Mmm--Inspirational Songs--LeAnn Rimes' You Light Up My Life

LeAnn Rimes has always had great vocal talent. She appeared on Star Search many years ago, and even though she didn't win, she is a star today. What does that tell you? It's perseverance that pays off, not just a T.V. show (although that does help).

This woman has a huge vocal range; from low to high, she can sing it. Her voice rings with clarity...she sounds so good, in fact, that I wish her voice were my own. Dream on, loverboy. (rolls eyes)

This CD is a goosebump producing collection of inspirational songs, sung by yours truly. Most of these songs (if not all) are Christian in nature..but regardless of religion or beliefs, this product is of high quality.

It is time to cross the chronicles. Let's go.

[Song One -- You Light Up My Life]
From the very beginning, we have nothing but piano and a bass effect. LeAnn's voice is crystal clear and nearly every word is audible.

And you...light up my life
You give me hope
To carry on...
You light up my days...

The whole song is sung in a slow pace with a bit of a country accent here and there..it is delicately pieced together, and sounds very professional. Again, LeAnn's voice does a great job of singing and boosting the pieces' quality score. Well done.

[Song Two --The Rose]
This is one of my favorite pieces. A piano starts out very quietly, while LeAnn quickly introduces her voice. This song is about love..and how it is so much like a rose. How true.

It's the heart...afraid of breaking
That never learns to dance...
It's the dream afraid of waking
That never takes the chance
It's the one who won't be taken
Who cannot seem to be
And the soul...afraid of dying..
That never...learns to live.

This song is absolutely beautiful. She also says that in the winter, far beneath the bitter snow lies a seed that with a son's love in the spring becomes a rose. (at this point i'm in tears...I'm planting a rose for my mother next year). There's not much left to say about this song except that its words are heartfelt. You must listen to it.

[Song Three --Bridge Over Troubled Waters]
Again, piano and LeAnn are the duet. This must be the format of the CD..and most likely, since it is an inspirational one, I bet I am correct.
This song's basis is that even though you may be weary, God will comfort you and make you feel better...if you are sick, God can heal you..so on and so on. Rimes does another pitch perfect performance.

[Song Four --I Believe]
This song is another great inspirational track..just listen to the lyrics and see what I mean.

I believe for every drop of rain that falls
A flower grows.
I believe that somewhere, in the darkest night
A candle glows.
I believe for everyone who goes astray,
Someone will come to show the way.
I believe....oh....I believe.

Obviously another song about faith. It makes sense to me, too. LeAnn demonstrates her vocal prowess in this song by exercising her vocal range in this piece. Wait until you get to the very end...her voice goes into a very high pitch that I wish I could reach. Very, very nice.

[Song Five --Ten Thousand Angels Cried]
This song is about the crucifixion of Jesus and the events in heaven during that time.

Stillness filled the heavens..on crucifixion day
Some say it rained...I don't know if it's true..
I can just imagine...ten thousand angels cry..
That would seem like rain to me and you.

This song makes me feel as if I can close my eyes and imagine heaven on that day right now...but I shouldn't close my eyes....I'm typing. This song is filled with a lot of spirit and heart. Very innocent and professional sounding (if that sounds ok). This song sounds about like all the other ones...the solo singing (with the exception of a few background voices) and piano and drums. It is easy to see, however, that these three instruments alone can perform an outstanding piece. This is another one of my favorites on the disc. Oops! There's a violin here too at the end!

[Song Six --Clinging to a Saving Hand]
Just about when I say three instruments, the violin introduces itself into this song. Obviously the guys in the studio said..OK..we need more variety. Just in the nick of time, too.

LeAnn wants you to sing to her about eternity so sweet...tell her about Paul and Matthew. She surely is an inquisitive young lady, isn't she? Oh..and she also asks you to sing about her saviors birth, and his trials and tribulations. Tell her the story! Tell her the story! Pass down the chronicle. Help this wondering child to understand. When she closes her eyes in sleep eternal, she will be clinging to a saving hand! :) (yes these lyrics are found in the song..most of them).

Good solid piece. I like it.

[Song Seven --On The Side of Angels]
This song is very comforting to know. As long as we believe, we will be on the side of angels and be protected by them. We all need someone or something to watch over us to keep us from harm.

There are a few background instruments here so as not to make the CD boring. I also notice LeAnn singing in a different pitch which is a nice change of pace.

[Song Eight --I Know Who Holds Tomorrow]
This song has a lighter piano pitch to begin the piece, which sets an "airy" feel to the composition..it sounds beautiful. Is LeAnn playing the piano here, or is someone else? That piano playing is great!

There are things...about to-mor-row
That I don't seem...to under-stand..
But I know....who holds...to-mor-row
And I know....who holds my hand.

Yes. Yes! Absolutely. I love the truth in this song...LeAnn manifests that in her singing here, as well. She has enhanced the quality of this song by about tenfold. Just...sheesh..speechless.

[Song Nine --God Bless America]
Most everyone who inhabits this country has a knowledge of this song. I would be ashamed not to know at least one verse! After the tragic events of September 11, 2001..this song's popularity must have increased by about 300 percent. And why wouldn't it? Just listen to the lyrics..

God bless America..
Land that I love
Stand beside her...and guide her
Through the light, with a light from above.

I love her voice in this song...the background effects also make this a very prominent performance. You go, LeAnn...do the high notes! She didn't even crack once! LOL

Beautifully done...this is good singing. Absolutely fantastic.

[Song Ten --How Do I Live (Extended Mix)]
Before you ask, Extended mix just means an elongated version of the original song.

I love the innocent feel to this song. Something makes me feel as if LeAnn is just walking around in a white dress on her front porch outside singing it.

How do I live without you (I want to know)
How do I breathe without you (if you ever go)
How do I ever (ever survive)
How do I...How do I....oh how do I live (without you).

Another song that is meant to be sung to the savior..but you can take it as a love song as well, especially since she says "baby"...

Vocal ranges are displayed proficiently here, too...I love listening to this CD. Ooh..guitar! Nice change! Mmmm this song is becoming more enjoyable by the half-minute. You have to listen to this song! Another superb medley.

[Song Eleven --Amazing Grace]
The classic hymn. We have all heard it at one time or another..for many it is a very humbling song; for some it doesn't have much effect. Either way, do the piece justice by listening.

Amazing grace....how sweet...the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost....but now I'm found
Was blind..but now I see.

That's only a small fraction of the piece, of course. One note about the song on this CD: LeAnn does a complete a cappella here...nothing but her voice. (add an echo effect).

Her voice is actually good enough to listen to by itself. I don't get any cold chills here though because the roots don't run deep (if you know what I mean)...a spruced up version with instruments may do the trick. :)

[Song Twelve --National Anthem]
The national anthem. This piece is also sung a cappella. That's about all I can say here. Rimes' voice is clear as ever.

Some fans of Rimes' may not like this CD since it is inspirational in nature, but anyone who appreciates clear and beautiful singing will appreciate this bundle. It is a little laid back, yes...but we all need that every once in a while. I recommend you purchase this one. A real keeper.

God bless America!

Copyright 2003 Aaron Coffey