Reba McEntire - "Love Somebody"

[Sean]

Tracklist
01. "Going Out Like That"
02. "Enough" (With Jennifer Nettles)
03. "She Got Drunk Last Night"
04. "Living Ain't Killed Me Yet"
05. "That's When I Knew"
06. "I'll Go On"
07. "Until They Don't Love You"
08. "Promise Me Something"
09. "Just Like Them Horses"
10. "Love Somebody"
11. "Loveland"
12. "Pray For Peace"

Target Bonus Tracks
01. "Whatever Way It Hurts The Least"
02. "More Than Just Her Last Name"

Reba's 27th studio album will be released April 14th, her first in almost five years. First single, "Going Out Like That", was released January 6th. Available to stream on Spotify tomorrow. Also, find/buy on iTunes, through her website, at every major retail store, and also the deluxe edition through Target! ;)

You can listen on Spotify!

[bboat11]

I know onebuffalo already posted a link to this in the GOLT thread, but here is a fantastic behind-the-scenes video of the recording of "Enough"! Just in case anyone didn't see it in the other thread, or wants to talk about it deeper here in the album thread since it doesn't really have anything to do with GOLT. :)


"Enough" Behind The Scenes

[Dustin J.]

Did I miss the link to the listening party...?

[McCreerian]

You can stream it free on ITunes.

[someguy]

It's available for purchase/pre-order redepmption on iTunes now!

[McCreerian]

Mine just downloaded! Feels like Christmas!

[Deleted]

Apr 13, 2015 21:22:58 GMT -5 Dustin J. said:

Did I miss the link to the listening party...?

Yes, we need a link to stream the album, otherwise it's technically not a "listening party" :)

Album threads can go in the A-J or K-Z forums, but we've always allowed (and enjoyed) Listening Party threads...but only if there is a link to stream the album.

Sean or McCreerian, are either of you able to link to the iTunes stream? I ask only because I don't know how to, lol. (or maybe it's not up for streaming anymore now that it's available for purchase..?)

[someguy]

I've listened to this twice already and I really like it, though it's a little too soon for me to do a ranking of the songs, and to see where it ranks on my Reba albums list. Initially though, I'm really loving "More Than Just Her Last Name", one of the bonus tracks. I would like to have seen that one make the regular album, though I guess as long as it's available, it doesn't really matter.

I don't have a link to stream the album. There's a thread in the artists forum a couple of weeks ago otherwise:

pulsemusic.proboards.com/thread/148616/reba-mcentire-love-somebody-april

[Sean]

Apr 13, 2015 22:34:31 GMT -5 jhomes87 said:

Apr 13, 2015 21:22:58 GMT -5 Dustin J. said:

Did I miss the link to the listening party...?

Yes, we need a link to stream the album, otherwise it's technically not a "listening party" :)

Album threads can go in the A-J or K-Z forums, but we've always allowed (and enjoyed) Listening Party threads...but only if there is a link to stream the album.

Sean or McCreerian, are either of you able to link to the iTunes stream? I ask only because I don't know how to, lol. (or maybe it's not up for streaming anymore now that it's available for purchase..?)

Omg! I meant to post again last night and tag you because I really had no idea what I was doing, but I was late for work and now I've just gotten off from working like 16 hours so I'm kind of crazy! Anyways, I wanted to make this and be greedy in case someone else did (completely forgot that someguy already had a thread up in the Artists section! So sorry!). Anyways, I added the link to stream on Spotify! Sorry again!

[McCreerian]

I listened to the album last week on ITunes but the quality was so bad on my crappy computer I couldn't really get the impact of the songs but I knew they were good. Well I listened to this album driving around today, which is my best way to connect to music. Well I haven't rock out so hard or cried that much in a 45 minute period ever listening to an album. This is pure perfection! It's in my top 3 Reba albums for sure any maybe my top 10 albums, ever. This is definitely the best work Reba has done since the mid 90s. If radio was as kind as they used to be this album would have 5 #1 hits and go at least triple platinum. That's what it deserves. I'll comment on individual tracks later on but wow, Reba is still the Queen. I just hope after Vegas she does one of her classic Arena tours again in 2016.

[dreamregent]

I had a busy day and just now got around to listening to the Target bonus tracks. More Than Just Her Last Name is like a true blast from the past, isn't it? That song would have fit neatly into any of Reba's neo-traditional albums from the mid-1980s.

[someguy]

I'll post more thoughts later, but it have to say that I reslly love her version of "Love Land". Initially I wasn't thrilled with it being on the album, because Martina did such a nice job of it relatively recently. Reba's version is great though, and it almost becomes a different song because of the change in narration (from first person to third). Initially I was a little apprehensive about 60-year-old Reba singing as the pregnant unmarried character in the song. I'm very glad that she's now sang two of these songs as a narrator rather than trying to sound like a 20-year-old ("Going Out Like That" being the other one). I think that the discrepancy between singer and lyrics in songs like "I Got A Car" and "If I We're A Boy" are part of the reason I didn't like them as much, so I'm happy that Reba isn't doing that this time around.

[Deleted]

I have so many thoughts and so little time to organize them that I apologize for the word mess that will follow. I must start by saying that I have followed her career for more than half of my life and she was the artist that, for better or worse, introduced me to country music. Like most of you, I have been waiting impatiently for five years for this day to come. I was at the mall less than an hour after they opened this morning and was back home listening to the album less than thirty minutes after that. I do not play around on album release days.

I already knew both "Going Out Like That" and "Enough" and how incredible they were, but I love that they are the opening tracks because they serve as an excellent introduction to the album. I think they may push "Enough" as the second single because Reba confirmed earlier today that they have plans to shoot another music video for the song. I can only hope that she and Jennifer are able to coordinate some live performances, too. The third song has the unfortunate task of following two strong songs and, sadly, I think that exposed the flaws in "She Got Drunk Last Night." The minimalistic production and plodding melody are extremely apparent when played immediately after the two opening tracks, and I think the song would have benefitted from different sequencing.

"Livin' Ain't Killed Me Yet" likewise suffers from the same problem. Although more energetic and certainly worth listening to, it continues to pale in comparison to the two opening tracks and I began to worry that nothing would match the intensity and quality of those tracks. Those worries subsided, however, once "That's When I Knew" and "I'll Go On" started playing. Both are absolutely fantastic and among my favourites on the album, if not her entire career. They both have solid lyrics and I really enjoy the melody of "That's When I Knew." The next song, "Until They Don't Love You," has to be one of the most fun songs she has ever recorded and, along with the two preceding tracks, ensures the middle section of the album stands up to the strong opening. 

The rest of the album is of uneven quality but nothing drags the album down and nothing, bar "Pray For Peace," deserves to be skipped. "Promise Me Love" is certainly an enjoyable track that has gotten better with each listen, but has nonetheless faded into the background when compared to the rest of the album. "Just Like Them Horses," however, had the hair on my arms standing up before the first chorus started playing. Knowing how personally connected she has become to the song added an extra layer of meaning, and I am appreciative of the fact that she was willing to share that special moment with everyone. Closing out the regular edition, I worried about "Love Land" because I have enjoyed Martina's version since its release and was unsure Reba could pull off the delicate vocals needed for the song. I should never have questioned her abilities, because I quite enjoy the new interpretation and the tenderness she brought to the song.

I never know what to expect with bonus tracks, because some artists simply tack filler tracks onto the album while others save great songs as bonuses for their fans. Luckily, Reba falls into the second group and gave fans two more solid tracks to listen to. "Whatever Way It Hurts The Least" is another one of my favourites from the album, but it took several listens before I realized how heartbreaking the song truly is. It really is great. I like the fact that "More Than Just Her Last Name" could have appeared on virtually any one of her albums and has that traditional production, and I like the interesting lyrics and story. I do wish the album would have ended somewhat stronger, but Reba delivered an extraordinary album and I cannot ask for more than that.

[.indulgecountry]

I love this album! Definitely worth the long wait for her to finally release new music again.

"Enough" is just lovely and I figured it would be hard to top from the first time I heard it, but I think "That's When I Knew" just might be the best song on the record. That one really hits me. :o Both of those + "Going Out Like That" and "Until They Don't Love You" are my early favorites. I like everything else on the record though, and even "Pray for Peace" has grown on me a bit. I still think it's an unnecessary addition to the album, but the instrumentation is really pretty and I do like the addition of the background vocals. Looking at its lyrics in the CD booklet just pointed out how basic that song is though, lmao. The deluxe tracks are solid, and definitely help make up for the inclusion of PFP taking up space on the standard edition. I also like her rendition of "Love Land," even though I can't listen to it without comparing every piece of it to Martina's original because I already LOVED her's. But Reba does a fine job of it.

I hope they push "Enough" next, and I'd love "That's When I Knew" as a single as well, but I'm sure after "Enough," they'll probably need to release an uptempo, in which case I'd like to see "Until They Don't Love You."

[Deleted]

Apr 14, 2015 11:32:23 GMT -5 Sean said:

Omg! I meant to post again last night and tag you because I really had no idea what I was doing, but I was late for work and now I've just gotten off from working like 16 hours so I'm kind of crazy! Anyways, I wanted to make this and be greedy in case someone else did (completely forgot that someguy already had a thread up in the Artists section! So sorry!). Anyways, I added the link to stream on Spotify! Sorry again!

No worries!! You did great, Sean! Opening post looks perfect - can't wait to listen to this on Spotify! (it's going on my Christmas list - yes, I know Christmas is a long ways away - but my budget for buying music right now is literally like $1) Yay college!

[onebuffalo]

Apr 17, 2015 10:11:17 GMT -5 RobbyFlorida said:

Reba Heading For Ninth Top 10 Album on Billboard 200 Chart & 12th #1 on Top Country Albums Chart

[codyj100]

I have not enjoyed a Reba album this much since 1996's "What If It's You." Love Somebody is fantastic. It does exactly what Nash Icon promised by giving the more seasoned artists a solid platform on which to be heard. Reba said that the new album would be a blend of the 1990s Reba and the 2015 Reba. And, that is exactly what we got. There are so many great songs. "Just Like Them Horses" is fantastic. The added sigh just before the chorus makes the song seem that much more personal. Aside from, "Just Like Them Horses," I am really enjoying "Until They Don't Love You," "Enough," and "That's When I Knew." 

[Sean]

Alrighty...here we go...the review no one has been waiting for! Haha!

Sean's review of Love Somebody
(Reba's 27th Studio Album)

Now, if it hasn't ever been too obvious, I'm kind of...slightly obsessed madly in love with Reba McEntire. You walk into my apartment and you can immediately see I'm a crazy person! My fireplace area is decorated with shelves of memorabilia and various Reba-related items. Whether it's music, movies, and magazines...or the unopened bag of Fritos with her on it, the giant cardboard cutout, the adorable Reba Barbie doll...I have it all...and much, much more (My giant Reba blanket is my most prized thing lol)! My friends legit think I'm insane, but they love me for it and anytime someone watches an episode of Reba, hears a song of hers on the radio, or sees her performing on TV somewhere, I'm bound to get a text or Snapchat of it...I love it! Hahaha!

I've been waiting for this album for forever it seems and I've never been so happy! I had to work Monday night (into Tuesday morning) so to celebrate the album release day, I decided to make that day an unofficial Reba day (something I swear I do every 4 to 6 months lol)! Clearly work had never been so fun (although it's been hell because we have some of the sickest babies I've ever seen...exhausting) but I got everyone in the mood and we all had pictures of Reba on our badges...so perfect! Anyways, I rushed to Target to get the deluxe edition (omg) after work even though I had ordered her super awesome deluxe bundle online a while back...

Speaking of...I was one of the first 200 or whatever people to pre-order, so I got an autographed CD booklet...LIFE IS AMAZING! <3

Okay, so I was going to wait until next week to do this because I wanted to soak up the album, but I can't wait anymore. I'm not kidding when I say this is the best album Reba has done in over 20 years, imo. Throughout the past releases I've spazzed over them in many ways, but I've never felt this kind of a connection since I first became a fan (ten or twelve years now, maybe?)! As I mentioned earlier, For My Broken Heart is my favorite album of Reba's and it always will. I've had a special connection to the album as a whole and all of the songs mean something to me in one way or another. I've been waiting for an album to make me feel that way and I think Love Somebody is finally going to be that album. For My Broken Heart goes through all the pain, heartbreak, and sorrow life offers or throws at us, but glances of hope at the end of the tunnel appear. Love Somebody honestly feels like the follow up to that album, imo. These songs give you life, hope, and most importantly...love. I could see myself playing both albums separately and together...and all would seem right to me. I feel like both albums reflect Reba's life in the exact same way. For My Broken Heart came during the plane crash and you can feel her pain through the album, but when you listen to Love Somebody, you can feel her journey over the past 25 years. She's older and wiser, yet still has the same elements that make her this incredible hero of mine. I'll say it now and I'll say it again, but I'm in love with this album. It might be because it still feels so fresh and new, but I do believe this is going to be my second favorite Reba album of all time...hell, it may end up becoming my second favorite album overall from anyone..I'm in love.

Also, before I review each song like the spaz that I am can we talk about how amazing the production is on this album? Specifically when I go back to Keep On Loving You or All The Women I Am, I feel like the production is outdated already, but this feels like I can listen to it years from now and still think it sounds fresh! Reba needs to mix up her producers more like she did with this one! As I said, it may be because all is new and exciting, but everything about this album is making me so happy!

Songs:

01. "Going Out Like That" - Going through the album, I still believe this was the best choice for the lead single. It fits perfectly with the Reba resurgence and honestly is a great uptempo song! Unlike "Strange" or "Turn On The Radio", this song fits Reba perfectly! Singing the song from third person helps so much! I love her past couple of lead singles, but the third person narrative honestly fits Reba much better with a song like this. It still fits her super cute, sassy self and gives us the empowering song she's always been so great at! Probably my favorite lead single since "What Do You Say". However, overall for the album this isn't one of my favorites. Great song and I jam out to that f**king hot Bummerman dance remix, but there is sooo many great songs about to come! (8/10)

02. "Enough" (With Jennifer Nettles) - Hot damn. I've desperately been wanting a new duet from Reba and ever since I saw Jennifer sing "The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia" during CMT Giants I've been wanting them to sing together. I truly am not disappointed! Reba calls this her 2015 version of "Does He Love You" and I totally agree! I mean, it's no where near iconic and perfect as that duet is, but what really is? This is incredible though and both of their vocals are on point and blend great together. I've said it before and I'll say it again, but I need Reba and Jennifer to tour together. 2 Worlds 2 Voices style too! I want them on each others songs! And I sooo can't wait for this music video...I know it's going to be amazing! (10/10)

03. "She Got Drunk Last Night" - I know this doesn't seem like it's been an instant favorite of some, but I really like it! The simple production is great and kind of has a throwback country vibe to it (which is always a pleasant welcome) and I really enjoy the lyrics! I don't know if it's because I've related to the story or maybe because I like to get drunk ( ;) ) but I love this! As we'll get to in a few, the ballads/slower tempos on this album are my favorite from her in a long, long time and probably another big reason why this whole thing has been amazing! Also, Reba's vocals are incredible! Something I'll mention again and again, but I'm loving the older, more mature Reba vocals more so than I have in a long time! (8/10)

04. "Livin' Ain't Killed Me Yet" - Bam! I love this! A perfect song for Reba in this stage of her career! Something she really needs to stick with because there is no way in hell I'm going to let her stop recording like she might have before this album! Like "All The Women I Am" was on her last album, it's the rocker (with a jammin' production) that seems autobiographical in a sense for her! I really would love to see this be the opening song on her upcoming (and hopefully huge) tour! (9/10)

05. "That's When I Knew" - Holy f**k...seriously one of the best songs in Reba's entire career. Crazy statement since she's had so many iconic/great songs? No! Truly one of the best songs I've heard in...forever? The lyrics...heartbreaking, yet so fulfilling and beautiful! The production...powerful, yet elegant! Her vocals...floored! You feel so much during the first verse and the chorus' are spectacular, but that f**king bridge! UGH! Love love loooove this! I truly hope it's a single! Ugh! <3 (10/10)

06. "I'll Go On" - I'm not kidding when I say these ballads are truly, truly amazing! Another heart-breaking, yet uplifting "getting over you" song and I love it! Reba's classic ballads ("And Still", "Somebody Should Leave", "For My Broken Heart", etc. etc. etc.) are her classic break-up/sad ballads, but this album truly is filled with love! This song is no exception! Amazing! (9/10)

07. "Until They Don't Love You" - YES! I could go on forever with my love for this song, but I'll keep it short! I love how the lyrics roll out with the story! Seems so simple of an idea, but it is executed perfectly! The production is on fire and definitely going to be one of the best songs to hear live on her tour! But let's just stan and fall in love with those f**king classic growls Reba does...YESSS!!!! Amazing!!! <3 (10/10)

08. "Promise Me Love" - I feel like this may be another underrated song on the album (because there are so many great songs) but I still love it! It kind of repeats itself at times, but not really too much (hello upcoming #12) and the lyrics just make me happy! It's obvious that the theme to this album is love and this song is a perfect addition to that theme! The lyrics are simple, yet gorgeous! The "I swear to bring you light in the darkest of nights" part is one of my favorites on the whole album! Not sure why, but it just makes me feel great inside! A nice love song! Although, the production on this song may surprisingly be my least favorite on the whole album. I like it, but it seems a little too loud and the echoes at times can be distracting, but this may change later on. (8/10)

09. "Just Like Them Horses" - f**k... I was looking most forward to this song when I saw Liz wrote it and I am floored...as I knew I would be! I know I keep relating this album to For My Broken Heart, but this song feels like it could be the cousin to "If I Had Only Known" in a sense. I've honestly been waiting to find a song like "If I had Only Known" for years now (Delta Goodrem's "Wish You Were Here" has been a close second). When my mom passed away, "If I Had Only Known" got me through a lot (as did the whole album which is probably why it's my favorite), but I honestly think this song surpassed it. The production is breath-takingly gorgeous and the lyrics are so perfect. I can understand why Reba fell in love and sang it at her dad's funeral. Truly gorgeous, beautiful, and amazing of a song. Damn. (10/10)

10. "Love Somebody" - When I heard this song back when it was considered as a possibilty for one of the first singles I wasn't sure how I felt about it and honestly couldn't remember how it went before I listened to the album, but now that I've listened to it a few times I am so in love. The production is awesome, but Reba tackles Sam Hunt's writing and truly makes it special! I really enjoy Sam's music and the fact that Reba chose this song just adds to how much she has evolved over the years. Love love love! <3 (10/10)

11. "Loveland" - I've always loved Martina's version of this song, but I love Reba's take on it too! The switch to third person was perfect (twice now this album and it's worked splendidly for her). As I've said a million times, her vocals are so perfect on this album, imo, and this showcases them so perfectly! I kind of wish the album would have ended here...not gonna lie...would have been perfect! (9/10)

12. "Pray For Peace" - Okay, I like the idea of the song and the last 1/3 of the song is great and would have finished a great song had the first 2/3 been something other than repeated words...a couple of verses or something would have added so much more! Although the production on this...those bagpipes...perfect! Wish this would have been one of the two bonus tracks and the next song could have made the album...and I'm still bitter I wasn't a part of her fan video for the song like I was supposed to be...hahaha (5/10)

13. "Whatever Way It Hurts The Least" - f**king perfect! Like omg...I'm in love (for the millionth time). Like holy s**t this is amazing! Classic in all ways! The production, the lyrics, the vocals...all of it! I can't stop repeating it! UGH so perfect! I really wish this would have been on the regular edition (placed between "Enough" and "She Got Drunk Last Night" and "Pray For Peace" could have been the second deluxe track ("More Than Just Her Last Name" would have bumped up to be the first deluxe track). "Loveland" would have closed the album perfectly! (10/10)

14. "More Than Just Her Last Name" - I actually really like this song! Not as strong as Brandy's other two co-writes, but still a great choice for the deluxe edition! Maybe I'm biased because of the writers, but I do love the lyrics! Still a great way to end the album! (8/10)

Rating the Songs:
01. "Just Like Them Horses"
02. "That's When I Knew"
03. "Whatever Way It Hurts The Least"
04. "Enough"
05. "Until They Don't Love You"
06. "Love Somebody"
07. "I'll Go On"
08. "Loveland"
09. "Livin' Ain't Killed Me Yet"
10. "She Got Drunk Last Night"
11. "Going Out Like That"
12. "Promise Me Love"
13. "More Than Just Her Last Name"
14. "Pray For Peace"

(Obviously they'll change a little bit here and there, but this kind of summarizes it all)!

The Singles:
01. "Going Out Like That"
02. "Enough"
03. "That's When I Knew"
04. "Until They Don't Love You"
05. "Whatever Way It Hurts The Least"
...in a perfect world...

I know I'm just a crazy fan and I've been rambling on forever, but I truly am in love with this album! I can't get over it! So for anyone (most everyone lol) who skipped all the randomness and got to the bottom part here...give the album a listen! I hope you won't be disappointed because I truly feel this is Reba's best piece of work in over two decades! <3

[someguy]

I didn't want to do this too early, because a lot of times my initial reaction to a song/album doesn't always hold. I've listened to this album enough now that I'm pretty sure that this opinion will hold, for awhile at least.

I'm initially very impressed by it. I had high hopes based on what I was hearing from people, as well as how Reba was describing it, and the songs that were released early. I do think that the best song on the album was released as an early download, and there's nothing on the album that tops that (for me, at least), but that's probably to be expected.

Overall, I do think that this is Reba's strongest album since the 90s. Previously, Keep On Loving You held that distinction for me - both Room To Breathe and Reba Duets also held that title for awhile, but I don't like either quite as much now as I did when they were initially released. There's a possibliity that could happen here, too, but for the time being I would rank this among Reba's greatest albums. It's been said before, but it really does sound like a blend of classic Reba with modern trends, in a way that does both expertly.

I said it before on here (in regards to certain songs), but overall I am so impressed with the way that Reba has kept herself current, but not at the expense of trying to make herself sound like a 25 year old. The songs that needed to be sung from third person ("Going Out Like That", "Love Land" and "More Than Just Her Last Name") were, which really added to my enjoyment of them. These songs are current, modern and timely, but are also from the vantage point of a mature woman, and not a girl, which I really appreciate. This is exactly the album that she needed to make, and I'm so glad that she did.

The songs:

1. Going Out Like That

The absolute perfect choice for the lead single. This is classic Reba, with a modern sound. I actually like this even more now than I did when it was first released. 10/10

2. Enough

This is a fantastic song, but (unpopular opinion) not among my very favourite tracks on the album. Reba and Jennifer sound incredible together though, and it's a perfect choice for the second single. 9/10

3. She Got Drunk Last Night

Probably my least favourite of the three Brandy Clark songs, but it's still excellent. I agree with @dawson that this should probably be later on in the album, in terms of the track list. Nonetheless, it is an interesting take on the subject, and doesn't really sound like you would expect it to based on the title. I'm always a sucker for Reba story songs, and I'm loving the fact that she's recording Brandy Clark songs. They make a great pair. 8.5/10

4. Livin' Ain't Killed Me Yet

I like this so much more now than I did the first couple of times I heard it. This is perfect for Reba and where she is in her life/career as a 60 year old veteran of the business. To me, this is the type of strong/tough woman song that Jo Dee Messina and Wynonna have recorded a few times, but in Reba's hands, it's the exemplar of how do it right. 9.5/10

5. That's When I Knew

I love this song. It took a couple of listens to really 'click' with me, but I love the juxtaposition of the verses and the choruses (from sad reflecting on the end of her last relationship to the promise of new love in the chorus). I like to think of this as where the protagonist of "And Still" winds up a little bit after running into her ex. 10/10

6. I'll Go On

I like this a lot, but I often find myself waiting for it to be over as it's sandwiched in between two stellar 10/10 tracks. It still is a nice ballad, and one that I really do like, but on its own moreso than in the context of the album. 8.5/10

7. Until They Don't Love You

I can't say enough good about this song. It's my favourite track on the album, and possibly one of my top Reba songs. It's fun, it's energetic, she sounds great and best of all, the lyrics are smart and clever. Please be the third single. 10/10

8. Promise Me Love

This has really grown on me, but is near the bottom of the album for me. The production is a little distracting at times, but she sounds great, and it's a nice positive, uplifting song. 8/10

9. Just Like Them Horses

I'm so glad that there's a Liz Hengber song on the album. She is responsible for some of Reba's best moments ("And Still" and "For My Broken Heart", specifically), and having her write a song that is so personal for Reba is just perfect. sbp17 said that the little sigh Reba gives before the last chorus really brings home the emotional and personal connection that she has to the song, and I couldn't agree more. 9.5/10

10. Love Somebody

Another interesting choice. It sounds fresh and modern, and classic Reba (I'm thinking an updated "Love Will Find Its Way To You") all at the same time. Along with Brandy Clark, Sam Hunt is another of my favourite new singer-songwriters coming out of Nashville these days, and I'm glad that Reba included one of his co-writes on here. She sounds great on it. 9/10

11. Love Land

I already said this on here, but initially I wasn't thrilled with it being on the album. Mostly because Martina did such a nice job of it just a few years ago, but also because it was a story with a young protagonist, and I was worried Reba might sound a little silly 'being her' in the song. That was all taken care of with the switch from first to third person, where Reba comes across as a tender and sympathetic narrator. She gives a subtle and nuanced peformance that perfectly compliments the subject matter. Very well done. 9.5/10

12. Pray For Peace

I appreciate the sentiment and feeling behind this, but it's clearly the weak link on here. 6/10

13. Whatever Way It Hurts The Least

This is one of my very favourite vocal performances on here. I love the way that Reba wraps her voice around the lyrics on here (particularly the "you'll go west and I'll go east part"). This should absolutely be on the main album. The only (minor) issue I have with it is the repetition of the word 'hurt' in the lyrics ("Let's hurt each other whatever way it hurts the least"). I wish they had used a synonym for the first instance, as it sounds a little clunky - very minor issue though. 9.5/10

14. More Than Just Her Last Name

I really love this song. It's my favourite of the Brandy Clark songs, and absolutely should have been on the main album. If, as Sean says, this album is the modern version of For My Broken Heart, then this is what happens to the protagonist of "Is There Life Out There" if she had gone to college first, but still ended up marrying the same guy. She's not unhappy, but she's wondering 'is there life out there...'. This could have been on a Reba album in the 80s or 90s, and sounds just as at home here. Her vocal on it is probably my favourite of the whole album. 10/10

Overall, this album is exactly what I wanted from her, and then some. I knew she had another album like this in her, and I'm so glad that we got it.

My song rankings:

1. Until They Don't Love You
2. More Than Just Her Last Name
3. Going Out Like That
4. That's When I Knew
5. Whatever Way It Hurts The Least
6. Livin Ain't Killed Me Yet
7. Just Like Them Horses
8. Love Land
9. Enough
10. Love Somebody
11. She Got Drunk Last Night
12. I'll Go On
13. Promise Me Love
14. Pray For Peace

My single hopes/predictions:

1. Going Out Like That
2. Enough
3. Until They Don't Love You
4. That's When I Knew
5. Livin' Ain't Killed Me Yet

(assuming the bonus tracks aren't in contention)

My new album rankings:

1. Read My Mind
2. For My Broken Heart
3. Rumor Has It
4. Love Somebody
5. What If It's You
6. If You See Him
7. Keep On Loving You
8. It's Your Call
9. Reba Duets
10. Reba

11. All The Women I Am
12. Sweet Sixteen
13. Room To Breathe
14. Whoever's In New England
15. The Last One To Know

[sbp17]

Great reviews. It seems like there's consensus on the next three singles (if we're fortunate enough to get that many released) with Enough, That's When I Knew and Until They Don't Love You. If this was the early 90s, I'd want Just Like Them Horses released but it's unfortunately so far removed from the current radio climate.

For longevity's sake, I'm going to bring my review over here from the Going Out Like That single's thread. Here's my review.

Fans often use Read My Mind (or a bit less frequently For My Broken Heart) as the bar against which to gauge Reba's albums. Personally, I think If You See Him is probably my favorite album of hers so I think Love Somebody is easily the best since If You See Him. Certainly, age has weathered Reba's voice a bit but she still sounds incredible and, if anything, her aged vocals give even a more emotive quality that works very well on ballads. That emotive delivery, along with the fact that the ballads on this record are impressive lyrically, makes the ballads the highlight of the album for me. There are some great up-tempo songs but I find myself drawn back to the ballads most often. I'm a bit turned off by the production on some of the tracks. There are echoes and distortion that I think are completely unnecessary. And perhaps an odd quibble but I think the refrain in some of the songs is repeated a bit too much at the end. Still, those production elements are minor flaws in a solid collection of songs performed with as much conviction as ever by Reba.


1. Going Out Like That (10/10) - This is the perfect song to kick off the album and as a first single, even if the odds were stacked against it from becoming a solid hit. It's a fun song with a sassy vocal performance from Reba. And the theme seems fitting for a lady who has been cranking out hits for several decades and who isn’t ready to give up recording just yet. It would be flawless if not for the unnecessary distortion placed on her vocals in the last chorus.

2. Enough (9/10) - An epic power ballad from Reba and Jennifer. I like how they trade off lines in the verses. It's cleverly written in how each of the alternating lines shows the different perspective between the partner and mistress. Jennifer's high harmonies are insane. It veers a bit toward over-produced but they were probably just trying to keep up with the powerhouse vocals.

3. She Got Drunk Last Night (8/10) - This is most traditional song on the album. The lyrics are not what I was expecting from the title. It is the type of drinking song that country radio needs more of. It has a bit of a sleepy melody but the strength of the lyrics and story carries the song.

4. Livin' Ain't Killed Me Yet (10/10) - Love the infectious melody on this one and the vibrancy in Reba’s vocals. It is definitely the kind of song you know Reba has lived over six decades. I think this would make a good single down the line if Reba’s able to release a few from this album.

5. That's When I Knew (10/10) - This is one of my favorite ballads on the album. I like the contrast between the verses and chorus. The verses focus on the ex and how hard it is to get over him while the chorus describes her feelings for the new guy and how those feelings are ultimately what get her over her ex. Reba's vocal delivery is full of passion, particularly was the final chorus crescendos.

6. I'll Go On (8/10) - The haunting fiddle on the intro sets the stage for this song of resilience. The fragility in Reba’s aging vocals befit the lyrics. She sings this with incredible conviction.

7. Until They Don't Love You (9/10) - Love this rockin’ tune. The play on letters and numbers in the verses are clever. The song seems to play with a couple of different melodies.

8. Promise Me Love (6/10) - This song never really had a chance with me because of the awkward and unnecessary echo effect in the first verse. It’s very distracting. I also feel like this has a bit of a dated feel to it. I do like the lyrics to the verses.

9. Just Like Them Horses (10/10) - Fortunately, Reba rebounds from Promise Me Love with this incredible ballad. Liz Hengber did not disappoint. In fact, this might be one of her stronger songs lyrically. The imagery in the song is so specific and personal and yet I still feel the pain from my own dad’s passing as I listen to the song. And of course, Reba nails this one vocally. When she does the audible sigh near the end, it nearly kills me.

10. Love Somebody (7/10) - I like that this song is different for Reba and it has a cool vibe. I also like the use of the banjo in the song. She soars on the chorus but I’m not overly fond of the lifeless verses. It feels like she has to go lower than usual on the verses in order to comfortably hit the strong chorus but doing that with the particular structure of the verses comes off as a bit weak.

11. Love Land (9/10) - This is a beautiful cover of a Martina McBride album track. It's a nice story song and Reba's vocals are as emotive as ever.

12. Pray For Peace (4/10) - Okay, I've said my piece about this one. The sentiment and bridge are what enable this to muster even a 4 out of 10 for me.

[sbp17]

By the way, Reba sang Until They Don't Love You on the Outnumber Hunger concert on CMT. You can stream it on CMT's website. This was the last song so you have to go until around the 54 minute mark to watch. Great performance. (She also opened the show with Going Out Like That followed by I'm A Survivor.)

[McCreerian]

"Until They Don't Love You" makes me wish Reba still had her dancers from the 90s. I can picture her doing a heck of a sassy routine to that song! I hope it's a single. It sure has that Country rock sound radio loves right now but just done Reba style!

My choices for singles after GOLT is pretty much what everyone else is saying...2) Enough 3) Until they Don't Love You 4) That's When I Knew.

I love how so much of this is reminiscent of Reba's "glory days." "More than her last name" would have fit perfect on "Sweet 16" or "Rumor Has it."
"Just Like Them Horses" "I'll Go On" "Love Land" are all up there with her saddest story songs from "For My Broken Heart."
"Promise Me Love" "Love Somebody" are the most "current decade" productions.
"That's When I Knew" and "She Got Drunk Last Night" remind me of her 00's albums the most.
"Livin' Ain't Killed me yet" and "Whatever Way Hurts the Least" are both superb too.
and "Pray for Peace" yeah that was a wasted track for something else they should have put in it's place.

I give the album a 9.5/10. If it wasn't for PFP it would be 10/10.

I hope Reba tours the entire Country in 2016 for this album. And she better not wait another 5 years for her next album! 3 at the most!

[sabre14]

I'm not nearly the Reba fan that you guys are but I loved reading your reviews. It's so cool seeing how passionate that people can be about music and it just puts a smile on my face. :)

[Deleted]

01. "Going Out Like That"- A fun song to sing along to. The autotune, vocal things, didn't really bother me, just different. At least she doesn't do it all the time.
02. "Enough" (With Jennifer Nettles)- Easily the best song on the album, hands amazing! This should be a no-brainer #1, but with radio that probably won't happen.
03. "She Got Drunk Last Night"- This song makes me sad, it is good and just a sad thing a lot of people deal with. Reba delivers it great.
04. "Living Ain't Killed Me Yet"- This too, is very fun to sing along with.
05. "That's When I Knew"- I love this song, probably the second best on the album. This seems like classic Reba circa 1990-1995.
06. "I'll Go On"- Really beautiful song and delivery. Reba can sing anything.
07. "Until They Don't Love You"- Kind of rocking song, that is similar in sound to TOTR, to me at least.
08. "Promise Me Love"- A nice song, that Reba handles in her great Reba way.
09. "Just Like Them Horses"- Really sad song, that touches me, because as I write this post it is exactly one year to the day that my dad died and Reba pulls the heartstrings here like only she can. I know how hard this must be for her to sing, as well.
10. "Love Somebody"- Catchy. Reba nails the vocals here. I get this stuck in my head a lot.
11. "Loveland"- Story song + Reba = Do no wrong.
12. "Pray For Peace"- Just filler, they had to do something with it. She sounds great, though.

Target Bonus Tracks
01. "Whatever Way It Hurts The Least"- I really love this song, it is so good, with the old school feel I get.
02. "More Than Just Her Last Name"- Another story song, that Reba kills.

I give it 5 stars, the best in a very long time. I would love to see an album of the year nomination from somewhere for this.

[onebuffalo]

#1 country, #3 top 200 CD with 59,000 sold. Congratulations, Reba McEntire!

[.indulgecountry]

Apr 22, 2015 13:13:49 GMT -5 onebuffalo said:

#1 country, #3 top 200 CD with 59,000 sold. Congratulations, Reba McEntire!

62,000 according to Billboard: www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6538916/shawn-mendes-handwritten-debut-no-1-billboard-200-chart

[Deleted]

Apr 22, 2015 15:09:29 GMT -5 .indulgecountry said:

Apr 22, 2015 13:13:49 GMT -5 onebuffalo said:

#1 country, #3 top 200 CD with 59,000 sold. Congratulations, Reba McEntire!

62,000 according to Billboard: www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6538916/shawn-mendes-handwritten-debut-no-1-billboard-200-chart

Actually, it's both. The actual sales were 59,000. The 62,000 figure is total units, which includes streaming + sales. Personally I don't like BB's new way of counting sales (by including streams as well--I'd rather sales and streaming figures be tabulated separately), so I'd personally go with 59,000 as the number because that's the actual amount that it sold.

[onebuffalo]

Canada loves Reba McEntire! Love Somebody is the #2 selling country CD while Icon is #3!

[sbp17]

Does anyone know why she doesn't have a Metacritic score for this album? Have there not been enough publications that reviewed the album?

[codyj100]

Apr 23, 2015 14:45:27 GMT -5 sbp17 said:

Does anyone know why she doesn't have a Metacritic score for this album? Have there not been enough publications that reviewed the album?

That is strange. And, they only have her two previous albums scored. Plus I have seen numerous reviews for the Love Somebody album. From what I've read so far, most reviews seem to be highly rated. Which, if the album does show up on Metacritic, I am assuming the overall score will be relatively high.