“I Need You” by LeAnn Rimes

Having been a part of 1999 American TV film, “Jesus” that’s based on biblical history, LeAnn Rimes’ “I Need You” could be interpreted as a Christian song (although there isn’t any mention of God in the song). Being a Christian herself, she expresses how much God has been a part of her life and that she needs Him like the basic necessities in life. That is, “like water, like breath, like rain.”

An alternate meaning to this track is that it acts as a love song. Rimes did not need much in life to survive, however she felt there was always something missing. And now that a significant other is in the picture, their presence has filled the holes in her life, making it a more fulfilled journey.

All in all, “I Need You” speaks of love, be it to God or to a significant other. It goes to show how much of a positive difference their presence in her life has made and that she can’t live without them.

Release of “I Need You”

“I Need You” was released on the 18th of July, 2000 as a single for “Jesus: Music from and Inspired by the Epic Mini-Series”, a soundtrack for the 1999 TV film titled “Jesus”.

The song later appeared on Rimes’ 2001 compilation album (which was also titled “I Need You”). This album is a product of Curb Records.

It landed on the Billboard 200 chart at No. 10 and spent 40 weeks in total, occupying various positions before exiting the said chart. In the UK, the album peaked at No. 7 and ranked top-10 in the following countries:

• Switzerland – 6
• Sweden – 5
• Finland – 4
• Canada – 10
• Denmark – 2

“I Need You” recorded impressive sales around the world, earning numerous certifications including gold in the United States, Denmark, UK, New Zealand and Switzerland. It reached platinum status in Canada as well as Finland.

Credits

“I Need You” was jointly composed by renowned American songwriter, Ty Lacy and Dennis Matkosky, a Grammy Award-winning American composer and pianist.

Rimes played no role in the writing process. However, she is credited as being the song’s producer.

Did “I Need You” chart?

The song peaked at No. 11 and No. 13 on the Billboard 200 in the US and the UK’s OCC respectively. It appeared on charts in a number of countries, including Scotland (10), Finland (10) and Canada (2).  

Controversy

The main motive behind the release of “I Need You” by Curb Records was to satisfy some contract conditions between Rimes, her management and the record label. Rimes however, initially distanced herself from the album after its release.

Background

In 1995, when Rimes was only 12 years old, with the support of her parents, she got signed onto Curb Records. Soon after turning 18, the young songstress, obviously not satisfied with the contract, filed a lawsuit aimed at its abrogation. However, in her suit, no allegations of wrongdoing were raised against the record label. The singer was not satisfied with the age at which she signed the contract, hence her plea for it to be severed. Rimes’ plea was however turned down by a Nashville court, a decision she appealed. She eventually withdrew the lawsuit, paving the way for a new deal with Curb Records.