A Legacy Etched in Song
Reba McEntire, a true icon in the realm of country music, has graced the world with an extraordinary collection of songs throughout her illustrious career. Her powerful vocals, infused with raw emotion, and her unparalleled ability to weave narratives that resonate with the human experience have cemented her place as a beloved figure in the music industry.
This curated selection delves into the heart of Reba McEntire’s discography, highlighting 15 of her most exceptional recordings that have not only topped charts but have also left an indelible mark on the tapestry of country music. From heart-wrenching ballads that tug at your soul to empowering anthems that ignite the spirit, Reba’s musical versatility knows no bounds.
1. “Somebody Should Leave” (1985)
Reba McEntire's Somebody Should Leave
“Somebody Should Leave,” a poignant ballad released in 1985, marked a pivotal moment in Reba’s career, showcasing her transition toward a more traditional country sound. This heart-wrenching song, featured on her album “My Kind of Country,” captures the raw pain and agonizing decision faced by a couple grappling with the realization that their marriage is nearing its end. The lyrics, laced with a palpable sense of longing and regret, resonated deeply with audiences, solidifying its place as a country classic.
2. “Consider Me Gone” (2009)
Reba McEntire performing Consider Me Gone
In 2009, Reba gifted the world with “Consider Me Gone,” a powerful anthem of self-respect and empowerment. Featured on her album “Keep On Loving You,” this song, penned by Steve Diamond and Marv Green, became an instant hit, resonating with listeners who had experienced the complexities of one-sided relationships. The protagonist’s declaration to walk away if her needs aren’t met struck a chord with audiences, showcasing Reba’s ability to infuse her music with relatable experiences and powerful emotions.
3. “The Greatest Man I Never Knew” (1991)
Reba McEntire singing The Greatest Man I Never Knew
“The Greatest Man I Never Knew,” a poignant ballad from Reba’s 1991 album “For My Broken Heart,” explores the complex relationship between a father and daughter. The lyrics, penned by Richard Leigh and Layng Martine Jr., paint a bittersweet picture of a daughter reflecting on her emotionally distant father, a man she admired but never truly connected with. Released during a challenging period in Reba’s life following a tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of several band members, the song carries a profound sense of heartache and longing.
4. “Cathy’s Clown” (1989)
Reba McEntire's music video for Cathy's Clown
Reba’s 1989 rendition of the Everly Brothers’ classic “Cathy’s Clown” showcased her exceptional ability to breathe new life into timeless tunes. Featured on her album “Sweet Sixteen,” Reba’s powerful vocals and emotional depth transformed this pop hit into a captivating country ballad. The song’s narrative, centered around a woman confronting her unfaithful partner, resonated with audiences, propelling it to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
5. “One Promise Too Late” (1987)
Reba McEntire performing One Promise Too Late live
“One Promise Too Late,” a heart-wrenching ballad from Reba’s 1986 album “What Am I Gonna Do About You,” captures the essence of love and regret. Released as a single in 1987, the song, penned by Dave Loggins, Lisa Silver, and Don Schlitz, resonated with audiences, climbing the charts to become Reba’s eighth number-one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
6. “You’re the First Time I’ve Thought About Leaving” (1983)
Reba McEntire in the music video for You're the First Time I've Thought About Leaving
“You’re the First Time I’ve Thought About Leaving,” a standout track from Reba’s 1983 album “Unlimited,” marked a significant milestone in her career. The song, written by Kerry Chater and Dickey Lee, propelled her to new heights, becoming her second number-one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and solidifying her status as a major force in the country music scene.
7. “You Lie” (1990)
Reba McEntire's iconic You Lie music video
Reba’s “You Lie,” a beautifully crafted country ballad released in 1990, showcased her ability to convey raw emotion through song. Featured on her album “Rumor Has It,” the song, penned by Bobby Fischer, Charlie Black, and Austin Roberts, quickly climbed the charts, reaching the coveted number one spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.
8. “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” (1991)
Reba McEntire in The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia music video
Reba’s rendition of “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” originally recorded by Vicki Lawrence in 1972, showcased her ability to infuse classic songs with her unique vocal prowess. Featured on her 1991 album “For My Broken Heart,” Reba’s interpretation of this Southern gothic ballad captivated audiences.
9. “She Thinks His Name Was John” (1994)
Reba McEntire's impactful music video for She Thinks His Name Was John
Reba’s “She Thinks His Name Was John,” a poignant ballad from her 1994 album “Read My Mind,” demonstrated her willingness to address sensitive social issues through her music. The song, written by Sandy Knox and Steve Rosen, tells the story of a woman grappling with the consequences of a one-night stand that resulted in her contracting HIV.
10. “I’m a Survivor” (2001)
Reba McEntire performing I'm a Survivor live
“I’m a Survivor,” a powerful anthem of resilience and strength, became synonymous with Reba’s own life and career. Released in 2001 as part of her album “Greatest Hits Volume III: I’m a Survivor,” the song, written by Shelby Kennedy and Phillip White, resonated with audiences, becoming the theme song for Reba’s hit television show of the same name.
11. “Is There Life Out There” (1991)
Reba McEntire's Is There Life Out There music video
“Is There Life Out There,” featured on Reba’s 1991 album “For My Broken Heart,” struck a chord with listeners seeking personal growth and fulfillment beyond the confines of their daily routines. Written by Susan Longacre and Rick Giles, the song became an anthem for self-discovery, particularly resonating with women yearning for a more fulfilling life outside of their domestic roles.
12. “If You See Him/If You See Her” (with Brooks & Dunn) (1998)
Reba McEntire and Brooks & Dunn in If You See Him/If You See Her music video
Reba’s collaboration with country duo Brooks & Dunn on “If You See Him/If You See Her” resulted in a unique and unforgettable musical experience. Released in 1998, this poignant duet, featured on both Reba’s album “If You See Him” and Brooks & Dunn’s album “If You See Her,” showcases the magic that happens when musical powerhouses join forces.
13. “Does He Love You” (with Linda Davis) (1993)
Reba McEntire and Linda Davis performing Does He Love You
“Does He Love You,” a powerful duet featuring Reba and Linda Davis, became an instant classic upon its release in 1993. Featured on Reba’s album “Greatest Hits Volume Two,” the song, penned by Billy Stritch and Sandy Knox, tells the story of two women confronting their feelings for the same man.
14. “Whoever’s in New England” (1986)
Reba McEntire in the music video for Whoever's in New England
“Whoever’s in New England,” a haunting ballad released in 1986, became a defining moment in Reba’s career. Featured as the title track on her album of the same name, the song, written by Kendal Franceschi and Quentin Powers, tells the story of a woman grappling with her husband’s infidelity.
15. “Fancy” (1990)
Reba McEntire's Fancy music video
Reba’s rendition of Bobbie Gentry’s “Fancy” transformed this classic tune into a powerful anthem of female empowerment. Released in 1990, Reba’s interpretation breathed new life into the song’s narrative of a young woman overcoming adversity to forge her own destiny.
