Controversial country singer LeAnn Rimes may make more headlines for her personal life than her music career these days, but now she's hoping to change all that with the release of her brand new music video for her new single "Swingin'," an upbeat cover of the shamelessly flirty John Anderson hit from way back in 1983, and is the lead from her upcoming covers album, "Lady and Gentlemen," a collection of country standards that were first popularized by men. Rimes first debuted the song at the 2010 CMT Music Awards during this past weekend.GRAMMY® Award-winning singer Rimes rises to the challenge. The best singers possess a real presence on record, and the one-time teen sensation further establishes her growth as an artist since her ill-fated adventures with pop and dance music. The new song "Swingin'" became John Anderson's breakthrough smash in 1983, earning the CMA Single of the Year prize that fall. The sweet Southern allure of Charlotte Johnson left her gentleman caller "feelin' love down to (his) toes," and on this clever remake, Rimes perfectly matches that infectious joy, with her bluesy drawl hitched to the song's bouncy melody. This plucky young lady, bowled over by neighbor boy Charlie, sizes up the down-home situation with strong detail. "I can't believe I'm out here on this front porch in a swing," she sings finally, delighted by her newfound luck in love.
"Swingin'" is a fun little country ditty, but it still has some of that pop crossover appeal that Rimes has been doing for over a decade now. With producer Vince Gill laying down his hot-wired guitar picking, "Swingin'" chugs along at a sped-up tempo that stands in sharp contrast to the horn-drenched original. While the catchy, campy background harmonies of Anderson's version are sorely missed, Rimes delivers a soulful solo performance that echoes her pleasure. In the genre where that concept—family—is valued more than any other, Rimes has once again proven that she clearly belongs in country music's brood of top talent.
The retro video is equally as lighthearted as the song, featuring a flirty Rimes getting a crowd up on their feet during a never-ending dance competition. "(The video is) super fun and campy," Rimes told fans who asked questions at her CMT "Posted" page. "I love it!" "I am headed out on tour next month through November," Rimes added. "Come see me!!!"
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