Disco de LeAnn Rimes: “I Need You”

Since LeAnn is locked tight in that never ending contract with Curb, they are continually releasing CD's of her material, some of which never appeared on CD's before. In a strategic move to make sales based on some of her most recent hits, thrown in with some rare songs and b-sides, Curb releases the compilation I NEED YOU. Originally released in January 2001, it was re-released in March 2002 to accomodate more songs, including her Olympics 2002 song "Light The Fire Within", and miscellanious remixes of some songs. Before I comment on the album, I find it interesting when this was first released in 2001 LeAnn was totally against it on record, didn't want to support it. Now she's supporting it. Interesting...

The album features some of her best work over the past few years. Most notably the title track, a spiritual ballad from the JESUS mini series, definately a highlight and vocally she is up to par. Then fast forward to COYOTE UGLY era, where she provided the movie's theme "Can't Fight The Moonlight" which was a monster hit for her. Also included is "But I Do Love You", which is also from the COYOTE UGLY OST. Other past hits including "Written In The Stars", the duet with Elton John.

We have some Diane Warren ballads on board as well, "But I Do Love You", "Soon" and "Can't Fight The Moonlight" are all penned by Diane Warren. Decent songs overall. Then there's the song LeAnn helped pen, the country ballad "Together, Forever, Always". Some of the best unreleased songs here include "One of These Days" and "I Believe In You", where LeAnn turns in commanding performances.

Then we have the extra's, Graham Stack Radio Edits of "I Need You", "Can't Fight The Moonlight", and "Soon", and an Almighty Radio Edit of "But I Do Love You". Overall the remixes are touch and go, but if you're a fan I guess you would like them. Overall its a nice collection, sad that its a cash cow to allow Curb to make more money off of her. I hope she comes back with an album of new material, until then this should tide you over.

The main thing one must remember while listening to this CD is that these tracks are not the choices of the artist. LeAnn Rimes found out that this CD was going to be released about a month before it hit store shelves. She put no work into it and didn't get the choices of what songs would be included. Her former record label, Curb Records, recycled LeAnn material they had stored away which includes previous released singles, unfinished music, and songs that she chose NOT to use on earlier records. But Curb needed some money I suppose and thought they hadn't milked from LeAnn lately and decided, "Hey let's use this girl again." Considering what Curb has done, this CD is pretty good. The songs range from well written ballads to up-tempo tracks that can be enjoyed from the typical LeAnn Rimes fan. She has apologized to her fans that her label has released this music and insures us that more (and better) is on the way.

First off, I have bought all of LeAnn Rimes albums. Some I liked a lot, others, I couldn't stand. In other words, I enjoyed Sittin' On Top Of The World and consider that my favorite, though Blue is fairly good. If you have both, you will notice the difference between modern (ahem) country/pop and traditional country (errr, Sittin' vs Blue...).

I was very disappointed with her last album, but kept it only because of the photos. They were most wonderful, but after Sittin', she went back to traditional sounding country.

This time, she has definitely stepped into her own (just wish she would write her own stuff...). You could call it 'modern' country or even pop and it's almost as good as Sittin'. Let me say this, I didn't watch Coyote Ugly so I didn't see her freshmen acting performance, though I do recognize the songs.

I Need You is a good album with a good mix of pop and rockin' country. I have found that LeAnn has tremendous range with her voice so she is very able to change to different types of music. The Elton John duet is excellent (almost sounds like a Billy Joel to me...) and the music is very groovy.

Like the Vitamin C album that just came out, I wish the booklet was much larger. No lyrics, no photos, no nothing!!! It has the track listings and... Oh lovely. It almost seems like a rush job to get the disc out because of the poor booklet. Part of the charm were the wonderful pictures...

WOW when i first heard this cd it just had 10 tracks and i loved most of them. Now it was rereleased with the same songs plus the song from the olympics which is awesome and 4 new remixes of songs already on the album. Leann is a great dance artist.

"I Need You" is a captivating ballad, as you can maybe tell, my favorite song on this album. "Light the Fire Within" is really inspirational, and sweet with the kids singing throughout the backround. Also the remixes from the Coyote Ugly sondtrack (which I also have) are great. I use them when I am teaching dance class,and/or exercising. Bottom line: This album is an enjoyable mix of country, pop, and dance, and Leann Rimes voice as always is incredible!