Few artists have captivated the heart and soul of country music quite like Reba McEntire. With a career spanning decades, her powerful vocals and heartfelt storytelling have earned her the title “Queen of Country” and a place among the genre’s legends. From heart-wrenching ballads to empowering anthems, Reba’s music has resonated with millions, leaving an enduring mark on the world of country music.
This musical journey celebrates 15 of Reba McEntire’s greatest hits, showcasing her incredible range and the raw emotion that has made her an icon.
1. Somebody Should Leave
Released in 1985, “Somebody Should Leave” is a heart-wrenching ballad that perfectly encapsulates the painful reality of a marriage falling apart. Featured on her album My Kind of Country, the song marked a pivotal point in Reba’s career, solidifying her transition to a more traditional country sound.
The lyrics paint a poignant picture of a couple grappling with the agonizing decision of who should leave the family home. Reba’s powerful vocals deliver the song’s emotional weight, making “Somebody Should Leave” a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners.
2. Consider Me Gone
“Consider Me Gone,” from Reba’s 2009 album Keep On Loving You, is a powerful anthem of self-respect and empowerment. The song tells the story of a woman who has reached her limit in a one-sided relationship.
With lyrics that speak of strength and determination, she declares that if her partner can’t meet her needs, she’s ready to walk away. “Consider Me Gone” showcases Reba’s ability to seamlessly blend contemporary country with traditional influences, resulting in a song that topped the charts and became an instant fan favorite.
3. The Greatest Man I Never Knew
This poignant ballad, featured on Reba’s 1991 album For My Broken Heart, delves into the complex relationship between a father and daughter. “The Greatest Man I Never Knew” tells the story from the daughter’s perspective, reflecting on a lifetime of emotional distance from her father.
Recorded during a particularly difficult time in Reba’s own life, following the tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of several band members, her raw, emotional delivery infuses the song with a palpable sense of heartache and longing.
4. Cathy’s Clown
Reba’s rendition of the Everly Brothers’ classic “Cathy’s Clown,” released in 1989 on her album Sweet Sixteen, is a testament to her versatility as an artist. Injecting her signature country twang into the pop tune, Reba delivers a powerful and emotionally charged performance.
The song tells the story of a woman confronting her unfaithful partner, and Reba’s vocals perfectly capture the raw emotions of betrayal and heartbreak.
5. One Promise Too Late
Featured on her 1986 album What Am I Gonna Do About You, “One Promise Too Late” is a classic country ballad that captures the bittersweet agony of love and regret. The song tells the story of a woman who realizes she’s fallen in love with someone else but is already committed to another.
Reba’s heartfelt delivery and the song’s relatable narrative struck a chord with listeners, propelling it to the top of the charts and becoming one of her most enduring hits.
6. You’re the First Time I’ve Thought About Leaving
This standout track from Reba’s 1983 album Unlimited marked a significant turning point in her career, solidifying her status as a rising star in country music. “You’re the First Time I’ve Thought About Leaving” explores the inner turmoil of a woman contemplating ending a relationship.
The song’s relatable theme of heartbreak and the decision to walk away resonated with listeners, making it her second number-one hit and a staple in her impressive discography.
7. You Lie
Reba’s powerful vocals and emotional depth shine through in “You Lie,” a heartbreaking ballad from her 1990 album Rumor Has It. The song tells the story of a woman confronting her partner’s infidelity, laying bare the raw emotions of betrayal and heartache.
Reba’s delivery is both powerful and vulnerable, capturing the essence of the song’s message and making it a standout track on the album.
8. The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia
Originally recorded by Vicki Lawrence in 1972, Reba breathed new life into “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” with her 1991 cover for the album For My Broken Heart. The song tells a haunting Southern Gothic tale of betrayal, murder, and injustice.
Reba’s powerful vocals and the song’s cinematic music video, which added a visual layer to the narrative, transformed it into a captivating and unforgettable experience for listeners.
9. She Thinks His Name Was John
In 1994, Reba released “She Thinks His Name Was John,” a poignant ballad from her album Read My Mind. This powerful song tackled the sensitive topic of the AIDS epidemic, telling the story of a woman who contracts the virus after a one-night stand.
Reba’s willingness to address such a difficult issue through her music showcased her courage and compassion, making “She Thinks His Name Was John” a truly impactful and memorable song.
10. I’m a Survivor
Released in 2001 as part of her Greatest Hits Volume III: I’m a Survivor album, this empowering anthem became synonymous with Reba’s own life and career. “I’m a Survivor” celebrates the strength and resilience of women who overcome adversity.
The song’s message of perseverance resonated deeply with listeners, particularly as the theme song for Reba’s popular sitcom of the same name, which followed the life of a single mother navigating life’s challenges.
11. Is There Life Out There
“Is There Life Out There,” from Reba’s 1991 album For My Broken Heart, struck a chord with listeners, particularly women, seeking personal growth and new experiences. The song tells the story of a woman longing for something more than her domestic life.
The accompanying music video, featuring Huey Lewis and depicting a woman returning to college, further emphasized the song’s theme of self-discovery and achieving one’s dreams.
12. If You See Him/If You See Her (with Brooks & Dunn)
In 1998, Reba teamed up with country music duo Brooks & Dunn for the poignant duet “If You See Him/If You See Her.” This unique song unfolds as a conversation between two former lovers relaying messages through mutual friends.
The collaboration brought together two of country music’s biggest names, creating a memorable and chart-topping hit. The song’s structure, with Reba and Brooks & Dunn exchanging verses, adds a layer of depth and emotion to the narrative.
13. Does He Love You (with Linda Davis)
Reba’s duet with Linda Davis, “Does He Love You,” is a powerful and emotionally charged ballad from her 1993 album Greatest Hits Volume Two. The song tells the story of two women confronting each other about their love for the same man.
The raw emotion in both Reba and Linda’s vocals, combined with the song’s dramatic narrative, captivated listeners. The song’s music video, with its suspenseful ending, further added to the song’s impact.
14. Whoever’s in New England
Released in 1986 as the title track of her album Whoever’s in New England, this ballad became a pivotal moment in Reba’s career, solidifying her status as a leading lady in country music. The song tells the story of a woman grappling with her husband’s suspected infidelity during his frequent business trips.
“Whoever’s in New England” showcased Reba’s ability to convey raw emotion through her music, earning her critical acclaim and a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.
15. Fancy
Reba’s rendition of Bobbie Gentry’s “Fancy,” released in 1990, transformed the song into an empowering anthem about overcoming adversity and taking control of one’s destiny. The song tells the story of a young girl escaping poverty and hardship through sheer determination.
Reba’s powerful vocals and the song’s dramatic music video, depicting the protagonist’s journey, created an unforgettable and inspiring message that resonated with listeners.
