Leave the Light On [BMG Special Products] (CD - 1989)

Lorrie Morgan's 1989 release LEAVE THE LIGHT ON is one of her most successful albums. It includes the chart-toppers "Trainwreck of Emotion," "Out of Your Shoes," and "Dear Me." However, these are not the only compelling tracks on this record. In fact, one of the most fascinating tunes here is Morgan's version of the Lennon/McCartney hit "Eight Days a Week." Her unruly rendition features scorching bluegrass licks from guitarist Vince Gill and fiddle virtuoso Mark O'Connor. This classic Beatles tune is further enhanced by drummer Eddie Bayers's ultra-fast snare drum beat. (He plays the ubiquitous "train rhythm" on this song.)

In contrast, "He Talks to Me" is a tender love ballad. This tune revolves around a love affair in its prime, not a relationship that is riddled with heartache and woe, and the affectionate lyric brings a ray of sunshine to this largely melancholy album. Although the production is a bit dated, it doesn't detract from Morgan's ability to render heartwarming country ballads or, in the case of a few tracks, good old country rockers.

Lorrie Morgan's debut album for RCA Records, Leave the Light On, is a skilled and assured blend of traditional country, honky tonk, country-rock and modern pop sensibilities that pointed the direction toward the sound, style and musical eclecticism of '90s contemporary country. Boasting a clean production and uncluttered arrangements, the record shifts between straightforward country rockers and ballads, to soul-inflected numbers, all of which help showcase Morgan's exceptional voice. [The album reappeared on BMG in 2003.] ~ Thom Owens minimize