Country Music Album Anniversaries – 02/10/2025
Reba McEntire’s “Whoever’s in New England” Turns 39: A Country Music Milestone
On February 10, 1986, Reba McEntire released her tenth studio album, “Whoever’s in New England,” marking a significant turning point in her career and country music history. As this influential album approaches its 39th anniversary, it’s worth examining its impact and legacy.
“Whoever’s in New England” was McEntire’s first album to reach number 1 on the Billboard country albums chart, signaling her ascent to country music superstardom. The album’s success was driven by its title track, which became McEntire’s fourth number 1 single and earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.
The album’s production, helmed by Jimmy Bowen, marked a shift towards a more polished, contemporary sound that would come to define much of 1980s country music. This sonic evolution helped broaden McEntire’s appeal beyond traditional country audiences, setting the stage for her crossover success in the years to come.
“Whoever’s in New England” showcased McEntire’s growth as an artist and her ability to select powerful, emotionally resonant material. The title track, written by Kendal Franceschi and Quentin Powers, tells the story of a woman suspecting her husband of infidelity during his business trips to Boston. McEntire’s nuanced vocal performance brought the song’s complex emotions to life, earning critical acclaim and connecting deeply with listeners.
Other standout tracks on the album include “Little Rock,” another chart-topping single that further demonstrated McEntire’s knack for storytelling, and “Can’t Stop Now,” which highlighted her vocal range and interpretive skills.
The album’s success helped solidify McEntire’s position as one of country music’s leading ladies, paving the way for her continued dominance throughout the late 1980s and 1990s. It also marked the beginning of her long-standing collaboration with producer Tony Brown, who would go on to produce many of her subsequent hit albums.
“Whoever’s in New England” not only propelled McEntire’s career to new heights but also influenced the direction of country music in the mid-1980s. Its blend of traditional country themes with more contemporary production techniques helped bridge the gap between the genre’s roots and its evolving sound.
As we approach the 39th anniversary of this landmark album, “Whoever’s in New England” stands as a testament to Reba McEntire’s artistry and its enduring impact on country music. It remains a beloved entry in her extensive discography and a pivotal moment in the genre’s history.