One of the music industry’s most underrated and underappreciated artists is making a comeback with the release of her third studio album. However, a U.S. release date has not been announced just yet.
Leona Lewis, winner of The X Factor UK season three, made a huge splash with her debut single “Bleeding Love”, sending it to number one, but has since gone unfortunately unnoticed. The new album, Glassheart, preceded by “Collide”, “Trouble”, and newly announced single “Lovebird”, features Lewis’ trademark breathtaking vocals as she experiments with dubstep and a more pop-orientated sound. The finished product is a nice direction for an artist who is still trying to find her footing in the states.
The album opens up with the official lead single “Trouble”, since “Collide” is found only on the deluxe edition of the effort. The song starts off slow, discussing the problems of a troubled relationship. Lewis warned her man she brought nothing but chaos wherever she went, apparently he didn’t listen. The artist’s vocals are soft where they need to be and powerful and persuasive on the chorus. Not the best lead single choice, but great song.
Lewis is widely known for her convincing and emotional ballads (see “Bleeding Love” or “Happy” for reference), and “Unlove Me” would fall in that same category. Seems the artist cannot tell her former lover goodbye, wishing for him to completely forget about her. Heartbreak and sorrow are the singer’s strengths and this song is just more evidence of her amazing talent. It may not be anything new for her, but perfection is nothing to leave behind.
Latest single, “Lovebird”, is one of the album’s brightest moments. Of all the ballads featured on the effort, this is the best. “I just can’t stay, so your lovebird is flying away”, Lewis sings about a relationship that is now over. The song may be recalling a somber experience, but also contains an empowering message, that a woman can stand on her own. Former lovers will always be a part of you, but you got to let them go.
Lewis experimented with dubstep and electronic-inspired sounds for the record and the first signs of them appear on the dark “Come Alive”, which bares similarities to any 90s pop song. The track starts off slow, but the pace quickly increases as soon as the loud chorus comes through the speakers. The new sound works for the artist as her vocals and production go hand in hand. The energy is high and the delivery is perfect.
What was thought to be the album’s official second single, “Fireflies” is a gospel-like pop song that has a lot of vocal conviction, but not much lyrical depth. The piano-driven ballad showcases the beauty of Leona’s voice by easing back on the heavy production and allowing raw talent to shine through. While the song may not be convincing enough to be single worthy, it will make a listener’s eyes widen in disbelief as Lewis hits some difficult notes.
“I To You” is another ballad discussing the fact that Lewis would do another to please the man in her life. The artist is trying to understand just how important she is to her lover, but she does not seem to be getting a clear answer. The song keeps the same pace throughout, becoming one of the less interesting moments on the album. Vocals are top notch a usual, but it is just an average performance, nothing great or bad.
Listeners will be transported back to the 80s when they hear “Shake You Up”. The song is reminiscent of the pop creations from the decade. Lewis gives her best Whitney Houston impression while taking her music down a different path. I would compare the track to Jordin Sparks’ “S.O.S (Let the Music Play)”, a ballad diva trying to show she can do real up-tempo pop. “The rush, I got the power tonight, And you’re on the losing side,” she sings.
The break from emotional ballads is cut short with “Stop the Clocks”, a track similar to what was featured on Lewis’ first two efforts. While the chorus is strong, the verses are lacking a bit of substance and meaning. Lewis claims she will stop time just to stay forever by the side of the one she truly loves. Now that is what I call commitment. The song sinks towards the bottom of the pack.
“Favourite Scar” borders on a track that would be featured on a Rihanna album, but Rihanna wishes she had a voice even close to Lewis’. “You shot me through the heart, pain never felt so good, boy you’re my favourite scar”, the artist sings about a man who she loves even when he causes her pain. The vocals are nice and smooth, the lyrics pack a punch and the production adds the needed boost.
The ballads return once again with “When It Hurts”. The track is one of the album’s better slower moments. The singer is choosing between cutting her lover loose or giving him one more try, a choice many can relate to. There is enough emotion behind Lewis’ vocal performance that many listeners will begin to feel exactly what she is feeling. It seems the artist crafts her best material when her heart is shattered.
One of my favorite moments of 2012 is the epic, single-worthy, Grammy-deserving, show-stopping “Glassheart”. I am always let down by an album’s title track, but not in this case. The song shows a completely different side of the artist with lyrics such as “my heart is breaking, it’s made of glass, guess anything that’s good never ever lasts” and a dubstep-influenced breakdown. The song is highly addictive and Leona’s best creation to date.
The album’s new material ends with “Fingerprints”, a song that is all about showing just how powerful and beautiful Lewis’ vocal truly are. Starting off slow and sweet, the artist sings about the fact that no one compares to the man who owns her heart. The track is simple, with no loud background production. Instead, soft piano and string instrumentals accompany Lewis. After the previous track, it was wise to leave the listener with traditional Leona.
A rap version of the lead single officially closes the album. Childish Gambino throws in a clever rap that honestly was not necessary in terms of the tracks success. Not good or bad.
Glassheartis a fantastic album that deserves proper promotion and a set U.S. release date. Leona Lewis has always been known for her sweet, emotional ballads and her breathtaking vocal abilities. With this newest project, the artist holds on to what makes her a real force to be reckoned with while experimenting with new influences one would never expect from her. The album is a terrific listen from beginning to end, with only one slight bump along the way. The vocal performances are top notch, the lyrics are as heartbreaking as ever, and the production is just the cherry on the top. Glassheart receives a well-deserving 88%.
Track to Hear: “Unlove Me”, “Lovebird”, “Come Alive” and “Glassheart"
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