Rimes and Reason: LeAnn Rimes Wants a Pop Hit

LeAnn Rimes
Sony/RCA Records)

The country crossover’s latest release finds her co-writing and co-producing some of her best songs to date. In recent years, Rimes has struggled with both tabloid drama related to her family life and a series of devastating health issues. However, she takes that sadness and turns it into optimism on Remnants.

Perhaps the most surprising track on the record is her reinterpretation of Brandi Carlile’s megahit “The Story” — transforming the radio staple into a gorgeous, country-tinged power ballad. Elsewhere on the album, Rimes teams again with revered songwriter Diane Warren (who has worked with the likes of Lady Gaga, Whitney Houston and Celine Dion) on the introspective track, “I Couldn’t Do That to Me.” Remnants ends with a bang in “Dang Dang,” a stunning collaboration with Derren Brown and Mark Batson (a pair is best known for their work on various Alicia Keys hits). Check out her upcoming tour dates at facebook.com/leannrimesmusic.