Leona Lewis - Spirit - Tiscali Music Reviews

12th November 2007

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When Leona Lewis, the Hackney native, first came into our lives over a year ago, it was clear that there was something extraordinary about her; Leona was the first X Factor winner with international potential.

Even before the night of the final, American music mogul Clive Davis had called Simon Cowell saying, "I think you might have the next Whitney on your hands".

In December 2006, she won the X Factor and had a massive Christmas Number 1 hit with 'A Moment Like This', the most downloaded track in the UK of last year, with an amazing 50,000 downloads in the first half hour alone.

Suddenly Leona scored the biggest ever debut single for a female artist. People were quick to compare Leona to the likes of Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, good company to be in, but 'Spirit' is set to remind people that she has her own unique sound.

Leona took her time to make the best possible album. Working alongside the world's biggest producers and songwriters, Leona has put together an unrivaled collection of songs. Jetting off to the US in February of this year to perform an intimate industry only showcase hosted by the legendary Clive Davis, Leona won the hearts of the industry.

Consequently the album plays host to a veritable 'who's who' of writers and producers, with the likes of Dallas Austin, Soulshock and Carlin, Jam and Lewis, Walter Afanasieff And Salaam Remi all having lined up to work with Leona.

Each of the tracks on 'Spirit' has the potential to be a single. The leading track 'Bleeding Love' is just an example of the quality that typifies the album. 'Homeless' is an emotional melody driven ballad and 'First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' is Leona's take on the classic Roberta Flack track.

Throughout 'Spirit' Leona displays her signature vocal abilities and stunning range. It's clear that with or without the X Factor, Leona's extraordinary talent would not have gone unnoticed.