Spirit

First off, if you have to think about buying the CD like I did, then believe me when I say it isn't worth it. I only did so I could play it at my job to push her album sales and bring in money for my department. And believe me when I say Love is the last thing I bleed whenever I hear that annoying single of hers. To top it off, the radio stations play it more now than ever. Reminding me why I lost faith in in Radio in the first place. Anyway. Moving onto the CD. I had always heard so many people comparing her to Mariah Carey, which should have been my first warning right there considering I hate her with a Passion. There's practically no emotion in her voice whatsoever, making me feel like even she didn't give a crap about the songs she was singing. There were some that were OK at best. But even then I wouldn't have any desire to go back and listen to them. There is 1 song that managed to save the CD from getting returned. And that 1 song is also why I gave the album its 1 star rating. That song being "Take A Bow". To me, this was probably the only track that had any kind of feeling behind it. Even then, it was more so the instrumental that propelled it. And since I'm pretty sure it won't be a single, I see Leona not going too far. That is, unless she manages to either A) Put out another damn single so that piece of crap first one can stop being played. Or B) Fire everyone that worked on this CD and somehow manage to come up with a worthy enough follow up. Bottom line. This CD is really better off being avoided. Wont do much for your CD collection itself. If I would have known, I would have just gotten the 1 track and saved myself the money. But since I didn't, I'm hoping you will.

I first heard Leona Lewis singing "Bleeding Love," on a sleepless night, while watching music videos on VH1. My first reaction was, "who's that?"
I popped straight up in my bed, and was excitedly drawn in to this woman, with a big familiar yet not familiar powerful singing voice. About a week later while visiting a record store, I decided to purchase her album. She is truly blessed with a glorious voice. She has a magnificant vocal range and near perfect breath control. I wish though, that the production values of the album were better. The musical accompaniment sounds too electronic, and doesn't suit her voice, a voice that has a very natural sound. I was most bothered by the electronic sound of the drums. This took my attention away from Leona's beautiful voice. Hopefully, on her next album the production values will be more natural.

As far as the content of the album goes, there are no songs that are less than nice, and her singing is wonderful on every one of them. There are three of the songs that I think best suit her voice, actually four songs, they are "Take A Bow," "Footprints in the Sand," "Here I Am," and my favorite "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face." I have never heard a cover of this Roberta Flack classic sung with such pure emotion and beauty, than Leona Lewis sings it on this album. She is a very young, fresh, and new member the commercial artist community, and I hope that as she matures, that she remains grateful for the gift which she has been given, and that she doesn't fall victim to the industry, that might try to turn her into someone who she is not. This all being said, "Spirit" is a great freshman effort that deserves to be heard by everyone

Honestly, I don't see what all the fuss about Leona Lewis is. Sure she has a talented voice notwithstanding the comparisons to Mariah Carey, but her material lacks any true inspiration. "Bleeding Love" - which has been played to death by now - was the only worthwhile song on this album. The rest of the tracks were uninspired, forgettable songs.

This is an excellent CD. I really love it and the more I listen to it, the more I like each song and am very happy I purchased it. I hope she comes out with another CD soon that is as good, I will certainly buy it.

Try Shayne, the Winner of the British X Factor Winner (like the American Idol version of the U.K). Leonard voice is O.K but the sons carry no feelings...Way too overrated!