Leona Lewis' Echo

From the UK to the USA, pop sensation Leona Lewis totes a peaceful vocal. With a platinum debut under her belt, she was quoted in an interview saying she hoped Echo, would follow in Spirit's footsteps.

The mood of Echo is a cocktail of electropop/R&B that is inviting. The first single, "Happy," is a distinguished takeoff into hope and courage. The following cut, "I Got You," is a wave of percussion as Leona commutes to vocal heights that follow in the same refrain as "Bleeding Love." The electronics of "Can't Breathe," allow for a more hectic sound from Lewis, while "Love Letter," conveys remixed folk.

Leona Lewis enlisted the help of American Idol's Simon Cowell and the Clive Davis machine to put together an organic record of thirteen songs. Each of Echo's properties feel tragic yet reassuring; complementing the twenty-four year old's voice. Unlike the aperitif, Spirit, Echo, needs to be sipped slowly for the collection of songs give off an edgier taste.

As with any sophomore release, the artist is always excited to record better and more tuneful works of art. Echo does achieve this - but will undoubtedly have to claw its way to the sexy character exhibited on the debut.

Final Grade: B-