Leona Lewis is back, and if the first single from her sophomore album is any indication of what to expect, the album ECHO will be massive. The single, "Happy", is simply Epic. Her vocals are impressive, and the production is grand. Leona has the vocal capacity to match the song's intensity, making the vocal gymnastics sound effortless. My only critique is that the song sounds like a Christmas Ballad - somewhat untimely for a September release.
Although an upbeat dance anthem may have been a great song to release as a first single (a la "Bleeding Love" from her debut album "Spirit") Leona proves that she has the vocals to compete with any Diva and doesn't need a club/dance anthem to kick off an album. With every listen, the song grows on me and I cannot wait for the release of Echo - November 16 (UK) or November 17 (US).
Here's a video of Leona on America's Got Talent Finale, performing "Happy" after a video montage highlighting Leona's accomplishments as well as her journey from a shy reality show contestant to an International Platinum selling Mega Superstar.
