Reba McEntire: All The Woman I Am (Humphead Records, Hump 122) (From The Northern Echo)

Reba McEntire: All The Woman I Am (Humphead Records, Hump 122)

5:50pm Thursday 2nd February 2012 in Country By Brian Clough

THERE are only a few artists who are known world-wide by their Christian name. Reba McEntire is one.

It is over a decade since one of the biggest female artists in country music appeared in Britain, but she returns to top the bill at the return of the International Festival of Country Music at the Wembley Stadium on Sunday, February 26.

She also releases her 34th studio album to date. Releasing clothing, footwear and home collection lines may have steered her away from her musical interests, but she seems to have no intention of slowing down or taking it easy. McEntire’s achievements include 15 American Music Awards, seven Country Music Association Awards, nine People’s Choice Awards, two Grammys, and she is only one of four entertainers in history to be honoured with a National Artistic Achievement Award by the US Congress.

She has put her own interpretation and stamp on her songs since the early days of her traditional country offerings, through to her later contemporary releases. To date, she has sold around 55m albums, and successfully charted 63 top ten hits. Her latest release provides her with additional material to add to that list. If you’re a modern contemporary country fan then you’ll certainly want to add this one to your collection.

Although it is not released until February 20, I’ll be playing three tracks on this Saturday’s American Connection on euvue.co.uk when it takes up the Album Of The Week spot.