Maps of Music

LeAnn Rimes (1999)

Where the lyrics of LeAnn Rimes take you, and where it was really made.

Her sixth studio album is almost entirely covers of old-time country hits, and its only original song, "Big Deal", became its first single.

Key places

Rosewood Studio, Tyler (1999)

Recording site Rosewood Studio — Rosewood Studio in Tyler, Texas is named as one of the recording locations for this album. The point is placed at the city center of Tyler. Google Maps · Apple Maps

How to get there: See the map for directions.

Sound Kitchen, Franklin (1999)

Recording site Sound Kitchen — Sound Kitchen in Franklin, Tennessee is named as one of the recording locations for this album. The point is placed at the city center of Franklin. Google Maps · Apple Maps

How to get there: See the map for directions.

The Village, Santa Monica (1999)

Recording site Ruby Red — The Village in Santa Monica, California is named as one of the recording locations for this album. The point is placed at the city center of Santa Monica. Google Maps · Apple Maps

How to get there: See the map for directions.

Album story

Overview

• LeAnn Rimes: sixth studio album by American country singer LeAnn Rimes
• Released 26 October 1999 by Curb Records
• Consists almost entirely of covers of old-time country hits
• Only one original song, "Big Deal", released as the album's first single

Background

• Covers drawn from older country repertoire rather than Rimes's own writing
• "Big Deal" was the album's sole release to country radio, reaching number six on the US Hot Country Songs chart and number three on the Canada RPM Country Tracks
• A cover of Willie Nelson's "Crazy", made famous by Patsy Cline, was released exclusively in the United Kingdom
• The UK release of "Crazy" reached the top forty of the UK Singles Chart
• Rimes's age drew criticism over the appropriateness of her covers choice

Recording

• Recording locations named in the sources: Rosewood Studio in Tyler, Texas
• Also Sound Kitchen and Mike's Music Room in Franklin, Tennessee
• Also The Village in Santa Monica, California
• Wilbur C. Rimes credited as producer, LeAnn Rimes as co-producer
• Greg Hunt credited as chief engineer and for mixing
• Nashville String Machine played on tracks 1 and 4 to 8, arranged by Kristin Wilkinson
• Band credits include Randy Fouts on acoustic piano, Milo Deering on steel guitar, Mike Brignardello on bass, and Paul Leim on drums

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

Tracklist

Sources: musicbrainz.org

Artist

Early life

• Born August 28, 1982 in Jackson, Mississippi; raised in Garland, Texas.
• Began in musical theatre and local talent shows; appeared on Star Search and Johnnie High's Country Music Revue.
• Released independent albums Everybody's Sweetheart (1991) and All That (1994).

Career

• Signed with Curb Records in 1996; the single "Blue" reached the top 10 on Billboard Hot Country Songs.
• Blue (1996) won Grammys for Best New Artist and Best Female Country Vocal Performance, the youngest winner of both.
• "How Do I Live" (1997) became one of the best-selling singles of the 1990s.
• Has placed more than 40 singles on international charts and sold more than 48 million records worldwide.
• Acted in films and television, and coached on The Voice Australia and The Voice UK in 2024.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

Reception

At release

• The album received generally positive reviews from music critics
• Critics described its country stylings as a return to form for Rimes
• Reviewers said Rimes's vocal ability on the album improved over time
• Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic felt that "Big Deal" was the best track on the album
• Randy Lewis of the Los Angeles Times described "Big Deal" as a fitting number for her age and temperament
• Randy Lewis of the Los Angeles Times criticized her covers, saying she imitates rather than truly inhabits the deepest emotions
• Beth Johnson of Entertainment Weekly felt Rimes's country classics lacked the gutsiness of performers who felt what they sang
• Shirley Jinkins of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram sided with Rimes, citing emotional maturity at age 17

Reappraisal

• Critics praised the album's country sound as closer to her major label debut Blue (1996) than her previous records
• The praise centered on the original song and on her improved vocal control

Records

• Debuted at number one on the Top Country Albums chart
• Debuted at number 8 on the Billboard 200
• Sold 115,000 copies in its first week
• Certified Platinum by the RIAA for sales of one million copies in the United States

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

Trivia

• 'Crazy' was released only in the United Kingdom, a choice that set it apart from the rest of the album's release strategy.
• Rimes said she knew making this record was taking a chance, and called it unfair that her age was used against her.
• Shirley Jinkins of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram sided with Rimes and cited her emotional maturity at age 17.
• The album closes with Big Deal, the only original song, placed after a run of old country covers.
• The track listing includes classics such as Your Cheatin' Heart, Lovesick Blues, and Me and Bobby McGee.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

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