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Meredith Brooks was born on June 12, 1958, in Oregon City, Oregon, is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist who first made a significant impact in the music industry with her 1997 hit “Bitch” from her album Blurring the Edges. Her musical career started in the early 1980s, but it wasn’t until the mid-1990s that she gained widespread recognition. Brooks has released a total of five studio albums, including her initial independent release in 1986, which was later reissued in 1997 as See It Through My Eyes after her rise to fame.
Her debut major-label album, Blurring the Edges (1997), achieved substantial success, reaching number 22 on the Billboard 200 and earning a platinum certification. The single “Bitch” became a top-10 hit in multiple countries, including the United States where it peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. This track also earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. Following the success of Blurring the Edges, Brooks released Deconstruction in 1999 and Bad Bad One in 2002, although these did not achieve the same level of commercial success.
MEREDITH BROOKS STUDIO ALBUMS
Meredith Brooks 1986 / Reissued in 1997 as See It Through My Eyes
Originally released in 1986 and later reissued in 1997 as See It Through My Eyes, this album marks Meredith Brooks’ true debut in the music industry. The reissue came after the success of Blurring the Edges, aiming to introduce new fans to her earlier work. This album was recorded and produced in Los Angeles and captures the early stages of her development as an artist, featuring a rock-centered sound that hints at her later, more polished pop-rock style.
CD Track Listings:
- “Pick It Up” – 3:45
- “The Look” – 4:03
- “My Little Town” – 4:25
- “Crazy Days” – 3:54
- “Jessica” – 4:15
- “Company Man” – 4:02
- “See It Through My Eyes” – 3:48
- “Video Idol” – 4:10
- “Who’s Fooling Who” – 4:09
- “Lay Down Your Arms” – 4:11
Blurring the Edges (1997)
Released: May 6, 1997
Blurring the Edges is the major-label debut and most successful album by Meredith Brooks, which catapulted her into fame largely due to the hit single “Bitch.” This track became a cultural anthem and peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The album itself reached number 22 on the Billboard 200 and received a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Song. Produced by Geza X and David Ricketts, the album was recorded at various studios, including Ocean Way Recording in Hollywood. Blurring the Edges combines rock, pop, and grunge influences, showcasing Brooks’ gritty vocal style and guitar skills.
CD Track Listings:
- “I Need” – 4:10
- “Bitch” – 4:12
- “Somedays” – 3:46
- “Watched You Fall” – 4:50
- “Pollyanne” – 3:15
- “Shatter” – 3:58
- “My Little Town” – 4:02
- “What Would Happen” – 5:17
- “It Don’t Get Better” – 4:12
- “Birthday” – 3:17
- “Stop” – 4:58
- “Wash My Hands” – 4:01
Deconstruction (1999)
Released: September 28, 1999
Deconstruction is the follow-up album to Blurring the Edges. While it did not achieve the commercial success of its predecessor, this album is known for its introspective lyrics and more acoustic sound. The album peaked at number 97 on the Billboard 200. Recorded in Los Angeles and produced by Meredith Brooks herself along with David Darling, Deconstruction explores themes of personal growth and transformation.
CD Track Listings:
- “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)” – 3:46
- “Shout” – 3:25
- “Cosmic Woo Woo” – 3:35
- “I Said It” – 4:03
- “Back to Eden” – 4:36
- “Bored with Myself” – 3:29
- “Careful What You Wish For” – 4:27
- “Sin City” – 3:44
- “Back to Nowhere” – 4:04
- “It’s All Good” – 3:54
- “I Have Everything” – 3:51
- “Happiness Will Find Me” – 4:23
Bad Bad One (2002)
Released: May 21, 2002
Bad Bad One continues Brooks’ exploration of rock and pop, with an emphasis on more polished production. Despite its dynamic performances, the album did not chart in the U.S. Produced by Meredith Brooks and Dave Darling, this album was recorded in various locations, including Nashville and Los Angeles, featuring a blend of catchy hooks and deeply personal lyrics.
CD Track Listings:
- “Crazy” – 3:34
- “High” – 4:05
- “Bad Bad One” – 3:57
- “Pleasure” – 3:24
- “Pain” – 3:44
- “You Don’t Know Me” – 3:50
- “Where Lovers Meet” – 3:36
- “Walk Away” – 3:35
- “Your Name” – 3:54
- “Shine” – 3:52
- “Lucky Day” – 3:37
If I Could Be… (2007)
Released: 2007
If I Could Be… is the fifth studio album by Meredith Brooks, released independently. This album showcases a mix of pop-rock tunes and ballads, continuing to feature Brooks’ signature style. Unlike her previous albums, If I Could Be… did not receive significant commercial attention but was appreciated by her core fans for its heartfelt songwriting.
CD Track Listings:
- “If I Could Be” – 3:28
- “Perfect View” – 3:19
- “Crazy ‘Bout You Baby” – 2:45
- “You’re Gonna Miss My Loving” – 3:52
- “Lay Down Your Arms” – 3:47
- “Ordinary” – 3:30
- “You Got Me” – 3:45
- “Out in the Fields” – 4:25
- “Work On It” – 3:59
- “See It Through My Eyes” – 4:10
- “New Day” – 3:44