A Country Treasure ~ Welcome to the Talent of Reba McEntire

There are certain artists, both in country and pop music, that transcend tradition and expectations to become icons of both style and song. Country superstar Reba McEntire is one such artist who was not only survived twenty years in the competitive world of music, but has always managed to keep her splendid soprano voice filled with emotion and realism. Her albums have evolved and grown as Reba herself has grown and each represents the hard work and talent that are the hallmark of McEnitre's career. This particular album is not only a fabulous representation of Reba's career to date with its combination of classic hits and renditions of traditional favorites, but this is the prefect stepping stone for anybody wishing to begin listening and enjoying traditional country music.

The songs on this album, essentially, represent the different and exciting dimensions of Reba's vocal talents; she is heartbreaking and melancholy in one tract and then slips to upbeat and sweet in the next. These songs do have the connecting tread of love ~ each song represents that heartache and joy each of us has suffered in the name and pursuit of love and McEntire's voice does this startling collection of work complete justice. Country fans as well as new Reba fans will greatly appreciate such an array of unique ballads that are the very essence of Reba the singer and the performer. For the most part, the songs are powerful and concise in their messages and tend to rely upon the listener's own life experiences for emotional interpretation.

Speaking as a fan, it would be impossible for me not to mention the three songs that make this album the wonderful piece of music that it is. The sorrowful and expressive ballad "You Lie" is the perfect song for those searching for meaning in a bad situation and Reba's soaring vocals on the chorus bring home the all encompassing feeling that one is drowning in such powerful feelings of love and regret. "Fancy" Reba herself has said has been her favorite song in both recording and video production which is surprising considering the nature of song itself. The subject matter deals with a young girl being almost "sold" into prostitution by her mother in order to give her the chance for a better life; Reba has been quoted as saying that this is "a strong woman's song" ~ one that is filled with strength and sorrow. I consider this song to not only be the most powerful on the album, but the most entertaining with its use of a mesmerizing lead guitar that strums out the violent emotions filling "Fancy's" heart. The fan favorite and most well received song on the album is the traditional sounding "Is There Life Out There," many fans and critics have deemed this song to be the anthem of a generation of working women. Essentially, this song is the modern woman's chance to ask what life has left to offer her after she has done it all and Reba's wonderfully light voice coupled with the upbeat melody make this song a wonderful one to crank up on the home stereo.

Those particular songs only represent a small piece of the magic known as Reba and the rest of the album is far from a disappointment; I can honestly say that this is the one album where every track is enjoyable. Her duet with Linda Davis with "Does He Love You" is a wonderful musical cat fight between two fantastic voice battling out over a classic tale of betrayal; the haunting melody of "The Greatest Man I Never Knew" not only brings tears to one's eyes but also enchants listeners with remembrances of those special people in life who touch us in their own silent way.

To say Reba and her voice are special is not enough; Reba McEntire and her music are exactly what life is all about: surviving bad situations and learning to live life on one's own terms. These hits are a mere collection of Reba's talent but they are the prefect introduction for anybody who has never heard her and for those who already treasure her talent. This is the perfect album to cry and laugh with but more importantly, Reba means for all of us to live and love with it as well.