27 Best Reba McEntire Songs
When talking about top female country artists, Reba McEntire has to be on the list. In this article, we've compiled Reba McEntire's best songs. So, without further ado, let's dive right in!
Contents
“Fancy”
Song Year: 1990
“Fancy” is a single included in McEntire's album “Rumor Has It” and is likely her biggest song.
Its lyrics tell a story about a poor girl named Fancy who is forced into prostitution by her mother to support her family. In the end, Fancy triumphs over her challenges and becomes successful.
This song performed well upon its release, reaching No. 8 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. It remains one of her well-liked songs; many artists having covered it in different genres.
“Because of You”
Song Year: 2007
“Because of You” is a country pop song by Reba McEntire, which features Kelly Clarkson's vocals. It was written by Kelly Clarkson, David Hodges, and Ben Moody and then produced by Dann Huff.
The song's lyrics examine the positive and bad effects of a previous relationship on the protagonist's life. The production is simple, featuring drums, piano, and electric and acoustic guitars.
“Consider Me Gone”
Song Year: 2009
“Consider Me Gone” was the lead single in McEntire's album “Keep On Loving You,” written by Steve Diamond and Marv Green.
The song's lyrics deal with a woman who has had enough of her partner's unreliable behavior and is ready to move on. She tells him that if he can't figure out how to love her properly, he should leave her. She is tired of waiting for him to change and wants to take control of her life.
Its catchy tune and McEntire's powerful vocals contribute to the general feeling of empowerment and self-respect.
“Does He Love You”
Song Year: 1993
“Does He Love You” is a duet by Reba McEntire and Linda Davis, released as part of McEntire's album “Greatest Hits Volume Two.”
It features the vocals of two female protagonists, the wife and the mistress. Both ladies are concerned about the man's true love because they know he is disloyal to them.
Commercially, this song performed well. It peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and became a crossover hit, reaching number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100.
“Rumor Has It”
Song Year: 1990
“Rumor Has It” featured in the “Rumor Has It” album was originally written by three great songwriters, Don Cook, Bruce Burch, and Vern Gosdin, and produced by Tony Brown.
This song is about a woman who heard that her ex-lover was in a new relationship. Despite the shortcomings of her previous relationship, she still feels jealous and angry about the situation.
The lyrics are heartfelt and strong, conveying the agony of a broken heart and the challenge of moving past a failed romance.
“Every Other Weekend”
Song Year: 2008
“Every Other Weekend” was released as part of McEntire's album “Reba: Duets” as the second single. One of the interesting facts about this song is that Skip Ewing and Connie Harrington wrote it. The production part was handled by Tony Brown and McEntire herself.
This song tells the story of a couple who divorced but were granted shared custody of their children. The lyrics emphasize the challenges of co-parenting and the toll it may have on both parents' and kids' emotions.
“Turn on the Radio”
Song Year: 2010
“Turn on the Radio” was one of the best songs in McEntire's career. It was well-received by fans, peaking at #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
The song's lyrics center around a woman trying to move on from a broken relationship and looking for a distraction from her heartbreak. She turns on the radio to hear some music and forget about her problems, but instead of hearing love songs, she wants to hear something upbeat and empowering that will lift her spirits and help her move on.
“Take It Back”
Song Year: 1992
“Take It Back” was written by two of the greatest songwriters, Kristy Jackson and Paul Kennerley, and included as the second single in her “It's Your Call” album. The song features an upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, and is potentially the best in McEntire's extensive discography.
It talks about a lady tired of her partner mistreating her and resolves to take charge of the situation. She insists that her lover return all he has given her, telling him she would no longer tolerate his nasty behavior.
“The Fear of Being Alone”
Song Year: 1996
“The Fear of Being Alone” is the second single from McEntire's “What If It's You” album written by Walt Aldridge and Bruce Miller.
The lyrics describe the dread and anguish of breaking up with someone. McEntire sings from the perspective of someone terrified of being alone and having a hard time letting go of a previous relationship.
McEntire's emotional delivery adds depth to the lyrics and makes the song more relatable to listeners who have gone through a similar experience.
“How Was I to Know”
Song Year: 1992
“How Was I to Know” is about a woman having trouble accepting the breakup of a relationship. She recounts the red flags she ignored and questions herself whether there was anything she could have done to stop the breakup.
The song features emotional lyrics, and McEntire's powerful vocals make it a standout. Its production is quite simple, with an acoustic guitar and piano.
“Somebody”
Song Year: 2004
“Somebody” is another song that elevated McEntire's country music career, peaking at #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
Its lyrics talk about a woman who has experienced too much pain in her relationship. She wishes to find someone who can love her genuinely and spend the rest of their life together.
The song features an upbeat tempo and catchy melody. McEntire's powerful vocals and the full band backing create a refreshing vibe.
“The Heart Won't Lie”
Song Year: 1993
“The Heart Won't Lie” is a duet by Reba McEntire and Vince Gill. This song was written by Kim Carnes and Donna Terry Weiss and produced by Tony Brown and McEntire.
The lyrics talk about the reunion of two former lovers after a long separation. Their love for each other survives despite their efforts to separate, and they find it difficult to suppress their emotions.
Its emotional lyrics and McEntire and Gill's harmonies make it one of the best songs in the album “It's Your Call.” The production is simple, featuring drums, piano, and a combination of acoustic and electric guitars.
“If You See Him, If You See Her”
Song Year: 1998
“If You See Him, If You See Her” is a duet by Reba McEntire and Brooks & Dunn. This song is unique since it's featured in both singers' albums. Additionally, it appeared at #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
The song's lyrics describe the struggles of two ex-lovers trying to move on with their lives. They both wonder whether the other is still thinking of them and whether they would still be open to giving the relationship another shot.
“The Last One to Know”
Song Year: 1987
“The Last One to Know” is an emotional song about betrayal in a relationship. The song's lyrics describe the singer's painful discovery that her partner had been cheating on her and that she was the last person to find out.
Like most of McEntire's songs, “The Last One to Know” was a commercial triumph. It peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs. This song also earned her Best Country Female Vocal Performance nomination at the 1988 Grammy Awards.
“Little Rock”
Song Year: 1986
“Little Rock” was originally written by Nashville songwriters Pat McManus, Gerry House, and Bob DiPiero. It was then produced by Tony Brown, one of the best country song producers. The production features acoustic and electric guitars, pianos, and drums.
This song was released as part of her album “Whoever's in New England.” It talks about a lady married to a rich man who doesn't treat her right. At first, she is fascinated by the lavish lifestyle, but she grows tired and yearns for more.
“Strange”
Song Year: 2009
“Strange” is the lead song on McEntire's 25th studio album, “Keep On Loving You.” She debuted this song at the Academy of Country Music Awards a week before it was officially released to country radio.
It describes the confusion and mixed emotions that come with a breakup. Instead of feeling sad, McEntire is surprised that she is perfectly okay. This song performed quite well and peaked at #11 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
“Whoever's in New England”
Song Year: 1986
“Whoever's in New England” is the lead song for the album “Whoever's in New England.” It talks about a woman who believes her husband is having an affair in New England despite denying it. She wonders why her husband doesn't come home and decides to confront him.
This song and the entire album were the highlights of McEntire's career since they enabled her to win her first-ever Grammy Award. She was also crowned the “Entertainer of the Year” by the CMA.
“The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia”
Song Year: 1991
“The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” was originally made in 1972 by Vicki Lawrence. The song is a story of a guy named Andy who was falsely accused of killing his wife, but the real murderer is the narrator's brother.
Many people, including Reba McEntire, loved the song. She even decided to produce her cover in 1991 and included it in her album “For My Broken Heart.” Her version also did well and peaked at #12 on the Hot Country Songs chart.
“The Greatest Man I Never Knew”
Song Year: 1992
“The Greatest Man I Never Knew” is the second single in McEntire's “For My Broken Heart” album. The song peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart when it was released. It also earned her CMA Award nomination for Female Vocalist of the Year.
This song's theme is about a father-daughter relationship. She talks about their distant relationship and how her father was great, but she only realized it after he had died.
“I'm a Survivor”
Song Year: 2001
“I'm a Survivor” is McEntire's lead single from her album “Greatest Hits Vol. 3: I'm a Survivor,” originally written by Shelby Kennedy and Phillip White.
This song's lyrics motivate you to overcome challenges no matter what comes your way. Its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and McEntire's powerful voice make the song memorable.
It peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs list and earned McEntire a Grammy award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.
“She Thinks His Name Was John”
Song Year: 1994
“She Thinks His Name Was John” is quite different compared to other Reba McEntire songs since it mainly talks about HIV/AIDS.
This song was featured in McEntire's album “Read My Mind.” It talks about a lady infected by HIV/AIDS from a one-night stand with a man named John. She narrates how difficult it was to accept her condition and how she felt guilt and shame.
McEntire's emotional vocals and minimalist production, which only uses an acoustic guitar and a few other basic instruments, contribute to the song's sad and heartbreaking tone.
“Can't Even Get the Blues”
Song Year: 1982
“Can't Even Get the Blues” is a story about a lady who just has been dumped by her boyfriend. Instead of feeling sad, she's delighted they are no longer together.
This song's production features an upbeat tempo with twangy guitar riffs and honky-tonk piano. McEntire's energetic vocals make it fun and catchy.
In terms of performance, the song peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, making her the best female country song artist.
“What Am I Gonna Do About You”
Song Year: 1986
“What Am I Gonna Do About You” is a country pop song featuring a catchy melody. Its production features a strong drum beat and upbeat guitar riffs, giving it a modern touch. Her emotional delivery and powerful vocals made the song stand out in the album.
This song describes the story of a lady trying to forget her ex-boyfriend but is having trouble doing so. Despite her efforts, she misses her lover and is tempted to contact him.
“One Promise Too Late”
Song Year: 1987
“One Promise Too Late” is the second single in McEntire's album “The Last One to Know.” This song is primarily about a woman who let her love slip away. She regrets the lost chance and wishes she had expressed her feelings sooner, but it's too late now.
Its production is characterized by a powerful piano riff and sweeping orchestration, offering the tune a cinematic vibe that matches the intensity of the lyrics.
“Walk On”
Song Year: 1990
“Walk On” was written by Diane Warren, one of the most famous country songwriters. McEntire then recorded and released it as the fourth single for her “Sweet Sixteen” album.
The song is about a woman who has been hurt and let down by a lover but still holds on. Later on, she decides to move on and forget about him.
The “Walk On” production features an upbeat tempo and a catchy chorus that add to the song's inspirational message.
“Is There Life Out There”
Song Year: 1992
“Is There Life Out There” tells a story about a woman compelled to forgo her ambitions of getting a higher education and looking for a job to raise her family. When her kids became older, she wondered what life was like out there. She eventually goes back to school and achieves her dreams.
This song is a Rick Giles and Susan Longacre composition. McEntire featured it as the lead single in her album “It's Your Call.”
“You Lie”
Song Year: 1990
“You Lie” is the second single in McEntire's 1990 album “Rumor Has It.” Its lyrics are about a lady confronting her unfaithful partner, but he denies the allegations and tries to convince her that he has been faithful. However, she refuses to believe him and decides to leave.
This song's production features drums, piano, and guitar. Upon its release, it reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and became McEntire's 14th song to reach number one on that chart, steering his career.
Top Reba McEntire Songs, Final Thoughts
Reba McEntire is undoubtedly a music legend. When you analyze her career, you'll see a superstar who was strong enough to challenge any artist in the genre who came before or after her. Listen to any of Reba McEntire's songs on our list whenever you feel low and want some motivation or just for entertainment reasons.
