About The Song
In the illustrious career of Reba McEntire, Oh, How I Love Jesus, released in 2017 as part of her gospel album Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope, shines as a vibrant celebration of unwavering faith. This traditional hymn, credited to Frederick Whitfield from 1855, is transformed through Reba’s spirited and soulful delivery, featured on a double-disc collection that topped Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart and won a 2018 Grammy for Best Roots Gospel Album. For those who cherish music as a conduit for spiritual joy, this song is a jubilant expression, evoking memories of church gatherings and the timeless comfort of devotion. Its uplifting melody and Reba’s heartfelt vocals resonate deeply with mature listeners, who may have experienced it during her 2017 Ryman Auditorium performances or embraced it as a cornerstone of her gospel legacy.
The song bursts into life with a bright piano and a lively gospel rhythm, produced by Reba alongside Doug Sisemore and Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts. The arrangement, featuring Jonathan Yudkin’s spirited fiddle and a robust choir, infuses the hymn with a modern country-gospel energy, driven by Chris McHugh’s steady percussion. Reba’s voice, rich with Oklahoma warmth, carries the lyrics with infectious enthusiasm: “Oh, how I love Jesus / Because He first loved me.” For those who first heard it on February 3, 2017, via Nash Icon Records, or witnessed its live rendition on the My Chains Are Gone DVD, it’s a nostalgic reminder of Reba’s ability to breathe new life into sacred classics, as noted on Spotify and Genius.
Lyrically, Oh, How I Love Jesus is a straightforward yet profound declaration of faith: “There is a name I love to hear / I love to sing its worth.” The verses, rooted in 1 John 4:19, celebrate a reciprocal love between believer and Savior, as shared on Lyrics.com. For older listeners, who may have sung this hymn in rural churches or found solace in it during life’s trials, Reba’s rendition feels like a joyful reunion, amplifying the song’s message of gratitude and adoration. A 2017 Sounds Like Nashville review praised her “vibrant, authentic delivery,” noting its ability to inspire both longtime fans and newcomers to gospel music.
Musically, the track is a masterclass in blending tradition with exuberance. Recorded at Nashville’s Blackbird Studios, the arrangement’s gospel choir and hand-clapping rhythm create a communal, uplifting vibe, as detailed on Shazam. Its performance at the Ryman, captured on YouTube, electrified audiences, with Reba’s commanding presence earning heartfelt applause, per Country Now. The song’s inclusion alongside tracks like I’ll Fly Away and Back to God reflects Reba’s deep faith, shaped by her mother’s teachings, as she shared in a 2017 CCM Magazine interview. Its cultural resonance, echoed in covers by artists like Alan Jackson, underscores its enduring place in gospel’s canon.
For fans who’ve followed Reba’s journey—from her 1976 debut to her The Voice coaching and 2024 sitcom Happy’s Place—this track is a testament to her spiritual conviction and versatility. Whether rediscovered on SoundCloud or cherished on CD, Oh, How I Love Jesus invites you to join its joyful praise and find strength in its message. It’s a reminder that gospel music, through Reba’s voice, can ignite the heart, offering a melody that carries the boundless love of faith through every season of life.