Personnel: Reba McEntire; Jerry McPherson, Jim Kimball, Kenny Greenberg (guitar); Bruce Bouton (steel guitar); Jimmy Nichols (piano); Doug Sisemore (keyboards); Spady Brannan (bass guitar); Tommy Harden (drums); Eric Darken (percussion); Jenifer Wrinkle.
Recording information: Starstruck, Nashville, Tennessee (1982 - 2005).
With her own her own TV sitcom and a recording career that dates back to the late 1970s, Reba McEntire is undisputedly one of country music's most popular entertainers. Although there have been numerous collections of McEntire's singles, this two-disc set is the first to span more than 20 years of her hits. With the exception of two new recordings (the thoughtful "You're Gonna Be" and the energetic "Love Needs a Holiday," which appear at the beginning of the first and second discs, respectively), this compilation moves chronologically from 1982 to 2005, presenting 35 of Reba's finest moments. Every track benefits from her powerful voice and charming Oklahoma drawl, whether she's easing into the traditional "How Blue" or the pop-tinged "And Still." A well-selected release, #1'S is an excellent overview of Reba's impressive catalog, and is ideal for both newcomers and longtime fans.