Disco de Reba McEntire: “Greatest Hits Vol. 3: I'm a Survivor”

I'M A SURVIVOR, Reba's third Greatest Hits album, contains 12 of her hits and three great new songs. With all the hits she's had in the 90's, its no wonder they all didn't make the cut. I guess they will make it next time. Nevertheless, the big ones are here such as the Brooks & Dunn duet "If You See Him/If You See Her", the sassy "Take It Back", the beautiful "Forever Love" and many more. The hits from SO GOOD TOGETHER, as well as the ones that didn't make this cut, will most likely be on her next Greatest Hits album. "Im A Survivor" is a nice uplifting, positive song, also the theme for her new sitcom REBA. "Myself Without You" is another nice, lush ballad that Reba shines on. The final new song "Sweet Music Man", produced by Alison Krauss, is my favorite of the new songs, showing a bit of Reba's bluegrass side, hopefully she will do more of that music. Sadly no songs from STARTING OVER made the cut for this one, but it seems even Reba wants to forget about that album sadly, as I believe its one of her best. Overall if you are missing some of her 90's albums, this is a good place to start to get yourself aquainted (or reaquainted) with her hits from the 90's. Absolutely essential.

While all opinions are valid, I'm sorry to say that sometimes, they're just wrong. Such an opinion is any one negating the quality and integrity of music recorded by Reba McEntire.

With "Greatest Hits Volume III: I'm A Survivor," Reba releases her twenty-seventh studio disc. Fifteen tracks in all, three of them new, paint a vast, rich canvas of Reba's work in the nineties. Of the three new tunes, "Myself Without You" comes to the forefront as a touching and moving but not overly maudlin I'm-getting-over-you (allusion to Reba's 1984 "Just A Little Love" disc) song. Reba's voice transforms from a throaty, powerful torch on "The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter," "The Fear Of Being Alone," and "Why Haven't I Heard From You," to a tender, soft ember on "She Thinks His Name Was John" and the aforementioned "Myself Without You." Also noteworthy is Reba's "I'm A Survivor," the theme song to her new show, which airs at 9:00 PM EST on the Warner Brothers' Network. As it has been described, it is a mature version of Jessica Andrews' "Who I Am". Tracks two to thirteen are a recollection of Reba's hits spanning 1990-1999. The quality of the songs makes it impossible to single out "standouts," as Reba was even forced to leave out songs worthy of any other artist's Greatest Hits collection. She closes with "Sweet Music Man," a new telling of Kenny Rogers' late 1970's tune, produced by Alison Krauss. The result is understated, subdued, and tender. The production is undeniably Kraussian, which is in stark contrast to Reba's usual moderately-country sound; therefore, it inevitably inherits bluegrass undertones. It may shock some fans, but once the stupefication subsides, the worthiness of the song will be seen.

Reba does unspeakable wonders with songs that other artists might render average. Why? The ultimate retort: Reba's voice is simply of a higher caliber than any other artist in Nashville. Face it. While Martina McBride can make your ears ring like bells and hold a note until the saints go marching in, it all becomes rather unspectacular when you yell those words and hold those notes on every single song. Consequently, there are also artists who are drowned out by a dropping pin. Reba is the quintessence of a happy medium; enough lung force to bend steel one minute, a poignant, tastefully restrained delivery the next.

Long live the Queen.

This is Reba's best Greatest Hits package to date. Not only does it include her best tracks since her last Greatest Hits album, but it fills in the gaps with some songs that SHOULD have been included on her "Greatest Hits Volume II" release - especially "Fallin' Out Of Love" and "The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia" - who's presence on a Greatest Hits disc is long overdue. This album also includes the memorable "Take It Back," "The Fear Of Being Alone" and the tear-jerking "She Thinks His Name Was John." The three new tracks are classic Reba. The beautful Alison Krauss produced "Sweet Music Man" which closes the album is a treat.

My only complaint: There are a few omissions. I was surprised that "It's Your Call," "Till You Love Me," "How Was I To Know," (which I believe went to #1), "I'd Rather Ride Around With You," "Wrong Night," "I'll Be," "What Do You Say," and "We're So Good Together" were omitted. Also, her "Starting Over" album wasn't even represented on this disc. (Her version of "On My Own" featuring Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride, and Linda Davis BELONGS on this disc). Oh well, I guess they'll just have to be saved for "Greatest Hits Volume IV." And that just shows how strong Reba is. She's had TOO MANY hits over the past 20 years that she's had to omit some from her Greatest Hits packages. And I'm sure she'll keep going strong for another 20 years and beyond!

Have you noticed that the Reba bashers are in clusters and they post within a day from one another. Look at their review history and you'll see that they (or should I use the singular form) only reviews and trashes Reba's albums. It's just one psychotic voice acting as 10 in vain hope to drag down her ratings. How pitiful.

Back to the album, the songs are here good, but the selection isn't. It's missing many crucial hits since Greatest hits II.

If anyone wants to buy this package, skip it and buy "#1's" that was recently released.

Not very many artists have a chance to claim 3 greatest hits albums, nor have many had #1 hits spanning more than 20 years. However McEntire is one of those who has.

Logged deeply in many record books, Mcentire showcases many of her 90's hits on this decent collection.

From crowd pleasers-Why Haven't I Heard From You and Take It Back to the simply mellow And Still to the heart felt The Heart Won't Lie, McEntire showcases the best of a decade in this collection, adding three new songs.

I'm A Survivor, a moving tale of a woman who when all odds try to overpower her, takes it in stride, and builds strength and courage to move on.

Myself Without You, Never released as a single, a simple song about a women who realizes life can go forward without someone you love, and nothing in the world really changes, and that moving on, doesn't mean you never really loved someone.

Sweet Music Man, classic Kenny Rodgers song, given a Blue Grass tinge thanks to the great Alisson Krauss.

Highly recommended for anyone looking for a Reba hits package.