Released April 2008 by J Records.
Leona Lewis was victorious on the UK talent show X Factor in December 2006. A year and nearly four months later, she is the recipient of the first major promotional campaign in the US for an X Factor winner. The album Spirit is likely to debut at the top of the charts. It has a few powerful tracks, but, ultimately, it is an uneven collection that doesn't quite match Lewis' obvious vocal talents.
First Major Release in US by an 'X Factor' Winner
Previous X Factor winners Steve Brookstein and Shayne Ward became successful pop stars in the UK following their victories. However, they did not receive support to extend their success across the Atlantic in the US. Following her win, Leona Lewis inspired Simon Cowell and Clive Davis to work together in an unprecedented partnership to market the artist. This effort has resulted in the #1 smash single "Bleeding Love" and now, Lewis' first full-length album.
A Voice to Reckon With
Leona Lewis clearly has a voice that deserves celebration. From the opening bars of "Bleeding Love," it is clear that Lewis is aiming to be counted in the same company as Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston. A significant difference from the previous pair is that Lewis knows how to use restraint to best effect. Her voice rarely becomes bombastic, and the tracks on Spirit are not oversung.
The greatest difficulties on Spirit have nothing to do with Leona Lewis' voice or her approach to a song. The material simply does not hold up to her talent. Too many tracks like "I'm You" simply sound uninspired. The two new tracks not included on the album's UK version, "Forgive Me" and "Misses Glass," sound like crass attempts to appeal to American pop radio.
Top Tracks on 'Spirit'
- "Bleeding Love"
- "I Will Be"
- "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face"
- "Footprints in the Sand"
A New Star Deserving Attention
The peak moments here are dizzying at times. The closing minute of "Bleeding Love" is masterful and matches Mariah Carey's greatest creations. A precise, but still emotional reading of Roberta Flack's classic "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" stunningly updates the song for contemporary audiences. "Footprints In the Sand" risks overkill with huge production and gospel chorus, but Leona Lewis' understated, yet still full-throated delivery saves the day. She could give Celine Dion pointers.
There is more than enough evidence here that Lewis is an artist to be watched closely. With more consistent quality of material, she just might deliver a masterpiece.
