The queen of country music, Reba McEntire, has dominated the music industry for over four decades with her powerful vocals and emotional storytelling. From her earliest hits in the 1980s to her recent releases like “I Can’t” in 2024, Reba has consistently delivered chart-topping songs that resonate with fans worldwide. Her distinctive voice and ability to convey raw emotion have made her one of the most beloved artists in country music history. This comprehensive list explores the 20 greatest Reba McEntire songs that have defined her legendary career and cemented her status as a true icon.
Fancy
Originally written and recorded by Bobbie Gentry, “Fancy” became one of Reba McEntire’s signature songs when she released her version in 1990 on the album “Rumor Has It.” The song tells the powerful story of a mother who wants more for her daughter, transforming her into someone who can rise above their impoverished circumstances. McEntire’s emotional delivery and commanding presence turned this cover into a defining moment of her career, showcasing her ability to breathe new life into classic material.
Whoever’s in New England
This Grammy-winning ballad from 1986 chronicles a husband’s fake business trip to Boston and his wife who knows the trip is actually a cover for his infidelity. The song marked a significant milestone in McEntire’s career, earning her the Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female. Her nuanced portrayal of a woman dealing with betrayal demonstrated her exceptional storytelling abilities and emotional range as a performer.
The Greatest Man I Never Knew
From her 1991 album “For My Broken Heart,” this poignant ballad explores the complex relationship between a daughter and her emotionally distant father. Written by Richard Leigh and Layng Martine Jr., the song reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and was recorded during a particularly difficult time following the tragic plane crash that killed several members of her band. The emotional weight of that period is evident in McEntire’s deeply moving performance, making it one of her most personal and touching recordings.
I’m a Survivor
Released in 2001 as part of her album “Greatest Hits Volume III: I’m a Survivor,” this powerful anthem of resilience became the theme song for McEntire’s popular sitcom “Reba.” Written by Shelby Kennedy and Phillip White, the song celebrates strength in the face of adversity with memorable lines about not believing in self-pity and not hiding behind a crown. The track’s connection to her television show helped introduce McEntire to a new generation of fans while reinforcing her image as a strong, independent woman.
Does He Love You
This dramatic duet with Linda Davis from 1993 tells the story of two women confronting each other about their mutual lover, featuring dialogue that could have been straight out of a television drama. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and earned both McEntire and Davis a Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Collaboration in 1994. McEntire had to convince MCA Nashville that Linda Davis was the right duet partner, and their chemistry in both the recording and live performances created pure magic that captivated audiences nationwide.
Is There Life Out There
From her 1991 album “For My Broken Heart,” this empowering song focuses on a woman seeking personal growth and new experiences outside her domestic life. The track reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and resonated particularly with women looking for self-discovery and fulfillment beyond traditional roles. The music video featured McEntire’s character completing college while her family, led by her “husband” Huey Lewis, cheered her on, reinforcing the song’s message about pursuing dreams at any stage of life.
Consider Me Gone
Released when McEntire was fifty-four years old, this 2009 hit from “Keep On Loving You” warns a man that the singer will leave him if he doesn’t change his ways. The song became McEntire’s first number one hit since “Somebody” in 2004 and went on to become the biggest hit of her career, topping the charts for four weeks. Her confident delivery and the song’s empowering message about self-worth made it an instant classic that reminded fans why she remains the queen of country music.
The Last One to Know
McEntire’s ninth song to hit number one on the charts, this 1987 track from “The Last One to Know” album revisits a familiar theme in her career: a woman betrayed and picking up the pieces. The song showcases her ability to convey vulnerability while maintaining strength, a trademark quality that has defined many of her greatest hits. Her emotional delivery transforms what could be a simple heartbreak song into a powerful statement about resilience and moving forward despite betrayal.
Turn on the Radio
From her 2010 album “All the Women I Am,” this defiant anthem features McEntire taunting a former lover, telling him that if he misses her, he can simply turn on the radio to hear her sing. The song’s confident attitude and McEntire’s commanding vocal performance made it another number one hit in her impressive catalog. Her songs have always celebrated female empowerment, and this track perfectly captures her decades-long dominance of country radio.
Strange
This 2009 hit about being pleasantly surprised by an unbroken heart became McEntire’s highest chart debut of her career. Written by Wendell Mobley, Jason Sellers and Neil Thrasher, “Strange” was McEntire’s first release for the Valory label and showcased her ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes while maintaining her distinctive style. The song’s lyrics about resilience and unexpected strength resonated with fans who had followed her through decades of both triumph and heartbreak.
Little Rock
From the 1986 album “Whoever’s in New England,” this sentimental favorite tells the story of a woman who chooses to walk away from a life of luxury and comfort to find someone who truly loves her. The song demonstrates McEntire’s ability to portray complex emotional situations with nuance and authenticity. Her performance captures both the courage required to leave security behind and the hope for something better, making it a beloved track among fans who appreciate her storytelling prowess.
Can’t Even Get the Blues
Reba’s first number-one song from 1982’s “Unlimited” album discusses a woman who has hit rock bottom in love and life, feeling too exhausted and miserable to even experience the blues properly. This breakthrough hit established McEntire as a force to be reckoned with in country music and demonstrated her ability to find humor and humanity even in the darkest emotional situations. The song’s success launched her into stardom and set the stage for the incredible career that would follow.
Cathy’s Clown
McEntire’s 1989 cover of the Everly Brothers’ 1960 hit transformed the narrative perspective from first to third person, describing a situation she observes rather than endures. Released as part of her album “Sweet Sixteen,” it reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, marking her 13th number-one hit. The accompanying western-themed music video, starring Bruce Boxleitner, added visual appeal to this mournful ballad about watching the man she secretly loves pine for someone else.
Somebody Should Leave
From her 1984 album “My Kind of Country,” this powerful ballad explores a loveless marriage that neither partner will abandon for the sake of their children. Released in 1985, the song became McEntire’s second consecutive chart-topper and marked her shift toward a more traditional country sound. The emotional complexity of the situation and McEntire’s nuanced vocal performance made this track a standout in her catalog, demonstrating her ability to tackle difficult subjects with sensitivity and grace.
I Know How He Feels
McEntire’s eleventh chart-topper from her 1988 album “Reba” describes a woman running into a former lover and his new partner, triggering bittersweet memories. The song showcases her ability to capture the complex emotions that arise from unexpected encounters with the past. Her vocal delivery perfectly balances the pain of lost love with the acceptance that comes from moving forward, creating a deeply relatable and emotionally resonant track.
The Fear of Being Alone
Though undeniably catchy, this song is perhaps most famous for its music video, in which Reba first debuted her now-signature shorter hairstyle, replacing her trademark long locks. The 1996 song served as a relationship anthem with lines celebrating independence and self-discovery. The visual transformation coincided with a new chapter in her career, demonstrating her willingness to evolve both musically and stylistically while maintaining her core artistic identity.
Because of You
Originally written and recorded by Kelly Clarkson in 2005, this powerful duet between McEntire and the American Idol winner was released in 2007. The CMA- and Grammy-nominated collaboration serves as a cautionary reminder about the lasting effects of harmful relationships. The intergenerational pairing brought together two powerhouse vocalists from different eras, creating a memorable performance that showcased both artists’ emotional depth and vocal prowess.
The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia
Originally recorded by Vicki Lawrence in the early 1970s and written by Bobby Russell, McEntire’s 1991 version brought this classic story song back to life with her dramatic flair. The tale combines elements of adultery, corruption, and murder, with a twist ending that reveals the little sister as the narrator who got away with the crime. McEntire’s powerful vocal performance and storytelling ability transformed this cover into one of her most memorable recordings.
I Can’t
Released in 2024, this anthemic track marked McEntire’s return to new music and was penned by Victoria Banks, Tania Hancheroff, and Tia Sillers. She debuted the song with a spectacular performance on NBC’s “The Voice,” complete with smoke and pyrotechnics, followed by an unforgettable rendition at the Academy of Country Music Awards. The epic landscape-driven music video showcases stunning visuals and dancers whose movements reflect the song’s lyrics about resilience and rising above relationship turmoil.
Happy’s Place Theme Song
In 2024, McEntire teamed up with music legend Carole King to write the theme song for her new NBC comedy “Happy’s Place.” Released on MCA Nashville, this collaboration represents the meeting of two iconic songwriters from different generations. The song debuted with the series premiere on October 18, 2024, and showcases McEntire’s continued evolution as both a performer and songwriter in her seventh decade of life.
For music enthusiasts looking to enhance their listening experience of these classic tracks, exploring quality headphones can help appreciate the nuanced production and vocal details in McEntire’s recordings. Additionally, portable audio options like premium earbuds allow fans to enjoy these timeless songs anywhere while maintaining excellent sound quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Reba McEntire’s biggest hit song?
“Consider Me Gone” from 2009 is considered McEntire’s biggest hit, topping the charts for four weeks and becoming her first number one since “Somebody” in 2004. The song’s empowering message and McEntire’s confident delivery made it a defining track of her later career, proving her enduring relevance in country music.
How many number one hits does Reba McEntire have?
Reba McEntire has scored more than 20 number-one hits throughout her storied career, establishing her as one of the Queens of Country Music alongside artists like Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn. Her consistent chart success spans multiple decades, demonstrating her remarkable longevity in the music industry.
What was Reba McEntire’s first number one song?
“Can’t Even Get the Blues” from her 1982 album “Unlimited” was Reba’s first number-one song, discussing a woman who has hit rock bottom in love and life. This breakthrough hit established her as a major force in country music and launched her incredible career trajectory.
What are Reba McEntire’s most recent songs?
McEntire’s most recent releases include “I Can’t” from 2024, which she debuted on “The Voice,” and the theme song for her NBC comedy “Happy’s Place,” which she co-wrote with Carole King. These releases demonstrate her continued creativity and relevance in both music and entertainment.
Which Reba McEntire songs won Grammy Awards?
“Whoever’s in New England” earned McEntire a Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female in 1987, while “Does He Love You” with Linda Davis won the Grammy for Best Country Vocal Collaboration in 1994. These awards recognized her exceptional vocal abilities and collaborative skills with other artists.
Reba McEntire’s incredible catalog of hits represents more than four decades of musical excellence, storytelling mastery, and vocal prowess. From her early breakthrough with “Can’t Even Get the Blues” to her recent anthemic release “I Can’t,” she has consistently delivered songs that speak to the human experience with authenticity and emotion. Her ability to evolve while maintaining her distinctive style has kept her relevant across multiple generations of country music fans, solidifying her position as one of the greatest artists in the genre’s history.