Reba McEntire

Perhaps inspired by upstart Gretchens and Mirandas, Reba's 25th album is her most hard-rocking ever. Themes are unflinchingly adult (lots of anthems about getting over the jerk, women rediscovering themselves at midlife, or both), but half the tracks are built on meaty boogie riffs, echoing everyone from Status Quo ("Strange") to Billy Squier ("I Want a Cowboy," which also gets a thumping dance mix.) Some When Harry Met Sally-inspired Western swing lightens things up. But the best song is the most ominous: "Maggie Creek Road," about Mom's advice, a midnight rape and revenge with a gun.