LeAnn Rimes Album: “What a Wonderful World”

Description :

Personnel include: LeAnn Rimes (vocals); Robbie Nevil (guitar); Michael Thompson (acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Ray Hermann (alto saxophone); JIm Youngstrom (tenor saxophone); John Roberts (baritone saxophone); Patrick Warren (organ, synthesizer); John Hatton (bass guitar); Sheila E. (drums, percussion); Ndugu Chancler, Bernie Dresel (drums). <p>Recording information: Can Am Studios, Tarzana, CA; Capitol Studios, Hollywood, California; Westlake Audio, Hollywood, CA. <p>LeAnn Rimes began her career at a tender age as a country prodigy before propelling herself to pop superstardom by the late 1990s, still in her teens. Therefore, it's rather fitting for her to open her first Christmas record, WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD, with "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," a song made famous by Brenda Lee, another singer beloved by fans of country and pop alike. Rimes takes a slightly jazzier, horn-fueled approach to the tune, while paying homage to Lee in her vocals. <p>Rimes follows this classic with a new carol she co-wrote, the sweet ballad "A Different Kind of Christmas," showing her oneness with the spirit of the holiday. In fact, Rimes adds three new offerings to the canons of Yuletide lore, all filled with the earnest joy of a child descending the stairs at dawn to the scent of chestnuts and holly. She also plays her hand ably on enduring classics, wrapping her voice in a country-tinged arrangement of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," while approaching "The Christmas Song" with appropriate subtlety. Rimes also knows when to rein in her voice, allowing the beauty of the title track to come through.

Vocal powerhouse LeAnn Rimes' ten-track collection is a lush, string-laden affair dominated by modern chestnuts like "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree," "The Christmas Song"and "White Christmas." My favorite recordings on this set are her take on Vince Vance & the Valiants' "All I Want For Christmas Is You" and a stirring rendition of "O Holy Night" (the only hymn included here) that was previously included on her Greatest Hits. The new holiday tunes offer some diverse subject matter: the socially conscious "A Different Kind Of Christmas," the seductive "Just Love Me," and the poignant "Miss You Like Christmas. As usual, LeAnn sounds great throughout. I only wish the cd was a little longer.

When first reviewing the track list for this CD, I was convinced I would not be overwhelmed with the product. However, after carefully auditioning the CD, I realized the quality of the musical production combined with the sheer vocal talent of Ms.Rimes result in the creation of a new seasonal classic. The "big band sound" provides listeners with the experience of unleashing a backlash of memories from holiday seasons of the past. Ms Rimes is a gifted vocalist who is perfectly suited to tackle most musical arenas and this CD is the perfect example. The CD is a sure bet for all wanting to revitalize their holiday musical library. Her version of such classics as HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS are emotionally powerful, sweet and touching. You won't regret purchasing this one!

A great mixture of Classic Holiday songs. With 10 tracks (11 with the Target Exclusive Bonus Track "Santa Baby") this album has 8 (9 with "Santa Baby") 2 brand new song she co-wrote: "A Different Kind Of Christmas" & "Just Love Me" (which her husband, Dean Sheremet also co-wrote with her).

I think LeAnn Rimes deserves a big round of applause for this great CD.

Ms Rimes has given us a great Christmas selection of music that needs to be heard time and time again. Great vocals with an interesting blend of styles and themes for listening througout the holidays. Seasonal music should be played dozens of times withen a few weeks without becoming stale. This album gets better every time you hear it! Some of the songs don't seem to "fit" the first or second time you hear them, but keep playing and listening, and you will be rewarded with an outsanding collection of music! Happy Holidays!!