[image-4]Published May 08, 2008.
Leona Lewis
Spirit
J-Records
Leona Lewis’ influences include Mariah Carey, Celine Dion and Whitney Houston, which instantly makes her a dream come true for Simon Cowell and Clive Davis, executive producers of Lewis’ debut Spirit. Lead single “Bleeding Love” is an infectious tune that channels equal parts Annie Lennox and Celine Dion; while interesting, it quickly starts to grate. Unfortunately the rest of the album is a generic diva hybrid. Lewis opts to imitate her idols, rather than forging her own identity. She may be the winner of the UK X Factor competition, but Lewis looks like Shakira, while sounding like every other diva that preceded her.
Trevor Savory
This article appears in May 8-14, 2008.