Leona Lewis first garnered attention when she won Britain’s X Factor back in 2006, and since then she’s sold over 20 million albums and singles as well as having earned multiple Grammy and BRIT nominations. She performed at Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday celebration and represented Britain at the closing ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics along with Jimmy Page and David Beckham. Her beautiful voice, versatility, and impassioned delivery has brought her international stardom.
No wonder, then, that her powerful renditions of three of her favorite songs on Hurt: The EP are spectacular. Her singing here is spine chilling. “Hurt,” especially, both chills and thrills as the rawness of the lyrics meets the purity of Lewis’s voice.
This arrangement of “Hurt” is not based on the Nine Inch Nails original, but rather on Johnny Cash’s iconic version. Covers of “Iris” (Goo Goo Dolls) and “Colorblind” (Counting Crows) round out the disc. All three performances feature intense, literate lyrics and are well-suited to Lewis’s style.
This EP is a treat (and a tease) for Lewis’s fans who are awaiting the release of her third full-length CD, Glassheart. For that, Lewis is collaborating with British producer Fraser T. Smith, who has also worked with such artists as Adele, Kylie Minogue, and Cee-Lo Green.
Obviously, the hope is that the EP will whet its listeners’ appetites for the new CD, and it indeed does that. After hearing these songs, I am certainly anxious to hear what’s next. The purity of Lewis’ voice and the emotion in her delivery is perfect for these songs. Her version of “Hurt,” in particular, may ultimately be my favorite yet.
Hurt: The EP is available on Amazon.com or on iTunes for just $3.99. It’s worth it!