All the Women I Am

Reba’s 26th album was recorded at age 55 but after the explosive “Turn On the Radio” opens, it’s apparent that those numbers are insignificant. Dan Huff’s hip production gives the tune a fresh approach to country-pop with its hard-rocking guitar riffs, menacing melodies and heavily funked rhythms – but it’s Reba’s spirited exuberance and vivacious vitality that puts the tune in the same ring as Carrie Underwood. With a fiery soul in her vocal performance she even pulls off a Twitter reference. This is followed by a twangy version of Beyoncé’s “If I Were a Boy,” tastefully executed wherein the urgency of the original tune is toned down and swapped out for a more composed restraint in the vocals. But even in the midst of keeping up with the world, Reba hasn’t forgotten her roots. “The Day She Got Divorced” simultaneously harkens back to the divorcee countrypolitan tones of Tammy Wynette while injecting a modern-day Americana sensibility more akin to Miranda Lambert. “When You Have a Child” muses on motherhood with wisdom.

Discover All the Women I Am by Reba McEntire released in 2010. Find album reviews, track lists, credits, awards and more at AllMusic.