Reba McEntire has been a dominant force in country music since the early 1980s, crafting a legacy built on powerful vocals and storytelling through song. As one of the undisputed Queens of Country, alongside legends like Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn, Reba has amassed an incredible catalog, boasting over 20 number-one hits and countless fan-favorite tracks. Her influence continues to resonate today, proving her enduring appeal.
In 2024, Reba’s star shines brighter than ever. She captivates audiences weekly as a coach on NBC’s The Voice, showcasing her mentorship and musical expertise to a new generation. Adding to her impressive year, she delivered a breathtaking performance of the National Anthem at Super Bowl 2024 in February. Approaching her 70th birthday (celebrating her 69th on March 28th), her Super Bowl appearance was a powerful reminder to the world of her undiminished talent and captivating stage presence.
Reba McEntire Super Bowl National Anthem Performance
Image: Reba McEntire delivers a powerful and graceful performance of the National Anthem at Super Bowl 2024, wearing a stylish tan jacket and black pants.
Beyond her current successes, Reba’s down-to-earth personality and genuine connection with her audience have solidified her icon status. As a country music journalist who has had the privilege of interviewing Reba numerous times since the 1990s, I can attest to her warmth and authenticity. Spending time with her, it’s easy to forget you’re in the presence of a legend; she’s simply that genuine and approachable.
In a recent conversation, I discussed this very list of her top songs with Reba herself, curious about her personal favorites. Counting on her fingers, she quickly rattled off, “‘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!” And, unsurprisingly, “Fancy” remains her undisputed number one. As Reba explained, “I just love story songs.”
In celebration of her remarkable career and her recent 69th birthday, we delve into the heart of her musical legacy. Here, we present our definitive ranking of Reba McEntire’s 40 best songs, each a testament to her talent and contribution to country music.
Top 40 Reba McEntire Songs: A Countdown
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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 vocal powerhouses. Initially considered as a duet with Kenny Rogers, Reba revealed that vocal range differences prevented its initial pairing. She later revisited the song, inviting Vince Gill to add his signature harmonies, creating a classic country collaboration.
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39 – “You’re the First Time I’ve Thought About Leaving” (1983)
Released as the third single from her Unlimited album, this track marked Reba’s second number-one hit on the country charts. It’s a song that captures the early stages of considering a change in a relationship, a relatable theme that resonated with audiences and solidified her rising star status.
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38 – “If You See Him/If You See Her” (with Brooks & Dunn) (1998)
This iconic duet with Brooks & Dunn became the title track for both artists’ 1998 albums, highlighting the collaborative spirit of country music in the late 90s. The song’s success on both Reba’s If You See Him and Brooks & Dunn’s If You See Her albums cemented its place as a memorable country duet.
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37 – “I’m Not That Lonely Yet” (1982)
A tender ballad that was the lead single from the Unlimited album, “I’m Not That Lonely Yet” reached #3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. The song’s emotional vulnerability and Reba’s heartfelt delivery connected with listeners, establishing her as a vocalist capable of conveying deep emotion.
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36 – “Just a Little Love” (1984)
The title track of her 1984 album, “Just a Little Love” played a significant role in Reba winning her first CMA Female Vocalist Award. This upbeat and catchy tune showcased her versatility and helped her clinch the prestigious award, which she would win consecutively for the next three years.
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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 alongside Tim Matheson. This cross-media approach broadened her reach and demonstrated her appeal beyond the music charts.
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34 – “What Am I Gonna Do About You” (1986)
This emotionally charged ballad is deceptively simple yet deeply effective. The song’s repetitive question, “what am I gonna do about you,” perfectly encapsulates the struggle of moving on from a lingering love, showcasing Reba’s mastery of emotional delivery in her vocals.
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33 – “The Last One to Know” (1987)
This song tells a classic country story of heartbreak and betrayal, depicting a woman who is the “last one to know” about her partner’s infidelity. It became Reba’s ninth number-one song, further solidifying her place at the top of country music.
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32 – “You Lie” (1990)
The music video for “You Lie,” filmed in striking black-and-white, adds another layer to the song’s narrative. Reba portrays a ranch owner’s wife facing a crumbling marriage, visually amplifying the song’s themes of betrayal and loneliness, making it a memorable visual and auditory experience.
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31 – “Sweet Dreams” (1979)
Reba’s rendition of this Patsy Cline classic holds a deeply personal and poignant meaning. Her acapella performance of “Sweet Dreams” shortly after the tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of her band members in 1991, dressed in simple street clothes, brought a stoic crowd to tears, a testament to the raw emotion she conveyed through song. This cover was also one of her early singles in Nashville, marking the beginning of her journey in the country music capital.
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30 – “One Promise Too Late” (1987)
This number-one hit explores the bittersweet emotions of missed connections and commitment. The song narrates the story of a woman who finds love after marriage, wrestling with the regret that the timing was “one promise too late,” a theme that resonates with the complexities of love and commitment.
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29 – “Walk On” (1990)
While it peaked at number 2 on the Billboard country chart, “Walk On” has become an enduring anthem for Reba. Its infectious beat and uplifting message, starting with the optimistic line “Ain’t life wonderful when everything is right,” have made it a fan favorite and a staple in her live performances.
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28 – “(You Lift Me) Up to Heaven” (1980)
An early release that showcased Reba’s burgeoning talent, she actively promoted “(You Lift Me) Up to Heaven” with television appearances on shows like “Hee Haw” and “Pop Goes The Country.” She also performed it at the 1980 Academy of Country Music Awards, demonstrating her early ambition and drive to reach a wider audience.
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27 – “Little Rock” (1986)
This incredibly catchy tune became a chart-topper and contributed to Reba’s CMA Female Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year wins in 1986. “Little Rock” tells the story of a woman disillusioned by a wealthy lifestyle devoid of genuine love, highlighting the emptiness of material possessions without emotional fulfillment.
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26 – “Rumor Has It” (1990)
The title track of her album of the same name, “Rumor Has It,” was visually inspired by Barbra Streisand, according to Reba. The music video, set in a smoky, deserted warehouse, premiered in early 1991, creating a mysterious and dramatic visual accompaniment to the song’s theme of gossip and speculation.
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25 – “For My Broken Heart” (1991)
The title track of the somber album released after the devastating plane crash that claimed her band members’ lives, “For My Broken Heart” is deeply personal and cathartic. As Reba stated in the album’s notes, it served as “a form of healing for all our broken hearts,” with songs carefully chosen to reflect grief and recovery.
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24 – “Can’t Even Get the Blues” (1982)
Reba’s first number-one hit, “Can’t Even Get the Blues,” marks a significant turning point in her career. For many fans, including myself who saw her in concert in 1983, it evokes nostalgic memories of her early performances and rise to stardom. In her recent tours, Reba often pairs this classic with her latest number-one hit, “Consider Me Gone,” bridging her past and present successes.
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23 – “Love Will Find Its Way to You” (1987)
An uplifting and optimistic song, “Love Will Find Its Way to You” had been previously recorded by Lee Greenwood and Marie Osmond. However, it was Reba’s rendition that soared to number one on the Billboard country charts, showcasing her ability to take a song and make it definitively her own.
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22 – “Sunday Kind of Love” (1988)
Reba’s cover of this classic, originally published in 1946, reached the top five on the Billboard country charts. Featured on her self-titled Reba album, it demonstrated her versatility in interpreting different genres. This album also included her rendition of Aretha Franklin’s “Respect,” further highlighting her eclectic musical tastes.
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21 – “Consider Me Gone” (2009)
“Consider Me Gone” is a testament to Reba’s remarkable longevity in the music industry. Reaching number one in 2009, it marked her 24th chart-topping single and became her longest-lasting number one hit, holding the position for four weeks, proving her continued relevance in the contemporary country scene.
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20 – “The Fear of Being Alone” (1996)
Driven by an epic guitar riff, “The Fear of Being Alone” explores universal anxieties about relationships and solitude. The music video, filmed at Starstruck Studios, features Reba performing in a recording studio, focusing on the raw emotion of the song.
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19 – “Somebody Should Leave” (1985)
A quintessential Reba ballad, “Somebody Should Leave” delves into the painful complexities of a loveless marriage. The lyrics portray a woman recognizing the need for divorce but grappling with the emotional dilemma of child custody, a theme that resonates with many facing difficult family situations.
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18 – “I’m a Survivor” (2001)
Famously known as the theme song for Reba’s hit CW TV show “Reba,” which ran for six seasons, “I’m a Survivor” is an empowering anthem. The lyrics tell the story of resilience and strength, narrating the life of a premature baby who grows up to be a single parent, mirroring Reba’s own strong and independent persona. Adding to her television ventures, it was announced in early 2024 that Reba will star in a new sitcom with her “Reba” co-star Melissa Peterman, further extending her presence in the sitcom world.
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17 – “Whoever’s in New England” (1986)
The title track of the album that marked a turning point in Reba’s career, “Whoever’s in New England” was a number-one hit. The album achieved platinum status, solidifying her superstardom and leading to her being named CMA Entertainer of the Year in 1986, a pinnacle achievement in country music.
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16 – “Strange” (2009)
Reba debuted “Strange” at the Academy of Country Music Awards just before its release to country radio. It served as the lead single from her twenty-fifth studio album, Keep On Loving You, showcasing her ability to consistently deliver fresh and engaging music even after decades in the industry.
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15 – “Just Like Them Horses” (2016)
This deeply emotional song held personal significance for Reba as it reminded her of her father. She initially planned to record an acoustic version for his funeral, knowing his passing was near. Her father, Clark McEntire, passed away in October 2014, making the song a poignant tribute to his memory.
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14 – “Does He Love You” (with Linda Davis) (1993)
“Does He Love You” is a powerful duet that was initially intended for Barbara Mandrell. Reba chose to record it with Linda Davis, a vocalist in her touring band at the time. Despite pressure to collaborate with a more established artist, Reba insisted on Davis, recognizing her talent. In 2021, Reba revisited the song, re-recording it with Dolly Parton, creating another iconic duet version.
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13 – “Turn On the Radio” (2010)
The music video for “Turn On the Radio,” filmed over two days in a Nashville warehouse during a lightning storm and tornado warning, is visually striking. It begins with Reba entering a warehouse humming the song, surrounded by radios, creating a captivating and slightly eerie atmosphere that complements the song’s theme of broadcasting heartbreak.
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12 – “I Don’t Think Love Ought to Be That Way” (1981)
A straightforward and honest love song, “I Don’t Think Love Ought to Be That Way” was released as a single from the Feel the Fire album. It became a top 20 hit, demonstrating Reba’s growing popularity and ability to connect with audiences through relatable love themes.
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11 – “Only in My Mind” (1985)
Recorded at MCA studio in Nashville, “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 that she co-wrote. This personal touch adds another dimension to the song and offers insight into her songwriting abilities.
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10 – “Why Haven’t I Heard from You” (1994)
The music video for “Why Haven’t I Heard from You,” which premiered on CMT in 1994, adds a humorous and relatable narrative to the song. It depicts Reba being ghosted by her boyfriend after he proposes a getaway, highlighting the frustrating experience of unanswered calls and broken promises in relationships.
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9 – “The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter” (1995)
This song perfectly captures the yearning for love and connection. The chorus powerfully describes the heart as a “lonely hunter” searching for “lasting comfort,” resonating with anyone who has experienced the longing for love and companionship.
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8 – “Because of You” (with Kelly Clarkson) (2007)
This duet version of Kelly Clarkson’s “Because Of You,” featured on Reba’s Reba: Duets album, brought together two powerhouse vocalists. Their personal connection as former in-laws (though no longer) added another layer of interest, and they frequently performed the song together on stage, delighting audiences with their combined talent.
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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 collaboration with Justin Timberlake, who also wrote and produced the song. Their unlikely pairing came about after they met at the Grammy Awards, showcasing Reba’s willingness to explore musical boundaries and collaborate across genres.
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6 – “Cathy’s Clown” (1989)
A masterful story song and a cover of The Everly Brothers’ classic, Reba’s version of “Cathy’s Clown” reached number one on the country charts. The music video featured 1980s TV actor Bruce Boxleitner, adding a touch of star power to the visual interpretation of this narrative-driven song.
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5 – “Why Do We Want (What We Know We Can’t Have)” (1983)
The song’s title itself poses a universally relatable question: “Why do we want what we know we can’t have?” Reaching the top ten, the lyrics explore the human tendency to desire the unattainable, tapping into a common emotional experience of longing and unfulfilled desires.
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4 – “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” (1992)
Reba’s rendition of “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” is a remake of Vicki Lawrence’s song (of “Mama’s Family” fame). Featured on her For My Broken Heart album, Reba’s version is widely acclaimed and injects new life into this classic storytelling song.
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3 – “Does He Love You” (featuring Dolly Parton) (2021)
Ranking high on this list, this version of “Does He Love You” marks the first and only musical collaboration between Reba and Dolly Parton to date. Their voices blend seamlessly, adding even more emotional depth to the song’s already powerful lyrics and subject matter, making it a truly special recording.
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2 – “How Blue” (1984)
One of Reba’s early number-one hits, “How Blue,” was part of her second MCA album, My Kind of Country, which emphasized traditional country sounds. The song explores the depths of loneliness and heartbreak after a breakup, with the central question of “how blue” a person can feel, resonating with anyone who has experienced lost love.
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1 – “Fancy” (1991)
Unquestionably number one, “Fancy” is an epic song, an epic music video, and Reba’s signature closing number for every show. Originally written and recorded by Bobbie Gentry in 1969, Reba’s rendition transformed it into a country anthem. Despite attempts to connect with Bobbie Gentry to discuss the song, Reba has yet to have that conversation, adding to the mystique surrounding this iconic track.
Reba McEntire’s journey from Oklahoma to country music royalty is paved with unforgettable songs. Her ability to connect with listeners through heartfelt ballads and empowering anthems has cemented her legacy. From her early hits to her contemporary chart-toppers, Reba McEntire’s songs continue to resonate, solidifying her place as a true icon of country music. Explore this list and rediscover the magic of Reba’s incredible musical catalog.
