Reba McEntire has been a cornerstone of country music since the early 1980s, amassing an incredible catalog of Reba Songs that have resonated with generations of fans. With over 20 number-one hits, she rightfully holds her place as one of the Queens of Country Music, standing shoulder to shoulder with legends like Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn. Her enduring career and continuous relevance are undeniable, further cemented by her recent high-profile appearances.
In 2024, Reba’s star power shines brighter than ever. She captivates audiences weekly as a coach on NBC’s The Voice, showcasing her expertise and charismatic personality to a national audience. Adding to her impressive year, she delivered a breathtaking rendition of the National Anthem at Super Bowl LVIII in February 2024. This performance, watched by millions globally, served as a powerful reminder of her vocal prowess and stage presence as she approaches her 70th birthday.
Reba McEntire singing the National Anthem at Super Bowl LVIII, wearing a tan jacket and black pants, showcasing her powerful vocals and stage presence.
Photo -Ethan Miller – Reba At Super Bowl 2024
Beyond her current successes, Reba remains grounded and relatable. In a recent interview with CMT, she shared a humorous anecdote about an embarrassing on-stage moment from her early career. This story, posted as a clip on CMT’s Instagram, revealed her down-to-earth nature and ability to laugh at herself, further endearing her to fans.
Recounting the incident, Reba described a concert in the early 1980s when she was headlining. Planning a dramatic entrance for “Sweet Dreams,” she intended to walk confidently back on stage as blue lights illuminated her. However, a stage monitor became an unexpected obstacle. “I did not remember this monitor being there on the floor,” she explained. “So when I was shuffling my way off stage right, I shuffled my toes right underneath that monitor and fell over on top of it.”
Despite the mishap, Reba, ever the professional, quickly recovered. “I crawled off stage and ripped my britches, but the show must go on so I dusted myself off and put my hand over where I ripped my britches. I came back out and did the song, and nobody knew the difference.” This story perfectly encapsulates Reba’s resilience and dedication to her craft.
Having spent considerable time with Reba throughout my career as a country music journalist since the 1990s, I can attest to her genuine and approachable personality. Her down-to-earth demeanor makes it easy to forget you are in the presence of a music icon. This authenticity shines through not only in person but also in her extensive catalog of Reba McEntire songs.
In a recent conversation, I discussed with Reba a list of her top songs and asked her to name her personal favorites. Counting on her fingers, she listed, “‘Fancy,’ ‘Is There Life Out There,’ ‘I’m A Survivor,’ ‘Can’t Even Get The Blues,’ ‘Take It Back,’ and ‘Why Haven’t I Heard From You,’ that’s six and ‘Georgia,’ (‘The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia’) ‘Georgia’ has to be in there too, that’s seven.” She also affirmed that “Fancy” holds a special place, stating, “I just love story songs.”
Inspired by Reba’s incredible career and to celebrate her birthday, we delve into her impressive discography to rank what we believe are her 40 best songs. This list is a testament to her enduring talent and the timeless quality of Reba McEntire songs.
40 – “The Heart Won’t Lie” (with Vince Gill) (1993)
This poignant duet with Vince Gill showcases Reba’s ability to harmonize beautifully with other country greats. Initially considered as a duet with Kenny Rogers, Reba revealed, “Originally Kenny Rogers and I were looking at doing this song as a duet, but we could never get it to sound just right because of the different ranges of our voices. Unfortunately, it just didn’t work out. Later when I was working on a new CD, I remembered that song and called Kenny to see if he was recording it and if not, could I have it and he passed it along to me. We asked Vince Gill to sing the background harmonies on the song.” The result is a classic country ballad that highlights the emotional depth of Reba songs.
39 – “You’re the First Time I’ve Thought About Leaving” (1983)
Released in January 1983, this song marked a significant milestone in Reba’s career as her second number-one hit on the country chart. From the album Unlimited, “You’re the First Time I’ve Thought About Leaving” established Reba as a rising force in country music, showcasing her powerful vocals and relatable storytelling.
38 – “If You See Him/If You See Her” (with Brooks & Dunn) (1998)
This iconic duet with Brooks & Dunn became a title track for both artists’ 1998 albums, If You See Him for Reba and If You See Her for Brooks & Dunn. Released on the same day, June 2, 1998, this collaboration exemplifies the strength of Reba songs in the duet format, blending her voice seamlessly with Ronnie Dunn’s distinctive vocals.
37 – “I’m Not That Lonely Yet” (1982)
A tender and emotionally resonant track, “I’m Not That Lonely Yet” was released in June 1982 as the lead single from the Unlimited album. Climbing to #3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, this song displayed Reba’s ability to convey vulnerability and depth in her performances, a hallmark of many Reba songs.
36 – “Just a Little Love” (1984)
The title track of Reba’s 1984 album, “Just a Little Love” was instrumental in earning her the first of four consecutive CMA Female Vocalist Awards, starting in 1984. This upbeat and catchy tune demonstrated her versatility and appeal, solidifying her position as a leading female vocalist in country music.
35 – “Forever Love” (1998)
Beyond its chart success, “Forever Love” also served as the title track for a made-for-television movie of the same name, starring Reba herself alongside Tim Matheson. This song highlights Reba’s foray into acting and her ability to connect her music with other creative mediums.
34 – “What Am I Gonna Do About You” (1986)
A beautifully simple yet profoundly moving ballad, “What Am I Gonna Do About You” explores the emotional turmoil of recovering from a lost love. The repeated question throughout the song encapsulates the central theme of heartache and longing, a common thread in many impactful Reba songs.
33 – “The Last One to Know” (1987)
This poignant narrative song tells the story of a woman who is the “last one to know” about her partner’s impending departure. Becoming Reba’s ninth number-one hit, “The Last One to Know” resonates with its relatable theme of heartbreak and betrayal, delivered with Reba’s signature emotional intensity.
32 – “You Lie” (1990)
The music video for “You Lie,” filmed entirely in black and white, adds a dramatic visual layer to this powerful song. Depicting Reba as a ranch owner’s wife facing marital collapse, the video enhances the song’s narrative of betrayal and independence, themes often explored in Reba songs.
31 – “Sweet Dreams” (1979)
Reba’s cover of Patsy Cline’s “Sweet Dreams” marked one of her early singles in Nashville. Personally witnessing Reba perform this song acapella shortly after the tragic loss of her band in a plane crash in 1991, dressed in street clothes, was an unforgettable experience. Her raw and emotional rendition moved the stoic crowd to tears, underscoring the power and vulnerability she brings to her music.
30 – “One Promise Too Late” (1987)
Another number-one hit for Reba, “One Promise Too Late” tells a story of missed opportunity and regret. The narrative of a woman falling in love with someone while already married and committed highlights the complex emotional landscapes often explored in Reba songs.
29 – “Walk On” (1990)
While it peaked at number 2 on the Billboard country chart, “Walk On” has become an anthem for Reba and her fans. Its infectious beat and uplifting message, encapsulated in the opening line “Ain’t life wonderful when everything is right,” contribute to its enduring popularity and status among top Reba songs.
28 – “(You Lift Me) Up to Heaven” (1980)
An early release in Reba’s career, “(You Lift Me) Up to Heaven” gained early exposure through television performances on shows like “Hee Haw” and “Pop Goes The Country,” as well as the 1980 Academy of Country Music Awards. This song represents the beginning of Reba’s journey to country music stardom.
27 – “Little Rock” (1986)
Catchy and impactful, “Little Rock” topped the charts and contributed to Reba being named both CMA Female Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year in 1986. The song’s narrative of a woman disillusioned with a wealthy lifestyle devoid of love resonates with themes of authenticity and genuine connection.
26 – “Rumor Has It” (1990)
The title track of the album of the same name, “Rumor Has It,” features an album cover that Reba herself cited as inspired by Barbra Streisand. The music video, depicting Reba performing in a smoky warehouse, adds a layer of intrigue and drama to this memorable Reba song.
25 – “For My Broken Heart” (1991)
The title track of the deeply somber album recorded after the devastating plane crash that claimed the lives of her band members in 1991, “For My Broken Heart” is a poignant expression of grief and healing. Reba described the album as “a form of healing for all our broken hearts,” and the songs were carefully selected to reflect this sentiment.
24 – “Can’t Even Get the Blues” (1982)
Reba’s first number-one hit, “Can’t Even Get the Blues,” marks a significant moment in her career breakthrough. Often paired in concert with her later number-one hit “Consider Me Gone,” this song represents both her early success and enduring chart-topping power.
23 – “Love Will Find Its Way to You” (1987)
An uplifting and optimistic song, “Love Will Find Its Way to You” became a number-one hit for Reba after being previously recorded by Lee Greenwood and Marie Osmond. Reba’s rendition resonated deeply with audiences, solidifying its place among beloved Reba songs.
22 – “Sunday Kind of Love” (1988)
Reba’s cover of this classic song, originally published in 1946, reached the top five on the Billboard country charts. Featured on her Reba album, which also included her cover of Aretha Franklin’s “Respect,” this song demonstrates Reba’s versatility in interpreting diverse musical styles.
21 – “Consider Me Gone” (2009)
Proof of Reba’s remarkable longevity, “Consider Me Gone” topped the Billboard Country charts in 2009, becoming her 24th number-one hit and her longest-lasting at the top, holding the position for four weeks. This song showcases her continued relevance and ability to connect with contemporary audiences.
20 – “The Fear of Being Alone” (1996)
Characterized by its epic guitar riff, “The Fear of Being Alone” features a music video filmed at Starstruck Studios, portraying Reba singing in a recording studio. This song captures the universal fear of loneliness and the emotional depth often found in Reba songs.
19 – “Somebody Should Leave” (1985)
A classic Reba ballad, “Somebody Should Leave” delves into the complexities of a loveless marriage. The poignant dilemma faced by the woman in the song, torn between her husband’s needs and her children’s need for her, highlights Reba’s ability to portray real-life struggles in her music.
18 – “I’m a Survivor” (2001)
Famously known as the theme song for Reba’s CW TV show “Reba,” which ran for six seasons, “I’m a Survivor” is an empowering anthem. Its lyrics tell the story of resilience and strength, mirroring Reba’s own successful career and multifaceted talents. In early 2024, it was announced Reba would star in a new sitcom with her “Reba” co-star Melissa Peterman, further extending the legacy of this iconic song and show.
17 – “Whoever’s in New England” (1986)
The number-one title track from the album Whoever’s in New England, this song marked a turning point in Reba’s career. The album’s platinum success solidified her superstardom, culminating in her being named CMA Entertainer of the Year in 1986. This song is a cornerstone of Reba’s discography and a fan favorite.
16 – “Strange” (2009)
“Strange” was debuted by Reba at the Academy of Country Music Awards just before its release to country radio. Serving as the lead single from her twenty-fifth studio album, Keep On Loving You, this song marked another successful chapter in Reba’s enduring career.
15 – “Just Like Them Horses” (2016)
Reba recorded this deeply emotional song as a tribute to her father, Clark McEntire, who passed away in 2014. Intending to record an acoustic version for his funeral, “Just Like Them Horses” is a personal and heartfelt addition to Reba songs, showcasing her vulnerability and familial love.
14 – “Does He Love You” (with Linda Davis) (1993)
Originally intended for Barbara Mandrell, “Does He Love You” became a powerful duet for Reba and Linda Davis, then a vocalist in her band. Despite initial suggestions to record with a more established artist, Reba insisted on Davis, resulting in a Grammy-winning collaboration. In 2021, Reba revisited the song with Dolly Parton, further cementing its iconic status.
13 – “Turn On the Radio” (2010)
The visually striking music video for “Turn On the Radio,” filmed in a Nashville warehouse over two days amidst a lightning storm and tornado warning, enhances the song’s energy. Beginning with Reba humming the song in a hooded cloak and culminating in a warehouse filled with radios, the video is as memorable as the song itself.
12 – “I Don’t Think Love Ought to Be That Way” (1981)
A direct and honest love song, “I Don’t Think Love Ought to Be That Way” became a top 20 hit for Reba. Released in February 1981, this song showcases her early career and her knack for delivering relatable love themes.
11 – “Only in My Mind” (1985)
“Only in My Mind” holds a unique place in Reba’s catalog as the only track on her Have I Got a Deal for You album written solely by McEntire herself. This personal touch adds another layer of depth to her already impressive songwriting repertoire.
10 – “Why Haven’t I Heard from You” (1994)
The music video for “Why Haven’t I Heard from You” premiered on CMT in 1994 and tells a humorous story of missed connection and anticipation. The narrative of being ghosted, even imagining it happening to Reba herself, adds a relatable and comedic element to this popular song.
9 – “The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter” (1995)
A quintessential song about the search for love, “The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter” encapsulates the longing and desire for connection. The chorus poignantly describes the heart’s relentless pursuit of love and comfort, a theme that resonates deeply within the landscape of Reba songs.
8 – “Because of You” (with Kelly Clarkson) (2007)
This duet version of Kelly Clarkson’s “Because Of You” from Reba’s Reba: Duets album is a powerful collaboration. The connection between Reba and Clarkson, who were briefly in-laws, added another layer of interest to their frequent on-stage performances of this emotionally charged song.
7 – “The Only Promise That Remains” (with Justin Timberlake) (2007)
Another standout track from the Reba: Duets album, “The Only Promise That Remains” is a unique collaboration with Justin Timberlake, who wrote and produced the song. Their unexpected pairing, initiated by Reba at the Grammy Awards, resulted in a truly memorable and genre-bending duet.
6 – “Cathy’s Clown” (1989)
Reba’s cover of The Everly Brothers’ “Cathy’s Clown” became a number-one hit, showcasing her ability to reinterpret classic songs with her own style. The music video, featuring 1980s TV actor Bruce Boxleitner, adds a nostalgic visual element to this story-driven Reba song.
5 – “Why Do We Want (What We Know We Can’t Have)” (1983)
With a title that poses a universally relatable question, “Why Do We Want (What We Know We Can’t Have)” delves into human desire and longing. Reaching the top ten, the song’s lyrics explore the frustrating nature of wanting what is just out of reach, a common human experience.
4 – “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” (1992)
Reba’s rendition of Vicki Lawrence’s “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” is a standout track from her For My Broken Heart album. Transforming the song into a country classic, Reba’s version is widely considered superior and has become a staple in her live performances and among top Reba songs.
3 – “Does He Love You” (featuring Dolly Parton) (2021)
This rendition of “Does He Love You” ranks so highly due to the historic pairing of Reba and Dolly Parton. Their first and only musical collaboration to date, their voices blend seamlessly, enhancing the emotional weight of the song’s lyrics and subject matter, making it a truly special Reba song.
2 – “How Blue” (1984)
One of Reba’s early number-one hits, “How Blue” was featured on her second MCA album, My Kind of Country. This song, primarily featuring traditional country sounds, explores the depths of loneliness and heartbreak after a breakup, marking an early highlight in her chart-topping career.
1 – “Fancy” (1991)
A definitive number one on any list of Reba songs, “Fancy” is an epic story song that has become her signature anthem. Originally written and recorded by Bobbie Gentry, Reba’s version, complete with its iconic music video, is legendary. Closing nearly every one of her shows with “Fancy,” it remains the quintessential Reba McEntire song.
