LeAnn Rimes

Released in 1999, 'LeAnn Rimes' serves as a stylistic detour and a tribute project rather than a standard contemporary country-pop follow-up. Following the massive success of her debut and crossover hits, Rimes used this self-titled album to pay homage to her influences, specifically Patsy Cline. Ten of the twelve tracks are covers of country standards, recorded with a lush, 'Nashville Sound' production style that emphasizes orchestral strings and traditional instrumentation over the drum machines or rock-influenced guitars prevalent in 1999. The album was a commercial success, debuting at #1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart. Critics, including those at AllMusic, noted that while the album showcased her staggering vocal talent, it functioned more as a 'covers' project than a step forward in her artistic evolution. The inclusion of 'Big Deal' provided the only contemporary hit, bridging the gap between her revivalist interests and her pop-country stardom. It remains a definitive example of late-90s traditionalist revivalism.