Back in October 2007, Leona Lewis performed a cover version of Snow Patrol's first big UK hit "Run" for BBC radio. Host Jo Whiley reported in the BBC Radio 1 blog "Anyway the performance - well it was great - and people did cry - somewhere a child was born and a planet imploded, probably." This live recording received a tremendous public response in the form of unprecedented listener requests.
In September 2008 Lewis recorded a studio version of the "Run" cover in anticipation of release on the deluxe version of her album Spirit. She then performed the song on X Factor November 15, 2008 leading to expectation that "Run" would be released as a single. However, the single release has not materialized and instead demand for the song has created a rush to buy the new version of Spirit so strong that it brought the album back to the top of the UK charts.
Make no mistake, "Run" is a powerful vehicle for Leona Lewis' vocal talents. The X Factor performance is a landmark. J Records is trying to diversify Lewis' appeal with her new US single "Forgive Me," but the "Run" cover proves once again there are few singers in the business today who can match Leona Lewis' interpretive skills with an anthemic ballad.
- Watch "Run" performed live on X Factor
Photo by Gareth Davies / Getty Images
Comments
That performance is absolutely incredible. What a voice Leona has. ‘Run’ needs to be heard in North America! Too good to be ignored.
They should release the song.
Leona’s performance on X-Factor was
incredible, speechless.
I dont like the Witney Houston Type “power ballad” but leona lewis singing run sent a shiver down my spine i am in my 40s and i only know one other female with control like that “Streisand” they dont come around very often we are so lucky to have her, shes better than anyone the yanks have at the moment, Madonna!!! what a joke
Personally I think doing covers that are not that old is very boring and is a cash in or to keep her in the charts. I dont want to here the same song a few months later by another artist, its not creative even if they make it sound different, she might as well just sing any song thats old and we will never have any new material ever again because if music goes this route then no one will ever dare make original music…
A sickening and completely unneccesary bastardisation of an already overplayed song. This is a very sad state of affairs. Rot in hell Leonna damn you!
Some songs should never be touched, this in one of them. Leona is way out of her league trying to cover this. Her version makes my ears bleed and is a crime! I hope the Snow Patrol guys didn’t authorise it!
Another sickening unoriginal cover. Nothing is sacred anymore. Just keep feeding her other people’s songs.
Come on – this is class on stilts.