For her third album, following the success of "Blue" in 1996, and "Unchained Melody: The Early Years", LeAnn Rimes called for a little divine intervention and came up with "Inspirational Songs".

This collection is mixed with trusted favorites, old chestnuts, timeless gospel, and a couple of doses of American patriotism. While it certainly wasn't a stretch for the talented youngster, it sold well, extending her seasons in the sun, and paved the way for her future success.

Who would have believed that the girl who sweetly sang the excellent version of "Amazing Grace" on this album would later sing in a bar called "Coyote Ugly" and become a "Twisted Angel" (2002) with more Billboard awards than she has fingers.

While not my favorite LeAnn Rimes album, this one is fine for a little light listening while doing the Sunday chores.

Amanda Richards, January 10, 2005

This was LeAnn's second official album following Blue - I am excluding The early years, although I love that album. For this album, LeAnn recorded songs that, while not religious, could be classed as inspirational, including lovely covers of You light up my life (Debby Boone), The rose (Bette Midler), I believe (Frankie Laine), God bless America (the Irving Berlin anthem immortalised by the late, great Kate Smith) and Amazing Grace.

I've heard many versions of Amazing grace, including instrumental and foreign language versions, but LeAnn's version is my favorite. She chose to sing this without any instrumental backing whatsoever. To successfully sing any song unaccompanied takes real talent. To do so on such a classic song also takes bravery. LeAnn's performance is both flawless and inspiring.

How do I live was the big hit from this album, here presented in the extended mix version. I love LeAnn's version of this song, although I think Trisha Yearwood's version is even better.

The other songs are less well known, but LeAnn sings them all superbly, while the instrumental backing is always tasteful.

Leann Rimes made this album as a tribute to God for giving her such a musical gift and her parents for their love and support. What a tribute! Her choice of songs is indeed inspirational and her performance is exquisite. "Ten Thousand Angels Cried" has never been delivered with such passion and power! This was the first time I had heard "Bridge Over Troubled Water" sung by anyone other than Art Garfunkel, and it more than holds its own against his. I was also blown away by her a cappella rendition of the national anthem, which surpasses Whitney Houston's Super Bowl cut. Those who whined about this album's content make me laugh. What part of "inspirational songs" did they not understand? Did they even bother to read past her name and check the song titles (or the ALBUM title)? Thank you, LeAnn. You gave us all a gift with this release.

I enjoy this CD very much. I listen to the entire CD almost everyday. LeAnn has a powerful and sensational voice. I believe these type songs are suitable for her voice. My favorite songs are "You Light Up My Life", "I Believe", "The Rose", "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" and "How Do I Live". And don't forget our "Amazing Grace", "God Bless America" and "National Anthem". A mixture of Pop, Country and inspirational songs, I like it very much.

This is such a great LeAnn Rimes' album! She has a very beautiful voice and just perfect for these gospel songs. These songs are that kind of you could sing in church. LeAnn Rimes sings with emotion. The song "You Light up My Life" is a great opener and there is very good songs like "The Rose", "Bridge over Troubled Waters" etc. There's no bad song in this album. However, the album has only a few excellent songs, rest of the songs are good but not excellent. I like the lyrics very much but there's something missing. Maybe it is that these songs are covers. However, a great extra for my LeAnn Rimes collection.
Stars: You Light Up My Life, How Do I Live