Track Listing

1. You Light Up My Life
2. Rose
3. Birdge Over Troubled Water
4. I Believe
5. Then Thousand Angels Cried
6. Clinging to a Saving Hand
7. On the Side of Angels
8. I Know Who Holds Tomorrow
9. God Bless America
10. How Do I Live [Extended Mix][Version]
11. Amazing Grace [Acapella]
12. National Anthem [Acapella]

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #11652 in Music
• Released on: 1997-09-09
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.com
This 1997 album debuted at the top of the pop, country, and Christian album charts. Sadly, it underscored the artistic vacuum surrounding Rimes in the wake of her explosive 1996 hit single "Blue." At a time when female country singers were being lauded for their growing depth and sophistication, this collection of "inspirational songs" seemed anachronistic and downright corny. The concept was more appropriate to a TV-marketed album by some faded legend than a singer so young. Even the best singers would have difficulty bringing anything new to the over-recorded title song, "Bridge Over Troubled Waters," "God Bless America," "Amazing Grace," and "The Star Spangled Banner," songs impossible to redefine. That might explain why Rimes's vocals throughout are as soulless and detached as her performance of "Blue" was passionate and earthy. At times, she sounds as if she's singing from a teleprompter. The album's success is undeniable. Whether it did her talent justice is another matter. --Rich Kienzle

Customer Reviews

Easy like Sunday morning
For her third album, following the success of "Blue" in 1996, and "Unchained Melody: The Early Years", LeAnn Rimes called for a little divine intervention and came up with "Inspirational Songs".

This collection is mixed with trusted favorites, old chestnuts, timeless gospel, and a couple of doses of American patriotism. While it certainly wasn't a stretch for the talented youngster, it sold well, extending her seasons in the sun, and paved the way for her future success.

Who would have believed that the girl who sweetly sang the excellent version of "Amazing Grace" on this album would later sing in a bar called "Coyote Ugly" and become a "Twisted Angel" (2002) with more Billboard awards than she has fingers.

While not my favorite LeAnn Rimes album, this one is fine for a little light listening while doing the Sunday chores.

Amanda Richards, January 10, 2005

Beautiful songs, heavenly voice!
Leann Rimes made this album as a tribute to God for giving her such a musical gift and her parents for their love and support. What a tribute! Her choice of songs is indeed inspirational and her performance is exquisite. "Ten Thousand Angels Cried" has never been delivered with such passion and power! This was the first time I had heard "Bridge Over Troubled Water" sung by anyone other than Art Garfunkel, and it more than holds its own against his. I was also blown away by her a cappella rendition of the national anthem, which surpasses Whitney Houston's Super Bowl cut. Those who whined about this album's content make me laugh. What part of "inspirational songs" did they not understand? Did they even bother to read past her name and check the song titles (or the ALBUM title)? Thank you, LeAnn. You gave us all a gift with this release.

How Could I Live Without LeAnn Rimes?
This is such a great LeAnn Rimes' album! She has a very beautiful voice and just perfect for these gospel songs. These songs are that kind of you could sing in church. LeAnn Rimes sings with emotion. The song "You Light up My Life" is a great opener and there is very good songs like "The Rose", "Bridge over Troubled Waters" etc. There's no bad song in this album. However, the album has only a few excellent songs, rest of the songs are good but not excellent. I like the lyrics very much but there's something missing. Maybe it is that these songs are covers. However, a great extra for my LeAnn Rimes collection.
Stars: You Light Up My Life, How Do I Live