Greatest Hits 3: I'm a Survivor

by

Reba McEntire

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The last decade or so has seen Reba McEntire emerge as a multi-media conglomerate, with music success leading to work in films, television dramas, and recently, an acclaimed performance on Broadway in Annie Get Your Gun. Currently at work on her own sitcom, this hits collection is a logical "breather" for the busy country queen.

Twelve of Reba's best from the '90s are included here. The uptempo tunes offer the most diversity, among them a reworking of the kitschy gothic classic "The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia," and the jazzy, sassy "Take It Back." Ballads, however, remain Reba's forte. Routine weepers such as "And Still" and "Forever Love" blossom, thanks to her expressive vocals. When paired with a great ballad - like the AIDS saga "She Thinks His Name Was Name" and the soaring Brooks & Dunn duet "If You See Him/If You See Her" - the end result is glorious.

This set also offers three new recordings. Best of the crop is a remake of the Kenny Rogers hit "Sweet Music Man," featuring gently lilting production by Allison Krauss. "I'm A Survivor" - the theme to Reba's new sitcom - also works, while the sluggish, monotonous "Myself Without You" misses the mark.

Even after a third volume of hits, many of Reba's recent singles remain unanthologized, including the joyous "I'd Rather Ride Around With You," the pretty "Till You Love Me," and everything on her album of covers Starting Over. Undoubtedly, some of these will make it onto a fourth Greatest Hits and/or the inevitable box set, along with - certainly - future hits. Like the title says, Reba is a survivor.

Reba McEntire is a good singer. The material she picks though or is picked for her and whatever the company decides to release as singles are another story. This is an album that falls substandard to her two previous greatest hits packages. Perhaps that as time has progressed she has allowed herself to stick to a formula, aimed at a "younger audience" and I'm not THAT old (37 to be exact)...the younger audience being the teeny bopper audience which most of these songs are geared to. After all, they are the ones buying the records out there. Its too bad because the material doesn't do her voice justice!!