An Iconic Voice, A Remarkable Gospel Album
Posted February 16, 2017
By CaitlinLassiter_NRT, Staff Reviewer
No matter what genre you prefer, chances are the name Reba McEntire is one you're familiar with. The iconic country music superstar has been in music for decades with hit after hit topping the charts. Add in major awards and accolades, a long-running popular television show and much more packed into her powerhouse career, and it's clear that Reba is one of the most legendary and successful voices of our time. Now with her first ever gospel album, a two-disc collection of songs containing both favorite classic hymns and new contemporary tunes, Reba is putting the faith that's always been part of her life at the forefront of her music.
"I've been wanting to do a gospel album forever," she says of recording Sing It Now: Songs Of Faith & Hope. A perfect pairing of both old and new, Reba says the 20 track offering "connects the dots between the traditional hymns I grew up on and new music that has been uplifting for me in challenging times."
Disc One:
The first half of Sing It Now gathers a strong bunch of timeless hymns and church favorites, beginning with Reba's beautifully arranged rendition of "Jesus Loves Me." The icon's distinguished vocals are put on display well with the gospel-tinted "Oh How I Love Jesus," much like peppy "Oh Happy Day," which plays on her signature vocal techniques.
Classic hymns "Amazing Grace," "I'll Fly Away" and "In The Garden" of course make an appearance here, but don't underestimate them--these songs are anything but standard when you have Reba's gentle yet striking voice leading them. Highlights on this half of the album include "Softly And Tenderly," a collaboration with dynamic vocalists Trisha Yearwood and Kelly Clarkson, and Reba's emotional version of the ageless "How Great Thou Art."
Disc Two:
The second half of Sing It Now features a more contemporary feel and kicks off with the title track, which is hands-down the highlight of the whole album. The hope-filled anthem is a powerful moment that finds Reba recounting the memories of singing old hymns when she was younger, only to find herself in hard times now and still choosing to sing those words of faith when things get difficult. Co-written by Dove-Award-winning producer Michael Farren, this one is a lyrical gem: "Who He was is who He is beyond a shadow of a doubt / I might be standing in this darkness with trouble all around / but if I could sing it then, I can still sing it now."
Showing off her country roots, "Angels Singing" and "Angel On My Shoulder" bring the familiar Reba sound fans have enjoyed for years into Sing It Now. Another southern infused track, "God And My Girlfriends" is a thoughtful tribute that speaks to the faithfulness of Reba's friends and Jesus in every season of her life. "Hallelujah Amen," a catchy and well-produced high point on the album, gives praise to God for both the sorrows and joys in life, sonically similar in ways to "I Got The Lord On My Side," the most overtly country-music-influenced track on the album, written by McEntire and her mother.
Her bold faith leads the way on the powerful first single "Back To God," as well as her cover of Lee Ann Womack's moving "There Is A God," an account of the proof that surrounds His existence. Closing out the album are vulnerable "From The Inside Out" and emotional "Say A Prayer," both of which display Reba's versatile vocal skills in remarkable ways.
The Bottom Line:
Most everyone who knows anything about Reba will quickly agree with me when I say that she is no doubt a legend, but my respect for her has grown tremendously while listening to these songs because of the genuine heart and talent in each track. Incredible production, quality songwriting and beautiful covers all matched with that iconic voice seem to be quite the combination to create an unforgettable album. In a season where we're seeing more and more mainstream and country artists make faith a priority in their music, with Sing It Now Reba sets the bar high for how to make a quality gospel record.
Song To Download Now:
"Sing It Now" (Get it on iTunes here.)
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