LeAnn Rimes Album: “You Light up My Life: Inspirational Songs”

Description :

Personnel: LeAnn Rimes (vocals); Milo Deering (acoustic & steel guitars, fiddle); Michael Spriggs (acoustic guitar); John Willis, Jerry Matheny (electric guitar); Paul Franklin (steel guitar); Steve Nathan, Kelly Glenn, Jimmy Kelly (keyboards); Curtis Randall (bass, background vocals); Michael Rhodes, Bob Gentry (bass); Greg Morrow, Dan Wojciechowski (drums); Mary Ann Kennedy, Pam Rose, Michael Black, Dennis Wilson, Gary Leach (background vocals). Producers: Wilbur C. Rimes, Chuck Howard, Mike Curb. Engineers: Greg Hunt, Mike McClain, Bob Campbell-Smith. Recorded at Rosewood Studio, Tyler, Texas; McClain Studios, Dallas Texas; Starstruck Studios, Curb Studios, Nashville, Tennessee. "How Do I Live" was nominated for 1998 Grammys for Song Of The Year and Best Female Country Vocal Performance. The teenage country belter follows up her multi-platinum BLUE with an album of "inspirational songs." While Rimes' definition of that term includes the traditionally gospel-oriented "Clinging To A Saving Hand" and " On The Side Of The Angels," it's also expansive enough to encompass pop standards like "The Rose" and "Bridge Over Troubled Waters." YOU LIGHT UP MY LIFE might be the least country of her recordings up to this point, relying more on a piano-based pop approach than the steel-guitar-led C&W of her previous work. Rimes' voice remains the pure, crystalline instrument that has endeared her to millions. Whether she's making the world forget Debby Boone with her version of the title song, or shoving Kate Smith aside with a definitive "God Bless America," her voice is powerful and communicative. To drive the point home, the album closes with a cappella versions of "Amazing Grace" and the National Anthem.

Leann Rimes made this album as a tribute to God for giving her such a musical gift and her parents for their love and support. What a tribute! Her choice of songs is indeed inspirational and her performance is exquisite. "Ten Thousand Angels Cried" has never been delivered with such passion and power! This was the first time I had heard "Bridge Over Troubled Water" sung by anyone other than Art Garfunkel, and it more than holds its own against his. I was also blown away by her a cappella rendition of the national anthem, which surpasses Whitney Houston's Super Bowl cut. Those who whined about this album's content make me laugh. What part of "inspirational songs" did they not understand? Did they even bother to read past her name and check the song titles (or the ALBUM title)? Thank you, LeAnn. You gave us all a gift with this release.

I cannot believe LeAnn was only 13 when this CD was released! I got this for my dad as a Christmas present a few years ago because it had a lot of great songs we all know and love. In addition it also included an extended version of the hit that crossed her over into pop, the Diane Warren-penned "How Do I Live" (originally sung by Trisha Yerwood). Even though this album isn't original in terms of creativity from Ms Rimes and the production team, it's good just to listen and appreciate the powerful voice she has. Fans of Simon and Garfunkle might be annoyed but her cover of "Bridge over Troubled Water" but I think it is just astounding, and not to mention the flawless remake of Bette Mitler's "The Rose." Overall, I'd reccomend "You Light Up My Life: Inspirational Songs" to fans of Ms Rimes and adult contemporary in general. It's a good collection and will have you wanting to get more albums from this wonderful & gifted country singer.

I enjoy this CD very much. I listen to the entire CD almost everyday. LeAnn has a powerful and sensational voice. I believe these type songs are suitable for her voice. My favorite songs are "You Light Up My Life", "I Believe", "The Rose", "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" and "How Do I Live". And don't forget our "Amazing Grace", "God Bless America" and "National Anthem". A mixture of Pop, Country and inspirational songs, I like it very much.