Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Greatest Hits LeAnn Rimes

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This review is from: Greatest Hits (Audio CD)
When LeAnn Rimes first came into prominence in 1996 - belting out "Blue" at 13 years of age - she was hailed as the new Patsy Cline. Seven years later, the Cline comparisons have faded, more a reflection of Rimes' subpar subsequent material than a drop in her vocal ability.
"Blue's" follow-ups "One Way Ticket" and "Unchained Melody" were less traditional, but kept the emphasis on her glorious contralto. The pop success of 1997's "How Do I Live" (Trisha Yearwood's version hit bigger at country radio), however, would lead Rimes in a slicker direction, with Britney-like dance tracks "Can't Fight The Moonlight" and "Life Goes On" that mired her voice in heavy production. Even the ballad selection was often questionable, the nadir being her remake of Debbie Boone's sappy "You Light Up My Life."

Greatest Hits closes with three new recordings. "Last Thing On My Mind" - a duet with Ronan Keating -is forgettable, but the fluid, steel guitar-infused "This Love" charms and deserves to return Rimes to country chart prominence. Best of all is Rimes' spinetingling interpretation of "Oh Holy Night" that will surely be a staple on country radio at Christmastime for years to come.

While it is hard to imagine an admirer of "Blue" being enthralled with "Can't Fight The Moonlight" (and vice-versa), this nineteen track collection provides a thorough picture of Rimes' eclectic career. It also includes a limited edition dvd containing four of Rimes' videos.