10 Best Reba McEntire Songs

Since first coming onto the scene in the mid-1970s, Reba McEntire has become a household name in the realm of country music. As one of the most successful female recording artists in history, the Country Music Hall of Famer has sold over 56 million albums and racked up two Grammy awards, 13 ACMs, seven CMAs and an ACM Career Achievement Honor, among a long list of other career achievements.

With 25 No. 1 hits that span four decades, McEntire has also enjoyed success as an actress, including with her own sitcom, Reba, and in her most recent film, The Hammer, on Lifetime.

Here are 10 of the best Reba McEntire songs:

10. Consider Me Gone

Written by Marv Green, Steve Diamond (2009)

Our top ten McEntire hits begin with the Oklahoma native’s 24th No. 1 hit, “Consider Me Gone,” which sat at the top of the charts for four consecutive weeks and remains her longest-standing hit single. The tune marked her second song through Big Machine’s sister label, the Valory Music Co. and proved that Reba still had the goods to produce an infectious country staple.

9. Whoever’s In New England

Written by Kendal Franceschi, Quentin Powers (1986)

This 1985 tune was the lead single and title track from McEntire’s ninth studio album and her fifth No. 1 single. In addition to being the country icon’s first music video, which nabbed her the Video of the Year honor at the ACM Awards, the ballad all about forgiveness also gave McEntire her first GRAMMY Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 1987.

8. Little Rock

Written by Bob DiPiero, Gerry House, Pat McManus (1986)

Also from her Whoever’s In New England record, “Little Rock” saw the decorated vocalist bring some tempo and a clever play on words. Rather than referring to the city of the same name, this infectious tune shows the woman picking true love over a wealthy man as she chooses to “slip off this little rock.”

7. I’m A Survivor

Written by Phillip White, Shelby Kennedy (2001)

While Reba was taking a bit of a break from music to pursue a rather fruitful acting career, she did release this country weeper in 2001 as the announcement of her own television series, Reba, was set to pop into homes around the country. While only just cracking the top five on the country charts, the inspirational message added to the long list of tough topics that McEntire has sung about throughout her career. “I’m A Survivor” recently enjoyed a moment of virality on TikTok, proving that the oldies really are the goodies.

6. Why Haven’t I Heard From You

Written by Sandy Knox, T.W. Hale (1994)

Released in 1994, “Why Haven’t I Heard From You” was the first single from her nineteenth studio album, Read My Mind. Reaching the No. 5 spot on the Billboard charts, this upbeat and sassy stomper provides a nice levity to McEntire’s heavy discography as she explains the creation of the phone, notes that there’s one virtually everywhere these days and, therefore, no reason that she should be left hanging.

5. Is There Life Out There

Written by Rick Giles, Susan Longacre (1991)

“Is There Life Out There” serves as one of McEntire’s most inspirational, girl power anthems. Found on her For My Broken Heart album, the fan-favorite track spent two back-to-back weeks atop the country charts while also encouraging hosts of young girls to complete their education. The song serves as a reminder to women everywhere to chase their dreams because it’s never a moment too late.

4. The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia

Written by Bob Russell (1991)

Originally a No. 1 hit in the early ’70s from actress Vicki Lawrence, McEntire scored a hit with her own cover of the tune in 1997. Reaching the No. 12 spot on the country charts, the masterfully written song depicts a southern murder mystery with a surprise twist at the end and remains one of Reba’s most well-known tunes.

3. Turn On The Radio

Written by Cherie Oakley, J.P. Twang, Mark Oakley (2010)

One of Reba’s more modern hits, this 2010 banger is a fun and empowering tune all around. While her artistry is usually synonymous with her older tunes, “Turn On The Radio” was the lead single from one of McEntire’s more recent country records, All the Women I Am, and her final No. 1, marking her 25th overall and tying her for the most No. 1s by a female country artist. While the red-hot, red-haired entertainer was 55 at the time of its release, it was a perfect way to show that she’s still a force to be reckoned with, even after 35 years of hits.

2. Fancy

Written by Bobbie Gentry (1990)

You can’t have a best Reba McEntire songs list without including “Fancy,” though it’s important to note it was originally written and recorded by Bobbie Gentry 21 years prior. Armed with her now signature red dress, McEntire took her version of the tune all the way to the No. 8 spot and it brought her a whole new legion of fans, too. Even for those not so familiar with country music, everyone will always be on hand to sing its killer hook, “here’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let me down.”

1. Does He Love You (with Linda Davis)

Written by Billy Stritch, Sandy Knox (1993)

Taking its place at the top of our list is the history-making, No. 1 duet with Linda Davis, “Does He Love You.” The single was the first and only female duet to hit the top of the Billboard country charts for 28 years until Elle King & Miranda Lambert’s “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” topped the charts in April of 2022. Taking form as one of country music’s tracks about a love triangle, the 1993 hit featured Davis who, at the time, was Reba’s obscure background singer. “Does He Love You” earned the trophy for Vocal Event of the Year at the CMAs and McEntire’s second GRAMMY for Best Country Vocal Collaboration.