Women of Country - The Internet's #1 Guide to Female Country Music

Album Review

Reba McEntire
Room To Breathe
MCA Records

Reba McEntire has finally released a new album. It's been 4 years since the release of her last record as fans watched her take Broadway by storm and then launch a hit TV show "Reba". It was starting to look like there might not be any more new music in Reba's future. Thankfully, that isn't the case and the new record Room To Breathe marks a triumphant return to form for the legendary singer.

It's been awhile since anyone has recorded an album as emotional as Room To Breathe. This album has some of the best ballads Reba has ever recorded. She really has a keen ear for songs and continues to display meticulous song selection. "Once You've Learned To Be Lonely" tells the tale of someone who's stayed away from falling in love so long that they're terrified to start the process again. She tackles the difficult topic of watching a loved one fall to Alzheimer's disease in "Moving Oleta" and it's one of the most stunningly emotional songs she's ever recorded. She even teams up with Vince Gill again for another huge duet in "It Just Has To Be This Way" which sounds like a continuation of "The Heart Won't Lie" after things have taken a turn for the worst. Then there is "Secret" which tackles the devastation adoption can leave behind. It's a song which screams to be the next single.

Thankfully, Reba also has included some uplifting lighter songs here to balance things out. The lighthearted ode to her sister in "My Sister" is also something you shouldn't be surprised to hear on the airwaves in the future. It's a catchy song that you'll listen to over and over again. The current single "I'm Gonna Take That Mountain" proves to be a near perfect combination of modern, traditional, and bluegrass sounds all wrapped up into one great song. This one should be another #1 single for Reba. The gospel flavored "Love Revival" is an interesting addition to Reba's sound. It gives her yet another direction to take her music in the future.

The time off from the music business has obviously helped Reba re-evaluate the type of music she wants to record. The result is the strongest record Reba has recorded in years. Gone are the attempts to become a more polished pop singer. In it's place is a solid collection of emotional songs delivered by one of the most timeless voices ever. Country music has needed this for a long time now and you owe it to yourself to listen to this album. Welcome back Reba, you have been missed.

Album Review by Jeff Krasky

The WOC Rating Scale

The album stands above the rest. This is a record that every country music fan needs to have in their collection.

This album is better than the average release. A strong record with some flaws that keep it from reaching that 5 star level.

This album is an average country release. Doesn't posses qualities that make it stand out among all the other albums out there.

A weak record that lacks solid songs or good vocal performances. Sample before you buy.

This record is a bargin-bin reject that just isn't worth the time or the money. Completely misses the mark.