This Woman (Curb, 2005)

LeAnn Rimes' latest was billed as a return to the style that launched her career. While this is far from the traditional country sounds of "Blue," Rimes shows herself in fine vocal form.

Rimes especially shines on the bluesy songs (the lead-off "I Want to With You," "When This Woman Loves A Man" and "I Got it Bad") where she recalls a less tougher Wynonna, but sill pulls it off quite well. Too often, though, Rimes succumbs to material that seems more suited for the pop side of country or blues. A big sound envelopes the material (the guitars takes over the fast-paced "You Take Me Home" from the start, although Rimes sings well).

When Rimes opts for a more country sound - there's a lot of fiddle on her easy going mid-tempo single "Nothin' Bout Love Makes Sense" - the music works a lot better. But those moments are very fleeting. It would be great to hear Rimes tackle substantial country material once again. Unfortunately "Some People" isn't it.