On Friday, Oct. 6th, Reba McEntire released her album titled “Not Too Fancy” along with her new book. Honestly, as someone who last listened to country music when Taylor Swift released her album “Fearless,” and then switched to pop like she did, I approached this album with reluctance.
At first, I had no idea who Reba was or about the influence she holds in the country music world. But because I appreciate Taylor Swift, who started as a country singer, I began to try to grasp the message that McEntire has been conveying throughout her career. I soon discovered, from my mother and the internet, that Reba is a well-known singer who rose to fame in the 80s. With her most popular song, “I’m a Survivor,” released in 2001, she made her mark on the music charts permanently. Reba focused on country music and earned numerous awards and nominations, most notably, her first Grammy was in 1989 for the category Female Country Vocal Performance and has since won and been nominated for many other awards.
Reba has had a long and enduring career in music, and it’s not over yet. In “Not Too Fancy,” she took her most popular songs, remixed them and added new lyrics, reminiscent of Taylor Swift’s re-recording approach. The album kicks off with the remastered version of her 1996 original hit, “Fear of Being Alone.”
The album embodies Reba’s down-to-earth personality, which shines in her own unique way. She explained to Maria Sherman, for APnews.com that the title “Not Too Fancy” reflects her tomboy-like character, someone who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty while looking fabulous in a sparkly dress. Reba’s hope is that the album encapsulates the advice of a dear friend who encouraged her to “just have fun.” With Reba’s powerful vocals and no fear of speaking her truth throughout the album, she successfully conveyed that message.
The song “Fear of Being Alone” portrays two souls meeting and engaging in conversations. Despite its initial focus on the excitement of new relationships, it also reveals Reba’s contemplative side as she continues to sing, “But that’s no reason to jump the gun; if this is real, time will tell. So let me bite my tongue and remind myself.”
On the latter part of the album, Reba sings the 2009 hit song, “Consider Me Gone,” which carries the emotional weight of feeling unloved and compelled to take the courageous step of walking away. As she delivers the lyrics, “What you’re not sayin’ is comin’ in loud and clear; we’re at a crossroads here,” Reba’s voice resounds with conviction. With a strong stance, she declares, “Let’s not drag this on; consider me gone.” This powerful rendition of the song adds a poignant touch to the album, all while staying true to its nostalgic country beat.
In the third song, “Somebody Should Leave,” Reba masterfully captures the sentiment of outgrowing a space in a relationship. This song eloquently portrays how love can slowly seep away, leaving two individuals in a shared space of respect aside from hurt, much like how modern celebrities refer to ending relationships as “amicable.” However, Reba’s lyrics bring this concept to a relatable reality by highlighting the shared connection they have through their children, even though their interests and joys have diverged. As she sings, “I read a book, you watch TV; as our love dies quietly, I’m so sad I don’t know what I just read.” Amid the contemplation of who should take the first step away from the relationship, Reba repeats the theme of their children, emphasizing the mutual ground they stand on. All of this is expertly woven into the nostalgic country beat of the song, showcasing Reba’s storytelling prowess and her ability to convey complex emotions in a simple, yet memorable manner.
“If You See Him, If You See Her” is a remastered 1996 song, now featuring Brooks and Dunn. The song begins with a slow, nostalgic beat, evoking memories of an old love that appears to have drifted away. The lyrics touch upon an image of going to prom with a partner, creating a sense of intimate memories as they reminisce about a teenage love she can’t forget.
As the song progresses, the beat gains momentum, and the vocalists open up, expressing their longing for their significant other and questioning why they ever let them go. It’s a heartfelt ballad that resonates with anyone who misses someone they once held dear. “If You See Him, If You See Her” beautifully captures the bittersweet essence of love and loss, a timeless theme in country music.
The song eventually transitions to a low, melancholic beat, gradually fading away and leaving the listener with a haunting sense of nostalgia and longing. This echoes the powerful emotions of lost love that linger long after the music has stopped.
“Seven Minutes in Heaven” is a heartbreaker as the singer laments that any time spent in heaven would be devoted to reuniting with someone she deeply misses who has passed away. Her poignant questions cascade like shooting stars across the night sky, encapsulating the profound uncertainty of where her loved one now resides.
Despite not fully embracing the country music genre, I’ve become an ardent admirer of Reba McEntire, valuing her lyrical prowess in effortlessly weaving complex emotions within relationships with the wisdom she personifies. Her work offers both dedicated fans and newcomers a fresh perspective to appreciate and learn from in the flowing river of Reba’s artistry.
3.5/5