LeAnn Rimes’s album, Family, displays LeAnn as both a gifted writer and singer. She co-wrote every song except the bonus tracks “Til We Ain’t Strangers Anymore”, and “When You Love Someone Like That.” At a time when all too often CD releases are full of “hoping to be hits” that don’t fit well together, Family is truly an album. LeAnn’s co-writing added a contrasting combination of youthful trendiness and maturity to the album. The fact that LeAnn has lived so much in such a short time is reflected. While some could argue that LeAnn Rimes isn’t country enough and likes to add too much pop and modern flair to her music, I disagree. I think country has always been about combining sounds. There is nothing wrong with being true to her diverse musical taste and talent. Dixie Chicks and Shania Twain are living proof that female country singers can have it both ways if you have true talent. I think it is also worth mentioning that her husband, Dean Sheremet, co-wrote half of her songs. I think working with someone that knows you so well is a definite benefit, especially on the love tracks.

While the theme is family, LeAnn and her team provided a nice variety of styles and messages on this album. The best tracks on this album are Nothing Better To Do, Fight, Good Friends and A Glass Of Wine, and What I Cannot Change.

1. Family (written by LeAnn Rimes, Dean Sheremet, Blair Daly)

   The chorus, “We’re all to blame, we’re all the same, make no apologies. This is my family,” sums up the message of this song. The tempo and feel of the song reminded me a lot of Reba.

2. Nothing Better To Do (written by LeAnn Rimes, Dean Sheremet, Darrell Brown)

   The story of a bored teen getting in trouble all over town is not new, but the fast pace is intoxicating. You can’t help but get caught up in the fury of this song. This song deserves all the attention it has gotten.

3. Fight (written by Leanne Rimes, Darrell Brown, Blair Daly)

   This song is one of my favorites on the album. Anyone who has been married a little while can relate to this song. The song discusses the necessity of being honest in your relationship and then just moving through it. I am not usually a fan of explicit language, but what she writes in the opening of this song makes the song so real.

4. Good Friend And A Glass of Wine (written Leanne Rimes, Darrell Brown, Blair Daly)

   This song is a nice modern chill song for women. I think country music needs more songs like this. A lot of different demographics listen to country. A lot of us don’t only like straight country or pop. This song feels just right to the eclectic music lovers.

5. Something I Can Feel (written by LeAnn Rimes, Darrell Brown, Blair Daily)

   On the surface, it seems like just a nice little song about love. If you look deeper, it is better than that. It talks about how a healthy marriage can get better and better. A lot of us who actually like our husbands can relate to this song. I think we hear way too much about sucky marriages when there are many of us who feel our marriages actually add real value and strength to us personally.

6. I Want You With Me (written by LeAnn Rimes, Dean Sheremet, Blair Daily)

   This is the second love song on the album that goes beneath the superficial. LeAnn sings honestly about being together through the good and the bad.

7. Doesn’t Everybody (written by LeAnn Rimes, Dean Sheremet, Darrell Brown)

   This song is okay. It’s a song about how every human being desires love regardless of whether they are famous, poor, rich, etc.

8. Nothing Wrong (written by LeAnn Rimes, Marc Broussard, Blair Daly) (Duet with Marc Broussard)

   The strong vocals of Rimes and Broussard blend really well. What a sinful crush song. Feels like you’re doing something wrong just listening to this song.

9. Pretty Things (written by LeAnn Rimes, Dean Sheremet, Darrell Brown)

   This song was okay too. The message that what’s inside and not material things that makes you pretty isn’t new. Not a bad song, but it’s not as strong as others on this album.

10. Upper Hand (written by LeAnn Rimes, Darrell Brown, Troy Verges)

    I think this is an awesome girl-power song. I like the blend of sensuality and power in this song. The upbeat rock tempo perfectly matches her message.

11. One Day Too Long (written by Leann Rimes, Dean Sheremet, Darrell Brown)

    The third okay song on the album. LeAnn’s classic voice croons about a woman who leaves a man for not understanding her. It fits well into the country repertoire.

12. What I Cannot Change (written by Leann Rimes, Darrell Brown)

    This is the best and most powerful song on the album. Most of us can relate to LeAnn’s honest evaluation of her need to forgive, take care of herself, and work on what she can.
    The beauty of this song is you can see LeAnn’s soul as she sings about herself. She is telling her story and that makes the vocals and words so much more meaningful.

13. Till We Ain’t Strangers Anymore (written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richard Sambora, Brett James) (Duet with Bon Jovi)

    Thanks, Bon Jovi, for bringing a great song to LeAnn. This beautifully sung duet reminds us just how fragile relationships can be. It reminds us to make time to fix the issues or you could reach the point of no return.

14. When You Love Someone Like That (written by Karyn Rochelle and Ed. Hill) (Duet with Reba McEntire)

    This is one of those songs that you listen to a 100 times over when you need a little therapy after a bad breakup. The fact that two of the best voices in country music are singing it makes it an even sweeter.

Posted: 03|6|08 at 10:32 pm. Filed under: Song Suggestions & Artist Updates (New & Old).
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