Reba
If You See Him (MCA)
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Brooks & Dunn
5 (Arista)
It probably was just a matter of time before Kix, Ronnie and Reba got together to create a high-octane duet in the dramatic mold of “If You See Him/If You See Her.” They already were touring together, and even platinum-plus performers can use another guaranteed showstopper, so, why not also make it the cornerstone of their new albums, as well? Luckily for everyone involved, it’s a pretty effective ballad (written by Tommy Lee James, Jennifer Kimball and Terry McBride), compatible with the rest of the material on the albums. After dropping the diva veneer on her last album, Reba (like Wynonna, she’s scrapped her last name) finds a suitable middleground on “If You See Him,” which packs a lot of emotional punch without straying as far into Vegas-showroom territory, as she’s previously done. Likewise, on “5,” B&D don’t wander too far from their winning Eagles-go-Nashville formula (specifically,”South of Santa Fe”). Still, the duo’s takes on Gary Stewart’s “Brand New Whiskey” and Roger Miller’s “Husbands and Wives” are quite diverting and provide welcome additions to the familiar mix.