One of Country music’s most respected female artists, Reba McEntire, has had an expansive career that has spanned three decades. Those who have assessed McEntire’s longevity have rightly concluded that she has reinvented herself several times within her long career to adapt to the ever changing climate of country music.
By in large, she has been successful in finding ways to stay relevant, including associating herself with one of the hottest, though still relatively young, record companies in the business thanks, in part, to the meteoric success of Taylor Swift.
While this union with Valory Music (sister label to Swift’s Big Machine Records) may seem odd at first glance, the fact that Reba had once worked with label president, Scott Borchetta, when he was MCA’s Senior Vice President of Promotion, helps it all make more sense.
Incidentally, McEntire’s second single from her anticipated debut album with Valory Music sounds much like the Reba McEntire singles that Borchetta had promoted in the nineties, as far as production is concerned. With an easy melody, listenable production and McEntire’s typical quality vocal performance, “Consider Me Gone” is a solid effort by an artist who has managed to remain relevant on the public’s radar, in one way or another, in a time when it is difficult for both older and/or female artists to receive significant attention in the world of country music.
Where the song fails, however, is in the lyrics. The theme has a lot of potential and there are even moments when certain phrases successfully match the strong tone that the song is attempting to strike, but clichéd phrases such as “With you I’ve always been wide open like a window or an ocean” and “How about a strong shot of honesty” falls significantly short of much of McEntire’s previous output, particularly of the nineties.
Despite these lyrical deficiencies, however, “Consider Me Gone” is ultimately pleasant on the ears and a welcome return to form after her largely lackluster duets project. Even if it turns out that country radio is finished with Reba McEntire, those who specifically enjoyed her nineties singles will likely be satisfied enough to purchase the upcoming album that this song is meant to promote.
Written by Steve Diamond & Marv Green.
Grade: B
I pretty much agree with this review, Leeann. I definitely thought this was 90s-esque Reba myself. And the lyrics are a bit recycled, though the song has a few shining moments – the first 2 lines in the chorus comes to mind.
It’s a good song, but not great. And Reba should be recording and releasing great songs.
leeann, i fully agree with you.
i actually liked the song. I would’ve really liked it if it was performed by someone less famous. but knowing that it’s reba my expectations get a little too high i think.
radio success? not sure.
anyhow i think it’s much better than strange so i’m glad!
I don’t think it is fair to mention someone who is as utterly talented as Reba with someone who isn’t even capable of singing i.e. Taylor Swift, serious, yes she does get airplay and the kids do buy her records, but keep one thing in mind, these little kids are getting older and with age something called wisdom arrives and when they realize just how poorly she does sing she is sure to see her own demise. I have read alot more negative comments about Miss. Swifts concert reviews than I have favourable, one mother wrote that her kids she had taken to see her asked to leave early in fact they asked after she had sang just one song, they said it was boring, yup from the mouth of babes. I can on the other hand though say as both of these well one lady one child performed here this summer during stampede Reba got rave reviews, they did complain saying she only played 90minutes, the other saying she played too long she was off key, spent the entire show either changing her clothes or throwing her head from side to side all seemed to wish she had left after 9 minutes leaving out the other 80 and wished Reba had played her usual concert, in both cases they had one thing in common the audiences felt ripped off. I have to say Reba best get it together after Strange especially, as it was just that. I never thought I would be so utterly dissapointed in Reba however between the odd music she is coming out with, her shortening her concerts and raising her prices it just seems so foolish of her especially if she wants to continue her career cause she is in a no win situation from where we are standing.
I mean no dissrespect as I have been a fan of Reba’s for as long as I can remember however she is just doing everything so very wrong right now.
I’ve been very much on the fence about this song. It is not a bad song by any means, but I was hoping for a little different from Reba this time around. Based on the previews I’ve heard at the Valory website, this is one of the better songs on the album. I think Reba’s trying just a little too hard to remain relevant and in the mainstream. I’d have preferred something a little more innovative with a “radio can take it or leave it” attitude. Oh well, maybe next time.
I think this song is great and I will always be a faithful Reba fan. But if everyone is so unimpressed by her right now, just listen to her new album Keep on Lovin’ you! It’s amazing and so much edgier than her other albums! I just heard about it in an interview with her at http://www.billboard.com/features/video-q-a-reba-mcentire-keeps-on-1004003873.story#/features/video-q-a-reba-mcentire-keeps-on-1004003873.story.
The song is nothing to write home about, but it is for sure easy to listen to. And it gives you that little taste of 90’s on todays country radio. I find it somewhat refreshing from what I have been hearing.
why do i see brock standing next to the kitchen-sink, when i hear this song? is there also gonna be a cover version of “dumb blonde” on her new record?
the woman has been around for 20 plus yearsm give her a break like it or not she does have the billboard # 1 album this week thats not easy to do, so if you guys can do better and stay around as long as she has then prove it, she no longer has too…
So we have to say it’s great when it’s only good because the album is #1, mike? That’s not fair.
One of the best songs on the new album. The song reminds me a lot of the 90’s Reba, which was very good music. And this song is one of her better vocal performances. A+
This isn’t my favorite song off the album, but it’s still a good one in my opinion. I prefer the slow / sad Reba songs that show off her immense vocal range and quality. The songs that when you finally realize what they’re about you think to yourself “Reba just sang a song about……?!” Songs reminiscent to “She Thinks His Name Was John” and etc, you know, the ones that pull on your heartstrings. On this album those songs include “Eight Crazy Hours” “Over You” and “I Keep On Loving You”. Basically, buy the cd, it’s a great one, don’t judge it by just a few radio singles…everyone knows the best songs are rarely released as singles anyway.
CD: Keep On Loving You by Reba McEntire ***** A+
<3
The new video of this song is really good… tells a story… has cool effects… and has a very professional look to it. One of Reba’s better videos.
however, i do have somewhat of a problem with the “happy ending” at the end… doesn’t really make the video/song stronger and it doesnt match up with the song, but its not a major problem.
The female model in the video is a typical MISS pageant contestant with nothing more to offer besides her looks and talent. She was probably flogged by one of the judges. Her boyfriend is a typical “boy-toy” who is mistreating her. She represents “power” through the use of red lipstick and the red steering wheel. Reference MISS SARAJEVO by “The Passengers.”
I agree. Its a great song