Stephen Thomas ErlewineSomething Special is something of a mixed bag from Dolly Parton, featuring a selection of new songs and re-recorded old material. While the newer songs are fine, they pale in comparison with classics like "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You," recorded as a duet with Vince Gill. If the new songs had been included on an album that only featured new material, they would have formed a strong record, but they take a back seat to Parton's older songs, which are more inspired and better-written. Nevertheless, the album provides several fine moments, even it doesn't rank among her best works.