“Not That Fancy” - Reba McEntire Album Review

Reba McEntire has been in the country music industry since 1975, and at the ripe age of 68 is far from done.

Not only has she recently started judging on NBC’s “The Voice," but also just released an album of acoustic versions of her songs, called “Not That Fancy."

First off, the title of this album is perfect. “Fancy” is one of the artist’s biggest hits, and to play with this title by calling an album that is solely acoustic songs “Not That Fancy” is frankly iconic.

“Fancy” is the last track on the album, but is worth talking about first. It is an iconic 90’s country classic and while the song is most commonly known for being more upbeat it is still enjoyable slowed down with a more mellow feel.

Country is an easy genre to transition from electric to acoustic because of the common dominant use of acoustic guitar. The biggest difference in McEntire’s covers is the slower tempos used, along with her aged voice.

Some of these songs were originally recorded over thirty years ago, and the singer still does them justice and can hold her own vocally.

Two of the songs feature fellow country artists Dolly Parton and Brooks and Dunn.

Parton is featured in “Does He Love You” which originally featured Linda Davis. Brooks and Dunn were reprising an original duet with McEntire called “If You See Him, If You See Her."

This is not the first time that McEntire has re-recorded her songs. In 2021 she released “Revived Remixed Revisited” where she revamped many of her songs.

“Not That Fancy” starts with “Fear of Being Alone” which is a classic country song in the way it features lots of storytelling. This track offers an upbeat beginning to the album.

Following this is “Consider Me Gone” from her 2009 album “Keep On Lovin' You." The acoustic version of this song is much more dulcet than the original.

The original is an independent woman anthem that gives female fans the confidence to never talk to a man, however with the re-recording it seems likely for a listener to continue in this behavior.

The next most notable song on the album is “The Night The Lights Went Out in Georgia." This song also features some heavy storytelling which is presumably due to the fact that there is a film that accompanies it.

This song is an older-fashioned country that will probably only be a hit with listeners who are preexisting or long-time country fans.

The album ends with a bang, going from “I’m a Survivor” to, of course, “Fancy."

“I’m a Survivor” is a well-known McEntire song among Gen Z after its countless appearances on TikTok.

The song was originally the theme song to the hit sitcom “Reba”, and features the well-known lyrics “A single mom who works two jobs / Who loves her kids and never stops / With gentle hands and the heart of a fighter / I’m a survivor."

An incredibly inspirational song featured on equally funny videos on TikTok.

All is wrapped up with the namesake “Fancy." This song is incredibly well known even though it features some incredibly terrible morals.

Overall this album was released for pre-existing McEntire fans. This album does not really offer anything new to the music scene besides showing that the queen of country can still deliver.

It is a good album, but not necessarily one to seek out after an initial listen.

Rating: 6/10

Reviewer’s favorite tracks: “Fancy,” “The Night The Lights Went Out in Georgia” and “I’m a Survivor.”

Reviewer’s least favorite tracks: “Seven Minutes in Heaven”

Savannah Swartz is a third-year communications major. To contact her, email sms9072@psu.edu.