They often spent their downtime rehearsing and writing songs. 1995-1997: Major-label debut Through the help of the band's manager, Ricochet was recommended to Blake Chancey, an A&R director for the Columbia Records label and they were signed to a development deal. By early 1995, the deal turned into a full-fledged recording contract with the label; in addition, they were signed as an opening act for Doug Stone, Charlie Daniels and Merle Haggard. Ricochet's self-titled debut album, Ricochet, was released in 1996. The song "What Do I Know" served as its lead-off single, and was a Top 10 hit on the Billboard country music charts. It was followed by "Daddy's Money" (their only Number One hit to date) and "Love Is Stronger Than Pride", also a Top 10. The album remained on the Top Country Albums charts for more than a year, and was certified gold in the United States. Ricochet's rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner", recorded for Columbia's NASCAR: Hotter Than Asphalt album, charted at number 58. 1997-1999: Blink of an Eye and What a Ride Ricochet's second album, Blink of an Eye, was released in 1997. Although its lead-off single, "He Left a Lot to Be Desired", was a Top 20 hit, the album did not perform as well as its predecessor. A third album for Columbia, tentatively titled What a Ride, was recorded in 1998; although three of its singles entered the country charts, the album was not released. 2000-present A bout of carpal tunnel syndrome forced Jeff Bryant to leave the group in 1999; he was subsequently replaced by Tim Chewning on drums. Around the same time, Shannon Farmer replaced steel guitarist Teddy Carr, after Carr and his wife were preparing for their first child. With the new members in place, Ricochet recorded the album What You Leave Behind in 2000; included on it were several tracks from the unreleased What a Ride, most notably their cover of Steve Young's "Seven Bridges Road". Two of the songs that were newly recorded for What You Leave Behind were also released as singles before the band exited Columbia's roster in 2000. In 2001, Eddie Kilgallion left the band to tour with Montgomery Gentry. The following year, Junior Bryant departed to spend time with his wife and children. A live album, titled The Live Album, was issued in 2004 on the independent Cowtown Records label. In September 2008, the band