On her first album Spirit it was difficult to tell if Leona Lewis could really uphold the standard set by her international mega-hit "Bleeding Love" because the album's material was so weak. Here, working with such top level support talent as Ryan Tedder, Justin Timberlake and John Shanks, she proves the hit was no fluke. Echo is the work of a mature mainstream pop artist who possesses one of the most stunning contemporary voices in the music industry today.
Solid, Pleasing Radio-Friendly Pop
Much of Leona Lewis' Echo is straightforward radio-friendly pop music. She gives a slightly melancholy, soulful edge to the upbeat words of Kevin Rudolf's "Love Letter." She delivers a convincing, independent and just a big angry vibe for Ryan Tedder's "You Don't Care." The slowly unfolding power ballad "Brave" is somewhat reminiscent of Alanis Morissette's work, but in Leona Lewis' voice, it is beautifully melodic.
Risks Taken Paying Off Nicely
It's the closing section of Echo where Leona Lewis takes risks and chances that possibly point toward future work. The results are exciting and well worth hearing. "Fly Here Now" takes an electro backing and fuses it to gospel-influenced choruses. The deep arrangement is ripe for remixing for the dancefloor, and Leona Lewis' voice rings through with authority. The ballad "Broken" dives deep into romantic wreckage climaxing with almost morbid vocal fireworks. On "Lost Then Found" Ryan Tedder duets with Leona Lewis in front of beautiful backing from his band OneRepublic. The use of an actual band gives a more strongly organic feel to the recording.
Top Tracks on 'Echo'
- "Happy"
- "Love Letter"
- "Fly Here Now"
- "Broken"
- "Lost Then Found"
Leona Lewis' Statement As An International Pop Star
The sheer beauty of the first single "Happy" was an indication that Leona Lewis had solid work on the way for her second album Echo. Leona Lewis has a gift for powerful vocals that do not showboat or escape into diva-dom. The overall collection here holds up quite well next to any other contemporary pop. Leona Lewis is a deserving international pop star. The UK version of Echo includes a cover of the Oasis song "Stop Crying Your Heart" missing from the US version, and the US version has "Fly Here Now" missing from the UK version.
Released November 2009 by J Records
