Spirit Has No Spirit But Does Have Some Brain.

NOTE: Review Was Inspired By Rolling Stone.com Short Reviews.

(This Album Is In My Best 25 Mainstream Albums of 2008)

Leona Lewis's voice is killer, kind of reminiscent of the young Whitney Houston or the middle 90s Mariah Carey. Spirit, her debut international album, may be chock full of burning piano ballads channeling early divas but Leona delivers them like no other, with utter emotion and killer vocals. Leona does have soul, and it shows on songs such as the killer production of "Bleeding Love" and the violin-Esq dramatic "Take A Bow" but her personality doesn't necessarily shine through, contradicting the title of the album to the fullest extent. Still, the album does have some decent pop tunes and burning ballads. The pop masterpiece, "Better In Time," showcases J.R. Rotem's best production and "Bleeding Love" still holds its subtlety, even if it has been overplayed by now. "Angel" is the silkiest production Stargate has ever produced and "Forgive Me" may be a useless R&B tune that sounds better if sung by Gwen Stefani but Leona's voice is undeniable. The real pop gem here, though, is "Homeless," the dramatic piano ballad that was consequently taken out of U.S. markets.

Bold Tracks Are Best Tracks.

U.S. Version
1. Bleeding Love
2. Better In Time
3. I Will Be
4. I'm You
5. Forgive Me
6. Misses Glass
7. Angel
8. First Time I Ever Saw Your Face
9. Yesterday
10. Whatever It Takes
11. Take A Bow
12. Footprints In The Sand
13. Here I Am

CHECK OUT THE UNRELEASED TRACKS: - The Best You Never Had - Homeless - You Bring Me Down -