LeAnn Rimes - Spitfire 5/5
LeAnn Rimes is best known in the UK for her hits 'How Do I Live' and 'Can't Fight The Moonlight', but over the last couple of years the other side of the Atlantic have overshadowed her musical success with a heavy presence in the tabloids for her extra-marital affair.
Having soared to success at the tender age of 13, Rimes married her first husband - former backing dancer Dean Shermet - at the equally tender age of 20.
Far from a whirlwind affair, Rimes and Shermet's floundered after 7 years when Rimes was found to be having an affair with her 'Northern Lights' co-star Eddie Cibrian - who at the time was still married to Brandi Granville.
Though Rimes is now officially Mrs Cibrian, her husband's fame hungry ex has ensured that Rimes' name has been well truly dragged through the mud. Having stayed tight lipped on the subject of her betrayal, Rimes uses her latest release 'Spitfire' to finally tell her side of the story.
Declaring the record her coming-of-age release, 'Spitfire' is without doubt Rimes' most mature and most impressive release to date. A brutally honest affair, Rimes veers away from criticism, instead focussing on the confused emotions within which she was so thoroughly embroiled.
Far from overtly sentimental, 'Spitfire' is a strikingly open affair, with Rimes openly shouldering the blame and uttering apology, while simultaneously professing love.
A far cry from 2002's 'Twisted Angel', which was hailed as the former child star's first coming of age, 'Spitfire' feels effortless.
Where the testing 'Tic Toc' felt as if Rimes had a point to prove about her sexual prowess, 'What Have I Done' demonstrates a realisation that sexuality is far from the centre of her universe.
Equally notable is the spell binding 'Borrowed', which deals cuttingly with her affair.
As the other lady in Cibrian's life, Rimes pointedly refers to her new love's former love without an air of malice. While the subject matter may be testing for the listener, the delivery is tender and moving.
'Spitfire' is far from a light hearted listen, but that is not a bad thing. While a lot of Rimes' earlier work displayed her vocal prowess, the delivery often overshadowed an attempt to be accepted into the mainstream.
By being propelled into the tabloids for truly personal reasons, Rimes has been forced to respond with the truth - a move which provokes an honest, open release that offers real insight into a undeniable force of unforgettable musical prowess.
'Spitfire' is a sensational release that will hopefully re-shape and relaunch Rimes as the superstar she deserves to be.
Check out the original article by Jeremy Williams via Yorkshire News.
Comments
On Wed, Apr 24, 2013 at 10:25 PM, Nina said:
I personally think that Spitfire is indeed her best relesase so far and it touches me very deeply. The long wait through the entire process of creating this record was well worth it and I barely have stopped listening since I got it from the UK! <3
On Wed, Apr 24, 2013 at 11:04 AM, Scoots said:
Great review. Just got the album so i'm going to go jam to it.. so excited. It can imagine what a freeing experience this was for leann to be able to write such open and honest songs.. and to the bashers.. &)&*)* 'em! :)
On Tue, Apr 23, 2013 at 1:58 PM, Amy said:
A fantastic review that was well deserved. I can't stop listening to Spitfire!
On Tue, Apr 23, 2013 at 9:10 AM, Trina said:
I think this is the best album so far she has released. I have listened to clips of it off itunes and it is amazing.
On Sun, Apr 21, 2013 at 12:41 AM, Todd McGee said:
It has been a long time coming. I always knew she was the best! I felt country music didn't accept her because she crossed over and the others were jealous of her extraordinary talent. The incredible Dixie Chicks were black balled and for some unknown reason, LeAnn was too (Jealously for being so successful so young ). The only loser over the years has need the public who hasn't heard her music. Today, there are a lot of more popular artist with a lot less talent in the business. It has made me insanely angry over the years because I knew Leann was by far the best in any genre. She should have been a member of the Grande Ole Opry several years ago and least female vocalist at least 5 times. Shame on all! Rock on Leann! I've always known your were of extraordinary talent.
On Tue, Apr 16, 2013 at 5:57 PM, Judy Jackson said:
Awesome review!! Can't wait for the new album!!!!
On Tue, Apr 16, 2013 at 12:02 PM, Bruce Lagravinese said:
Great review of Spitfire. I so hope US radio is supportive. I loved Lady and Gentlemen and never heard anything but Swingin rarely on the radio. They missed the boat. Looking forward to the release of Spitfire.
On Tue, Apr 16, 2013 at 11:42 AM, Craig said:
This is an amazing review of "Spitfire!" I am so proud of LeAnn for making such an honest album that I think EVERYONE can relate to.
On Tue, Apr 16, 2013 at 10:17 AM, JoeMusic09 said:
Love this article. I love how he compares "Spitfire" to the pop album, "Twisted Angel" calling the album more effortless than LeAnn's previous releases. It sounds like the UK fans are really enjoying "Spitfire", which is so awesome to know. I feel that the more material LeAnn co-writes for her own albums; the more people start to play and listen to her music. I know for a fact I feel this way especially about her CDs, Family & Spitfire. Her music touches on some many levels for me and other fans. I can't wait to see what comes in the next phrase of her career she has started already. :) LOVE YOU, Le!!
JOEY- :)