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Top 20 Reba McEntire Songs

Russ Harrington

Happy Birthday, Reba! The iconic entertainer turns 56 today (March 28), and she certainly shows no signs of slowing down. With an astonishing 82 Top 40 hits already on her resume, the Queen of Country still reigns over country radio today. In honor of her birthday, we sifted through her illustrious catalog to find our pick for the 20 best Reba songs of all time.
20
'Rumor Has It'
Two-timers, beware! The title track of her 15th studio album, this 1990 hit has Reba playing the part of a jilted lover, singing, "I wouldn't have believed my ears, but I see it in your eyes / Those stories going 'round this town aren't lies." Her delivery is so convincing, we want to give the philanderer a piece of our minds, too.
19
'Turn On the Radio'
The lead single from 2010's 'All the Women I Am,'Reba felt so passionate about this hit, she called the writers herself to request permission to record it. Singing to her misbehaving beau "Don't you come crawlin' begging please on your knees, baby if you're missin' me / Well you can hear me on the radio," it's the perfect song for a woman who has graced the airwaves for 35 years.
18
'The Fear of Being Alone'
Longtime fans of the scarlet-haired superstar will remember this 1996 song for reasons other than its catchy melody and lyrics that celebrate independence. Its video introduced Reba with a new, short hairdo, replacing her trademark long locks.
17
'How Was I to Know'
This 1996 song serves as a break-up pick-me-up. Lines like "How was I to know I would be this strong / I had what it takes all along / How was I to know" remind us that sometimes walking away really is the best solution.
16
'Somebody'
Love is in the air in this 2004 smash (which also showed up on Mark Wills' album 'Loving Every Minute.') "Somebody in the next car, somebody on the mornin' train / Somebody in the coffee shop that you walk right by every day" gives single people everywhere hope that Mr. or Mrs. Right could be right around the corner.
15
'The Last One to Know'
Betrayal is heard loud and clear in this 1987 chart-topper. "It would be easier to face the mornin' / If you were holding me tight / But you left me without a warning / Holding on to a heartache while she's holdin' you tight" is all we need to give all our sympathy to the one sleeping alone.
14
'Consider Me Gone'
Reba's 24th No. 1 hit proves country stardom isn't only for youngsters. Her vocal prowess and flawless delivery, plus no-holds-barred lines like "If you don't get drunk on my kiss / If you think you can do better than this / Consider me gone," kept this song at the top of the charts for four straight weeks ... when Reba was 54 years young.
13
'Take It Back'
"You're bringin' home flowers and a bottle of Chablis / You forgot I don't drink wine, I know that bottle's not for me" sums up the accusatory tone that makes this 1992 song one of Reba's most memorable. Choosing to face the former lover's illicit behavior head on, Reba's bravery shines through in this Top 5 hit.
12
'Every Other Weekend'
Recorded originally with Kenny Chesney for the 2008 'Reba: Duets' album, Kenny's vocal was replaced by the song's writer, Skip Ewing, for the radio release. The emotionally-charged video depicts two divorced parents (played by her 'Reba' sitcom co-stars, Joanna Garcia and Steve Howey), tearfully trading their kids on the weekend.
11
'Little Rock'
This 1986 song is proof positive that there's no price tag on love. Choosing to trade in a life of luxury for the hope of "finding someone who cares a lot," Reba slips off her diamond and walks away from the finer things, saying "But when he finds this ring he'll see / He keeps everything but me."
10
'Because of You'
'American Idol' winner Kelly Clarkson wrote and first recorded this hit in 2005, before Reba turned it into a duet two years later with the young singing sensation. This CMA and Grammy-nominated song serves as a cautionary reminder of the dangers of staying in a harmful relationship.
09
'Strange'
We don't find it strange at all that this was Reba's highest chart debut of her career. A powerful song about being pleasantly surprised by an un-broken heart, with lines like "Strange, I ought to be in bed / With my head in the pillow crying / Over us, but I ain't, ain't love / Strange," we applaud the resilience in this 2009 hit.
08
'The Heart Won't Lie'
A powerful duet combining the flawless vocals of Reba and Vince Gill, this 1993 song captures the emotions of former flames reliving the past almost 20 years later. Originally meant to be a duet with Kenny Rogers, Vince and Reba sang this song to No. 1 for two consecutive weeks.
07
'Whoever's in New England'
This 1985 song speaks of forgiveness without an apology. Crying foul at her husband's thinly veiled disguise of doing business in Boston, Reba painfully reminds him that he'll "always have a place to come home to / When whoever's in New England's through with you."
06
'If You See Him, If You See Her'
Reba recorded this duet with Brooks & Dunn, and it became the title track for both of their 1998 albums. A painful saga of two lovers who both regret saying goodbye, the song was released by both artist's labels -- scoring them both a No. 1 song.
05
'The Greatest Man I Never Knew'
This 1992 hit is one of the most poignant in Reba's legendary career. The all-too-familiar story of a daughter longing for a father's love, it's the final lines, "He was good at business but there was business left to do / He never said he loved me, guess he thought I knew," that make us want to reach out to our own loved ones.
04
'I'm a Survivor'
Here's a great song to play when times get tough. "I don't believe in self-pity / It only brings you down / I maybe the queen of broken hearts / But I don't hide behind the crown,' this 2001 hit not only landed on the country and pop charts, but it also became the theme song for her sitcom, 'Reba'.
03
'The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia'
Actress Vicki Lawrence first recorded this hit in the early 70's, but it's Reba's 1991 performance that we remember the most. A tale that combines adultery, corruption and murder, we don't learn until the last verse that it's the little sister who got away with the crime.
02
'Does He Love You'
Reba recorded this 1993 No. 1 hit with her then-back-up singer, Linda Davis, despite her label's initial resistance about using an unknown vocalist on the duet. The tale of two women in love with the same man, they both questioned which woman he loved the most convincingly enough to earn them a Grammy and a CMA Award.
01
'Fancy'
Written and originally recorded by Bobbie Gentry in 1969, Reba's 1991 remake of the song is still considered one of her best -- and bravest -- songs to date. A story of a rags-to-riches young woman who earns a living on the streets, Reba sings, "I might have been born just plain white trash / but Fancy was my name." It's one of her trademark hits and our pick for Reba's No. 1 hit.

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7 Comments

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ambersefcik

My all time favorite song by her is "Is There Life Out There"!! Such a wonderful song!

May 24 2013 at 3:36 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
indiabruce5

I wrote this great song that I know is meant for Reba's voice. I would love for her to hear it first. Does anyone have a ideal how I could contact her manager???

Please help! Thanks

cindia2@hotmail.com

May 21 2011 at 12:23 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
crazy1cin

I would like to know the name of the last song Reba sang last night? Can anyone help me please? Thanks

April 04 2011 at 9:58 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to crazy1cin's comment
Mikasa!

it was "When Love Gets a Hold of You" of her latest album, All the Women I Am.

she is fantastic. love this song...okay, i'm in love with ALL of her songs. haha.
hope this helped! =)

April 07 2011 at 5:27 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Mikasa!

...if you mean at the ACM awards...

April 07 2011 at 5:28 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
daver8350

Who compiled this pile?
Some group of 20 somethings?

You absolutely & completely missed the mark with this list.

April 01 2011 at 12:57 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
brdgeubrn55

I think this list needs to be extended!!!!!!! More like the top billion Reba McEntire songs!!!!!! Happy Birthday Reba!!!!! You ROCK!!!!!

March 28 2011 at 3:43 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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