If you’re looking for some new music to distract you from the chilly weather while walking across campus, Leona Lewis’ new album, Echo, will most certainly do the trick.
Lewis, who won the British American Idol-esque musical competition “The X Factor” in 2006, first showed her stuff with her debut album, Spirit. She became known for her beautiful lyrics, soaring vocals and heart-wrenching power ballads.
Initially, Echo may feel like a 13-track-long repeat of Spirit, with diva-esque high notes and a fondness for Whitney Houston like vocal trails. However, a few upbeat numbers and dance floor anthems separate this album from her previous one and make it well worth listening to.
“Happy,” Lewis’ first single off of the album, is a particular highlight. Lewis discussed the song with Entertainment Weekly, saying the song was about “Happiness, which is something everyone strives to have, and sometimes it’s not just about being happy, but if you have obstacles in your life that you have to get over to be happy. And it’s just about that striving to get there.” “Happy” encourages people to take chances and risk things in the name of happiness, and to not just sit on the sidelines, “watching this life pass me by.” The song’s lyrics and gorgeously addicting beat carried it to No. 50 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Another stand out track on the album is “Brave.” The track has a unique musical sound and intelligent melody incomparable to any other artist, and the background vocals mix with Lewis’ sophisticated voice to create a song that will have you humming for the rest of the day.
Lewis is known for her stand-out ballads and does not disappoint on Echo. “Broken,” a song about the end of a relationship, is enough to make even the emotionless get teary. Once again, the background vocals truly pull the song through to emerge as one of the most beautiful on the album.
Another powerful ballad is seen in “Alive,” a song which starts off with simply soft piano music and Lewis’ raw voice. An infectious beat illuminates the song as well, and slightly corny lyrics help the song rather than hinder it.
Lewis breaks her usual mold with the dance song “Outta My Head.” This girl-power anthem is made up of slightly angry lyrics, “You’ll never make me cry again/ Remember you and I didn’t want things to end/ And now you’re tasting all the pain I was in,” and futuristic touch tones. Warning: the “single girl” pride of this song may or may not lead to the ending of relationships all over campus.
The collaborations on the album are quite stellar as well. Lewis’ voice blends perfectly with OneRepublic lead singer Ryan Tedder, who also produced much of Echo. Justin Timberlake also makes an appearance on Echo, singing backup and producing the track “Don’t Let Me Down.” The song definitely has a Timberlake feel to it, with smooth beats and a flowing melody.
Overall, Echo is an excellent follow up to Lewis’ previous album. The CD is chock full of interesting and unique songs and will most likely leave all fans’ ears pleased.
4 stars out of 5.
