Oh, Manchester, So Much To Answer For

I'm not sure I ever thought I'd utter these words, but the new Reba McEntire single is sensational. "I'm Gonna Take That Mountain"'s first ten seconds feature sumptuous a cappella harmonies (featuring Union Station's Dan Tyminski!) and fine banjo pickin' - quite a change from her overproduced work of recent years. Lyrically, it's typically good Reba, one of her should-be-patented "triumph over any challenge" songs. And before you suggest that Reba's simply jumping the bluegrass bandwagon, consider this: maybe it's simply the surprising (to some) new-found popularity of the form that's made Reba feel like she's got the freedom to make a single such as this, and still have it be accepted by her fans. [I know, some of y'all will take issue with that like of thinking, too. Have at it.] This might well be the most exciting, nay fresh, Reba single since her late-'80s glory days, circa "Whoever's In New England."