Reba McEntire Sings About Her Christian Faith with New Album "Sing It Now"

By Timothy Yap Dec 17, 2016 03:03 AM EST

Reba McEntire is doing something she hasn't done before as she prepares to release Sing It Now: Songs of Faith and Hope on February 3, 2017 jointly through Nash Icon Records and Capitol Christian Music Group. For an entertainer with an illustrious career that has elicited 35 No. 1 singles, over 56 million albums sold worldwide, prestigious industry awards, lead acting roles and brand endeavors, new is a rarity. But here she is with her first double album of inspirational songs.

From the set of her forthcoming music video for "Back To God," Reba revealed details about her influences, upbringing and lifelong help from her guardian angels that lead to this collection. The double-disc project highlights traditional hymns of "faith" throughout the first 10 songs while more contemporary tracks of "hope" round out the back half.

"Sing It Now: Songs of Faith and Hope was the perfect title for this album because the message and melody throughout the song connects the dots between the traditional hymns I grew up on and new music that has been uplifting for me in challenging times," said Reba.

Reba let her heart and friends help guide the song selection, which includes the first tune she ever sang in public, "Jesus Loves Me," a former Reba co-star's suggestion of "Oh Happy Day" and an introduction from a close associate to "From The Inside Out." Collaborating with Kelly Clarkson and Trisha Yearwood, "Softly and Tenderly" is available this week. Reba co-produced the album with Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts in his home studio and band leader/musical director Doug Sisemore.

"Music conjures up great memories and goes hand and hand with us McEntires," said Reba. "Mama, Susie and Alice even came into the studio with me to record 'I'll Fly Away,' all of us gathered around an old hymnal straight from the Chockie church."

Sing It Now: Songs of Faith and Hope Track Listing

Disc One
Jesus Loves Me
Oh, How I Love Jesus
When The Roll is Called Up Yonder
Oh Happy Day
Amazing Grace
I'll Fly Away
In The Garden / Wonderful Peace (feat. The Isaacs)
Swing Low Sweet Chariot / Swing Down Chariot
How Great Thou Art
Softly and Tenderly (feat. Kelly Clarkson and Trisha Yearwood)

Disc Two
Sing It Now
Angels Singin'
God and My Girlfriends
Hallelujah, Amen
There Is A God
I Got The Lord On My Side
Back To God
Angel On My Shoulder
From The Inside Out
Say A Prayer