Rating 5/5.

Child prodigy LeAnn Rimes has become somewhat of a divisive figure in recent years. Having stormed to international success on the back of the unforgettable ballad 'How Do I Live' in 1997 (which astonishingly only achieved a number 7 chart position despite platinum status), Rimes' personal life has garnered more attention in recent years than her musical capabilities. 

However, having set the record straight with the truly personal, extremely captivating and beautifully raw studio album 'Spitfire' earlier this year (lead single 'Borrowed' brought the C2C audience at London's O2 Arena to tears just ahead of the album's release), Rimes' recording career is well and truly back on track. 

Finally rewarding her loyal British fanbase with her first full UK tour in a decade, the air is full of excited anticipation at the Hammersmith Apollo.

Before Rimes takes centre stage, Nashville based singer/songwriter Logan Mize proves an engaging opening act. Despite starting fifteen minutes after the scheduled slot (much to the annoyance of one extremely vocal audience member), his one man show is kicked off somewhat ironically by the stomping 'Rock N Roll Band'. 

Apologetic of his solo status, Mize immediately establishes himself as a warm presence and skilled musician. With in depth introductions to his storytelling songs, Mize easily has to audience eating out of the palm of his hands and leaves them wanting more as he makes his way off stage after a brief set.

LeAnn Rimes new album SpitfireWith their musical taste buds teased, the excited audience are not forced to wait long for Rimes to take to the stage. Breezing on stage, Rimes launches straight in to 'Family' (the title track of her 2007 album), blowing the audience away immediately with her rich, crisp vocal and irresistible presence.

The audience won over, Rimes seems taken aback by the loving response as she meanders through a set that showcases not just her new album 'Spitfire' but also rewards loyal fans with a choice selection of her classic hits. 

While there is no denying that her only UK number 1 single to date 'Can't Fight The Moonlight', latest single 'Gasoline & Matches' and new anthem 'Spitfire' are rewarded most highly with audience participation, it is when Rimes channels her emotion that the goosebumps are induced. 

The truly touching 'Borrowed' once again hits the audience at their very core, while an impromptu rendition of 'Crazy' (as demanded by the very vocal audience) and a Leonard Cohen cover of 'Hallelujah' also make hearts flutter.

Check out Jeremy Williams's original article.