Reba McEntire - Sing It Now: Songs Of Faith & Hope
STYLE: Country RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 164171- LABEL: MCA FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 2
Reviewed by Dave Brassington
Prior to this double album (one CD of mainly traditional and well-known sacred material and second of new songs), I had only known Reba, one of country music's biggest stars, in gospel mode on a couple of her sister Susie Luchsinger's releases. So 'Sing It Now' is something of a revelation. Opening with a simply beautiful version of the hymn classic "Jesus Loves Me" it moves on to heartfelt versions of other evergreens Reba grew up with such as "Oh How I Love Jesus", "I'll Fly Away" and "Softly And Tenderly". Special mention must be made of combining the much loved "In The Garden" with "Wonderful Peace" on which Reba is accompanied by Southern gospel harmonisers the Isaacs. Reading the extensive liner notes you can find that originally it was going to be a single CD release, hence the proposed original title 'Songs Of Faith & Hope', but it would appear that with some excellent and very strong new gospel material in front of her, it was decided to make it a double album. A standout is the very catchy "Angels Singin'" followed by a whole slew of attractive new material of the highest quality including Reba's own co-written statement of faith, the very powerful "I Got The Lord On My Side". It gets even better with "Back To God", a very powerful affirmation of faith which has deservedly been getting plenty of US radio airplay. I have simply nothing but the highest praise for this album, Reba is in great voice and the tasteful but very effective backing comes from some of Nashville's top country musicians. Even if country is not your usual musical choice, give this a listen.
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