Is What Am I Gonna Do About You a good place to start with Reba McEntire?

Yes, What Am I Gonna Do About You is recommended as a starting point for new Reba McEntire listeners. Emotive storytelling intertwined with lush instrumentation evokes the complexities of love and heartache in classic country style. Released in 1986, What Am I Gonna Do About You marked Reba McEntire's tenth studio album, solidifying her status as a leading figure in country music. This record followed her breakthrough with 1984's My Kind of Country, which had expanded her audience and established her signature sound.

Who is What Am I Gonna Do About You for?

What Am I Gonna Do About You works well if you're into steady mid-tempo sing-alongs, heartfelt storytelling through vocals and uplifting moments to boost mood.

How many songs are on What Am I Gonna Do About You?

What Am I Gonna Do About You has 10 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

What Am I Gonna Do About You

Reba McEntire · 1986

35 min · 10 tracks · country music

Emotive storytelling intertwined with lush instrumentation evokes the complexities of love and heartache in classic country style.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Why Not Tonight Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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What Am I Gonna Do About You — This title track captures the album's central theme, combining poignant lyrics with a memorable melody that showcases McEntire's vocal strength.
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One Promise Too Late — This song highlights a narrative of regret and longing, reflecting McEntire's ability to convey deep emotion through storytelling in her music.
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Lookin’ for a New Love Story — With its upbeat tempo and hopeful lyrics, this track contrasts with the more somber themes in the album, showcasing McEntire's versatility as an artist.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Strong songwriting and production elevate this country album, though it follows familiar themes and structures.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature a steady mid-tempo rhythm, while the fourth track introduces a slower ballad that shifts the album's energy.
Several songs incorporate prominent string arrangements, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
The title track is positioned second, serving as a focal point early in the album and setting a thematic tone for subsequent songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo sing-alongs
heartfelt storytelling through vocals
uplifting moments to boost mood
reflective tracks for quiet drives
for casual gatherings

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy dance tracks
prefer standalone singles over albums

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album solidified McEntire's status as a leading figure in country music.
Themes: heartbreak in small towns· regret and missed opportunities· searching for new love
Career context: Released in 1986, What Am I Gonna Do About You marked Reba McEntire's tenth studio album, solidifying her status as a leading figure in country music. This record followed her breakthrough with 1984's My Kind of Country, which had expanded her audience and established her signature sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Trisha Yearwood· Brooks & Dunn· Martina McBride