How Blue
Encyclopedia
"How Blue" is a song written by John Moffat and recorded by American country
music artist, Reba McEntire
. The song was produced by Harold Shedd
for McEntire's second MCA studio album, My Kind of Country. Released in September 1984, it became her third number one single on the Billboard country music chart and would be the first of a series of number one singles during the 1980s and 90s.
in 1984. The song was one of several new tracks released on McEntire's second MCA album, My Kind of Country, which mainly included cover versions of traditional country songs. The song itself was considered a departure from any of McEntire's previously-released singles, as it contained a traditional sound, with fiddle
and steel guitar
in the background. The song's content describes a woman who asks herself "how blue" or lonely she can feel until she has gotten over her lover, whom she had recently broken up with. The song's chorus explains the storyline:
had found the song and had to convince a reluctant Reba to record it. She initially felt that it was a man’s song, but she reconsidered when the line “ain’t you got a heart left in your breast” was changed to “chest”."
Country Tracks charts around the same time. The song helped McEntire to win the Country Music Association Awards
' "Female Vocalist of the Year" honor and was also regarded as a "new traditionalist" by many music critics, along with country artists, George Strait
and Ricky Skaggs
.
Country music
Country music is a popular American musical style that began in the rural Southern United States in the 1920s. It takes its roots from Western cowboy and folk music...
music artist, Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire
Reba Nell McEntire is an American country music artist and actress. She began her career in the music industry as a high school student singing in the Kiowa High School band , on local radio shows with her siblings, and at rodeos. As a solo act, she was invited to perform at a rodeo in Oklahoma...
. The song was produced by Harold Shedd
Harold Shedd
Harold Shedd is a music industry executive and producer, best known for his role as producer of the country group Alabama as well as Reba McEntire, Shania Twain and Toby Keith...
for McEntire's second MCA studio album, My Kind of Country. Released in September 1984, it became her third number one single on the Billboard country music chart and would be the first of a series of number one singles during the 1980s and 90s.
Background and content
"How Blue" was recorded at the MCA studio in Nashville, TennesseeNashville, Tennessee
Nashville is the capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee and the county seat of Davidson County. It is located on the Cumberland River in Davidson County, in the north-central part of the state. The city is a center for the health care, publishing, banking and transportation industries, and is home...
in 1984. The song was one of several new tracks released on McEntire's second MCA album, My Kind of Country, which mainly included cover versions of traditional country songs. The song itself was considered a departure from any of McEntire's previously-released singles, as it contained a traditional sound, with fiddle
Fiddle
The term fiddle may refer to any bowed string musical instrument, most often the violin. It is also a colloquial term for the instrument used by players in all genres, including classical music...
and steel guitar
Steel guitar
Steel guitar is a type of guitar or the method of playing the instrument. Developed in Hawaii in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a steel guitar is usually positioned horizontally; strings are plucked with one hand, while the other hand changes the pitch of one or more strings with the use...
in the background. The song's content describes a woman who asks herself "how blue" or lonely she can feel until she has gotten over her lover, whom she had recently broken up with. The song's chorus explains the storyline:
- How blue can you make me
- How long till I heal
- How can I go on loving you till you're gone
- How blue can I feel?
Critical reception
Since its release as a single, "How Blue" has received positive critical reception from critics. Kurt Wolff of the book, Country Music: The Rough Guide called the song, "one of rootsiest songs she has ever recorded." Allmusic's William Ruhlmann called the song, "the breakthrough she was looking for," and Rolling Stone also received "How Blue" well, eventually putting McEntire on their list of their "Top 5 Favorite Country Artists." The country music website, My Kind of Country also praised "How Blue," commenting that it was a departure from any of McEntire's previous releases, stating, "The stripped-down, acoustic guitar and fiddle-driven arrangement was a far cry from anything McEntire had recorded before. Producer Harold SheddHarold Shedd
Harold Shedd is a music industry executive and producer, best known for his role as producer of the country group Alabama as well as Reba McEntire, Shania Twain and Toby Keith...
had found the song and had to convince a reluctant Reba to record it. She initially felt that it was a man’s song, but she reconsidered when the line “ain’t you got a heart left in your breast” was changed to “chest”."
Release and chart performance
"How Blue" was released on September 24, 1984 on MCA Nashville Records. The song reached number one on the Billboard Magazine country music chart months before My Kind of Countrys release, reaching the top spot in January 1984. The song also peaked at #6 on the Canadian RPMRPM (magazine)
RPM was a Canadian music industry publication that featured song and album charts for Canada. The publication was founded by Walt Grealis in February 1964, supported through its existence by record label owner Stan Klees. RPM ceased publication in November 2000.RPM stood for "Records, Promotion,...
Country Tracks charts around the same time. The song helped McEntire to win the Country Music Association Awards
Country Music Association Awards
The Country Music Association Awards, also known as the CMA Awards, or the CMAs, and not to be confused with the ACM Awards, are voted on by business members of the Country Music Association. The first CMA awards were presented at an untelevised ceremony in Nashville's Municipal Auditorium in 1967...
' "Female Vocalist of the Year" honor and was also regarded as a "new traditionalist" by many music critics, along with country artists, George Strait
George Strait
George Harvey Strait is an American country music singer, actor, and music producer. Strait is referred to as the "King of Country," and critics call Strait a living legend. He is known for his unique style of western swing music, bar-room ballads, honky-tonk style, and fresh yet traditional...
and Ricky Skaggs
Ricky Skaggs
Rickie Lee "Ricky" Skaggs is a country and bluegrass singer, musician, producer, and composer. He primarily plays mandolin; however, he also plays fiddle, guitar, and banjo.-Early career:...
.
Charts
| Chart (1984-1985) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles Hot Country Songs Hot Country Songs is a chart published weekly by Billboard magazine in the United States.This 60-position chart lists the most popular country music songs, calculated weekly mostly by airplay and occasionally commercial sales... |
1 |
| Canadian RPM Country Tracks | 6 |