The Bottom Line
Leona Lewis has followed her worldwide phenomenal smash "Bleeding Love" with a respectable record. "Better In Time" effectively showcases Lewis' vocal talents with a pretty piano backing. Somehow, however, it's all a little bit rote and is unlikely to be a memorable career moment.
Pros
- Leona Lewis' emotional vocals
- Elegant piano backing
Cons
- Lacks that extra something to make it truly memorable
Description
- Written by J.R. Rotem and Andrea Martin
- Produced by J.R. Rotem
- Released July 2008 by Sony
Guide Review - Leona Lewis - "Better In Time"
It's always difficult to come up with a suitable second act when an artist hits the charts first with a mammoth tune like "Bleeding Love." Leona Lewis seems to go the safe route here with a perfectly serviceable ballad that will sound nice on the radio and keep reminding listeners she has amazing pipes.
However, it's difficult to imagine seeing this song as a career highlight if Lewis has the kind of career most pop music watchers expect. There's a pretty set of lyrics about recovery from romantic pain, but they won't be stunning to most pop fans. Leona Lewis demonstrates emotion in her singing, but there are no stunning moments of vocal pyrotechnics here. That may be a bit of a relief, but it also means there are no real moments that stick in the head.
Leona Lewis is, deservedly, one of the top new pop artists of the year in the US. "Bleeding Love" will be a pop hit remembered fondly possibly for decades to come. "Better In Time" will keep the Lewis embers burning in the minds of serious pop music fans, but it is merely a holding pattern.
