Blurring the Edges is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter Meredith Brooks. It was released on May 6, 1997, by Capitol Records. Following the release of her self-titled debut album in 1986 and her departure from the short-lived band the Graces, Brooks temporarily retired from the music industry. Disinterested in the cynicism of grunge music that reigned in the early Nineties, Brooks became re-inspired and began to write music with a more positive message. Brooks co-wrote the album with her friend Shelly Peiken, with further songwriting contributions from Larry Dvoskin, Christopher Ward, Stan Lynch, John Corey, Kevin Dukes, and Tom DeLuca. Brooks enlisted David Ricketts to produce the effort, with Geza X helming production on a single song. Music critics were divided in their opinions of Blurring the Edges. Some critics praised Brooks' lyricism and hooks, while others believed that the album tread familiar grounds. Many critics also compared Brooks to her contemporaries, Alanis Morissette and Sheryl Crow. Blurring the Edges was a commercial success. In the United States, the album peaked at number 22 on the Billboard 200 album chart and was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album was also certified Gold in the United Kingdom and received a multi-platinum certification in Canada. Blurring the Edges has sold over three million copies worldwide. The album was supported by four singles. The album's lead single, "Bitch," was an international commercial success, reaching the top twenty in 16 countries. The song was certified Gold in New Zealand, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States, while receiving a Platinum certification in Australia. As a result of the song's success, Brooks is often deemed to be a one-hit wonder. "What Would Happen" and "Stop" achieved moderate commercial success in the United States, while "I Need" had little commercial impact. To further promote the album, Brooks made a variety of radio and television appearances, embarked on a month-long tour, and opened for the Rolling Stones on tour. Background In 1986, Brooks released a self-titled album in Europe, which received minimal recognition. The following year, Brooks formed the pop rock band the Graces alongside Charlotte Caffey and Gia Ciambotti, who experienced moderate success with their 1989 single "Lay Down Your Arms". Disenchanted by the music industry due to the rise in success of the grunge genre, Brooks exited the group in 1991 and temporarily retired as a