Reba McEntire‘s new album, Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope, has been out for less than two weeks, and it’s already making waves in the music community. The album, which was released on February 3, is McEntire’s first-ever gospel record.
Although gospel music has always “been a part” of who McEntire, she held off on recording an album in the genre for one big reason. As she told Yahoo! Music, she didn’t want to get in the way of her sister, Susie, who is a successful Christian singer.
“I didn’t get into that genre because of Susie, but she was fine with it and really encouraged me,” she said. “I think that timing is everything. I was pleased that everybody was on board and enthusiastic about me doing a gospel album.”
That an enthusiasm has been made clear by how many copies of the album have sold so far. According to Nielsen Music, Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope has sold over 54,000 copies as of Tuesday (February 14). But McEntire has an even bigger milestone to celebrate concerning the album.
Nash Country Daily reports that Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope has topped not one, but two Billboard charts. It reached the number one position on the Top Country Albums chart, making it McEntire’s 13th number one country album. The album’s accomplishment further secures McEntire’s place as the female country artist with the most number one albums.
Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope also topped the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart. Since the album was McEntire’s debut into the Christian music community, this is a major achievement for her.
As if all of that wasn’t great enough, McEntire has yet another reason to celebrate. Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope debuted at the fourth spot on the all-genre Billboard 200, making it one of the most popular albums in the country right now.
McEntire expressed her thankfulness to her fans for showing so much support for her new project. “These CDs go out to my family, friends and fans remembering these songs from their growing up years and to those who are just beginning to sing along,” she said. “We could all use more faith and hope. I sure do appreciate yours!”
A huge congratulations to McEntire on reaching this career-defining milestone! Tune in below to catch the powerful music video for her single, “Back to God.”