Rediscover Solace with “Softly And Tenderly” by Reba McEntire (2017): A Stirring Return to Gospel Roots
In a modern world often consumed by haste and soundbites, there occasionally comes a song that gracefully reminds us to slow down and listen — not just to the music, but to our spirits as well. One such piece is “Softly And Tenderly”, a timeless hymn beautifully revived by legendary country artist Reba McEntire in 2017. This heartfelt rendition, featured on her critically acclaimed album Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope, invites listeners into a serene and reflective space, evoking memories of simpler times, enduring faith, and enduring warmth.
Reba McEntire — known for her powerful voice, unparalleled storytelling ability, and enduring influence in country music — delivers this sacred classic with a gentle reverence that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. “Softly And Tenderly” is a hymn that dates back to the 19th century, written by Will L. Thompson. For many, it represents a call — not just toward spiritual return, but toward healing, community, and inner peace. When McEntire lends her seasoned voice to these words, there’s a sense of authenticity and connection that only decades of artistry can produce.
What distinguishes Reba’s version of this revered hymn is the thoughtful arrangement and the emotional weight she brings without overstatement. The instrumentation is stripped down, allowing the vocals and lyrics to take center stage. Acoustic guitars, subtle piano lines, and soft harmonies wrap around the lyrics like a comforting quilt, carrying the listener along a journey marked by grace and quiet redemption.
McEntire’s decision to include this hymn among other faith-based songs on the album signals more than a musical statement; it’s a personal testament — a return to the gospel roots that shaped her early musical journey. It’s not merely a performance; it’s a ministry of sound, a gift to those longing for connection, calm, and hope amidst chaos.
For those who may have grown up hearing this hymnal call in quiet chapels or family sing-alongs, Reba’s version offers a powerful form of recollection. And for younger audiences or those outside the church tradition, it’s an introduction to the depth and dignity of American religious music at its most compassionate.
In “Softly And Tenderly”, Reba McEntire doesn’t reinvent the hymn — she honors it. With gentle restraint and unwavering sincerity, she breathes new life into a classic tune, making it relevant not by dressing it up in modernity, but by allowing its original message to speak louder than ever. It’s not loud music — it’s lasting music, full of tenderness and spiritual grace.