Music Review: Leona Lewis - Echo - Page 2

“Happy” kicks things off well, leaning on the architecture of Lewis’ “Bleeding Love” to build to a strong crescendo. The drum distortion is a nice touch, giving the track weight and swagger without overdoing it.

Lewis’ mezzo-soprano range is on full display all over the place, but what’s truly remarkable is how she drops to some of the lower notes. “My Hands” features this challenge as Lewis sings over a soothing organ and floats through the scope of her range all the way to her towering falsetto before the beat kicks in.

“Fly Here Now” lets Lewis out of the ballad box a little bit, giving her plenty of room to coast over a silky disco beat and sliding, sparkling synth. “I want your body here with me,” she sings without sounding out of place.

OneRepublic joins Lewis on “Lost Then Found,” putting down a solid performance that ascends as an anthemic, emotional ballad. And “Don’t Let Me Down” digs deep using a tight studio beat and strings.

Echo effectively builds on Lewis’ Spirit by expanding the texture and technique of the vocalist without pressing too many extra buttons. The songs are sturdy and enjoyable, allowing the vocals to take centre-stage and leaving the ridiculous theatrics and pretension to other lesser pop singers.

Article Author: Jordan Richardson

Jordan Richardson is a Canadian freelance writer and ne'er-do-well. He writes stuff here and here.

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