Album Review
Reba McEntire
Duets
MCA Records
Purchase The Album
I have a friend who, after hearing Reba McEntire’s duet with Kelly Clarkson (this album’s first single, “Because of You”), asked me why Reba makes everything better. I can’t really say, but it is good to know that I’m not alone in that thought. If you were like me and already familiar with (or, actually, in love with) Kelly’s solo version of “Because of You”, the idea of it being turned into a country duet probably seemed a bit strange. After all, at its core the song is a profoundly personal snapshot of Kelly’s life at 16. It’s dark, emotional and – let’s be honest – in it’s original form, a heartbreaking rock anthem. Enter Reba. Defying all conventional wisdom, these two ridiculously talented women elevate the song to an even more amazing place. It’s now a mother, daughter-type ballad, drenched in warning and regret. It’s also the perfect appetizer for Reba’s utterly fantastic Duets album.
While “Because of You” is definitely one of the album’s stronger tracks, I’m happy to report that there are no clunkers to be found. Each of the pairings work on a number of levels, and each of the songs are memorable and distinctive. Throughout the album, Reba’s wonderfully expressive voice carries in its most classic fashion. There are moments where she’ll tear you apart just like she did on “For My Broken Heart” and “What Do You Say”, and others where you’ll smile like you did after hearing “Is There Life Out There” for the first time. What’s especially nice about this particular album is how each song stands on it’s own as a story unto itself. Whereas a typical album might have songs that bleed, thematically, into others, Duets succeeds at capturing succinct experiences in the lives of couples, families, friends, and lovers (past and present).
Reba’s collaboration with Justin Timberlake is, perhaps, the most surprising in this eleven-song set. “The Only Promise That Remains” is a tender song with its roots in soft Celtic chords. That the same entertainer who brought us “SexyBack” could write a song as romantic and as smooth as this is impressive. Reassuring in its calm refrain, “Promise” has the potential to be a huge hit.
Likewise, “Faith In Love”, which features Rascal Flatts, succeeds in telling the bittersweet story of “two hearts bound for different roads”. It’s a surefire hit in waiting and the kind of break-up we all hope to have (if we have to have one at all, that is). There’s no anger, fighting, or cold division of property. Instead, this couple is supportive and encouraging, wishing each other well and talking about how there are “no regrets”, they can “leave here with a smile”.
“Everyday People” is a duet with Carole King and the album’s lone up-tempo track. If you know anything about Reba, then you know how close volunteer service is to her heart (visit Reba.com, to learn more about her current partnership with Habitat for Humanity). That fact coupled with the song’s subtle, relevant subtext (it talks about college kids “going south, but not for sun on their skin, where the storms had been”) really adds an extra punch to its message of hope, the general goodness of people, and, above all else, the power of one.
I could go on and on, but you’ve probably guessed that by now. In addition to the veritable pantheon of stars mentioned above, Duets counts LeAnn Rimes, Ronnie Dunn, Trisha Yearwood, Kenny Chesney, Vince Gill, Faith Hill, and Don Henley among it’s contributors. Do I even need to say anything else? I mean, just look at that list! Oh, and did I mention Reba?!Album Review by Chris Macon.
The WOC Rating Scale |
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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. |