Kelly Clarkson, Dolly Parton Release Powerful New Version of ‘9 to 5’
Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for ACM, Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images Reading Time: 2 minutes
Kelly Clarkson just released a new version of the iconic song “9 to 5” with Dolly Parton herself. But this is more than just a straightforward cover of the track. The new version takes a more serious approach to call attention to the song’s important message.
Kelly Clarkson, Dolly Parton Release New “9 to 5”
This new song release is associated with the documentary Still Working 9 to 5, which explores the lasting impact of the 1980 film 9 to 5, and how its themes about women in the workplace are unfortunately still relevant today.
Clarkson’s version of the song with Parton draws attention to these themes by offering a slower, more subdued take that draws attention to lyrics like, “Barely getting by, it’s all taking and no giving.” While Parton’s original is undeniably catchy, this new take on the song emphasizes the seriousness of the message.
“The first iteration, Dolly’s original version was very upbeat,” co-producer/director Camille Hardman said earlier this year. “There was a lot of hope I would say in the song. And this version is just a little bit melancholic.”
Clarkson sings lead for much of the song, with Parton providing backing vocals. In the second verse, Parton jumps in to alternate lyrics with Clarkson. Unsurprisingly, both singers sound great on the track.
SEE ALSO: KELLY CLARKSON ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM INSPIRED BY HER DIVORCE
Fans Are Loving the New Release
Fans commented their thoughts on the song in the YouTube comments, with one user writing, “Wow I was not expecting a version like this at all! It’s amazing how changing the sound of the song can make you hear the lyrics in a way you never understood them before.”
One fan called Clarkson’s performance on the song “deeply moving.” Another wrote that Parton chose “the perfect person to collab with.” It’s clear that the song is having an effect on listeners, which definitely seems to be the goal.
If you’re looking for a cover that’s more faithful to the original, check out Clarkson’s version that she performed on her talk show in 2019.
