
This is a unique take on the song, and it sounds just like..WoW!!!😱😎🔥
— Ernie Luna II 🎤🎸🎮🏀🏈 (@FlawedExcuses) September 9, 2022
Related: Dolly Parton reacts to Lil Nas X’s version of ‘Jolene’
The documentary, Still Working 9 to 5 opens in limited theaters on Sept. 16.
What do you make of this new version of the song?
bachy
I want to mention to the Queerty site developer/programmer that every time I hit “Play” on one of the videos or music links featured in an article, the “Trending on Queerty” video at the bottom of the article automatically starts playing at the same time. This means that I have to scroll down to turn it off in order to watch or listen to the original linked media. In other words, they both are somehow triggered to start playing when I hit “Play” on the featured media only.
It seems to be a weird glitch that needs to be addressed.
I am currently using the very latest 2021 MacBook Pro, OS Monterey 12.5.1.
Jim
I’m adding this to the lists of new arrangements that give a new interpretation which rivals the original. This is one.
Others are;
Gladys Knight with The Way We Were.
Whitney Houston with I Will Always Love you. (who wrote that?)
and of course.
Israel Kamakawiwo’ole with Somewhere Over the Rainbow.
jeffhill
You can add Adam Lambert’s version of Cher’s Believe. Cher was moved to tears.
linedrive
If I could get Dolly’s version out of my head I would probably love this; it’s very good. But the original is just absolute fire and such a hard act to follow. Kudos for the effort, though. Kelly Clarkson is an incredible singer.
okokwhatever
Oh come on. People are forgetting the most famous reworking of all time. That belongs to 10,000 Maniacs and they absolutely stunning version of Because The Night. Made that song a hit and made it THEIR song.
bachy
Truth!
LeBlevsez
This is a testament to Dolly Parton’s skill as a songwriter. Great writers can evoke strong emotions and vivid images with few words. I can’t think of a Dolly song that fails to deliver.
I prefer the original, but this version is just as evocative. Kudos to all involved.
JED08
I’m a huge fan of the original song, so I didn’t think that I would like this, but I do.
MrMichaelJ
Slowing it down really makes it a completely different shade of, and a much more contemporary, working 9 to 5.
jackscott
Not a huge Kelly Clarkson fan. However, with Dolly on the track I could get use to hearing this version. Of course, it in no way compares to the original.
bachy
Kelly’s a terrific singer and this is a beautifully rendered interpretation, but if I have to choose between an upbeat cover and a morose one, I’ll choose the upbeat version every time.
Paulie P
I very much like the new version but it is the Dolly parts that have me saying whatttttt
storm45701
It’s the perfect interpretation of the song for the “post”-Covid, quiet-quitting era. Tempo can completely change the meaning and substance of the lyrics. It’s brilliant!
Dr.Knowze
I really don’t like it, and agree that this version is sort of morose. It does, indeed, capture the post-Covid mindset about the workplace. Clarkson flattens out the song, where Parton, in the original song, fills it out paralleling her character’s honest enthusiasm for her job in spite of working for a miscreant. This version falls flat until the end where we hear more of Dolly instead of her being in the background. And I guess I don’t really feel anything for Clarkson.
gothvixen
Hate it. How many slowed-down, slightly-breathy versions of classic songs does one universe need? Nouvelle Vague gave us countless new girly-voiced efforts, and some were amusing, but it’s become a maelstrom of b@st@rdisations and this is just another unnecessary catastrophe.
Karlis
I’m gonna be a no on this one. The original is just too good to be messed around with like this.