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4 out of 5 stars

Reba McEntire, Sing It Now- Songs of Faith & Hope Β© Big MachineReba McEntire delivers a funky, superb cover of the Edwin Hawkins gospel standard, β€œOh Happy Day.”

Veteran country superstar Reba McEntire returns in 2017 with a country-gospel album,Β Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope (February 3, 2017).Β  Ahead of the album, McEntire released six singles, including the popular Edwin Hawkins gospel standard, β€œOh Happy Day.”

β€œOh Happy Day” ends up being an excellent blend of country and gospel. Beyond β€œOh, How I Love Jesus,” Reba has yet another superb gospel song to flex her musicianship.Β  The record naturally takes it time to percolate on the verse ahead of the chorus.Β  The chorus is funky and powerful, featuring jubilant horns and superb choral vocals.

As awesome as the production is, the best attribute of the gospel gem is Reba’s voice.Β  While she is assertive, she never has to force anything. On the second verse, she gives a smidge more, growling at the end.Β  The second chorus which follows finds McEntire showing off her range, again tastefully, without over singing.Β  Expectedly, β€œOh Happy Day” features a key change, which is effective, if predictable.


Final Thoughts

All in all, Reba does β€œOh Happy Day” justice.Β  This is an energetic, high-flying take of the beloved, oft-covered gospel classic.

4 out of 5 stars


Reba McEntire β€’ Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope β€’ Big Machine β€’ Release: 2.3.17
Photo Credit: Big Machine

 

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the musical hype

the musical hype aka Brent Faulkner has earned Bachelor and Masters degrees in music (music Education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and a freelance music journalist. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.

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