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| Spirit | 
 enlarge | Artist: Leona Lewis
Label: J-Records
Category: Music
List Price: $18.97
Buy Used: $3.98
You Save: $14.99 (79%)
New (46) Used (20) from $3.98
Avg. Customer Rating:  172 reviews
Sales Rank: 59
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 4.9 x 0.4
MPN: 702554
UPC: 886970255424
EAN: 8869702554240
ASIN: B0012TBGYC
Release Date: April 8, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: Complete with original case, disc(s), and artwork. In stock and ships right now. 10% chance the case has small spider cracks in it.
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| Customer Reviews:
 Extraordinary Singer, Ordinary CD April 16, 2008
7 out of 10 found this review helpful
When I first heard of Simon Cowell's great find, I was anxious to hear her sing. My first impression of "Bleeding Love" was that it was a really insipid song that sticks in your head (like a tumor). Still, I was impressed with Leona's voice. Having bought and listened to "Spirit" several times, I've gotta say I'm surprised Simon gave her this material to work with. While it's true Leona Lewis is truly gifted, she deserves much better material. It's not horrible. It's just been done before many times over. The CD is pleasant but doesn't stand out in any way musically. Leona's voice stands out and let's face it, anything she sings will sound great. These songs are well sung -- just not memorable. Best cut (by far): "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" followed by "I Will Be" and "Footprints In The Sand." "Footprints" is a strange song for me. While pretty, it has that carefully crafted feel to it of trying to be a great song rather than just being an organically great song (if that makes sense). Will Leona have the longevity to make it in this business? That's hard to predict. She's definitely talented. Let's hope the next time around her people do better by her and the whole effect winds up feeling fresh (yet timeless) rather than tired and dated.
 Spir[sh]it June 19, 2008
7 out of 10 found this review helpful
First off, if you have to think about buying the CD like I did, then believe me when I say it isn't worth it. I only did so I could play it at my job to push her album sales and bring in money for my department. And believe me when I say Love is the last thing I bleed whenever I hear that annoying single of hers. To top it off, the radio stations play it more now than ever. Reminding me why I lost faith in in Radio in the first place. Anyway. Moving onto the CD. I had always heard so many people comparing her to Mariah Carey, which should have been my first warning right there considering I hate her with a Passion. There's practically no emotion in her voice whatsoever, making me feel like even she didn't give a crap about the songs she was singing. There were some that were OK at best. But even then I wouldn't have any desire to go back and listen to them. There is 1 song that managed to save the CD from getting returned. And that 1 song is also why I gave the album its 1 star rating. That song being "Take A Bow". To me, this was probably the only track that had any kind of feeling behind it. Even then, it was more so the instrumental that propelled it. And since I'm pretty sure it won't be a single, I see Leona not going too far. That is, unless she manages to either A) Put out another damn single so that piece of crap first one can stop being played. Or B) Fire everyone that worked on this CD and somehow manage to come up with a worthy enough follow up. Bottom line. This CD is really better off being avoided. Wont do much for your CD collection itself. If I would have known, I would have just gotten the 1 track and saved myself the money. But since I didn't, I'm hoping you will.
 Watch Out North American Divas!! Leona's HERE!!! April 8, 2008
6 out of 8 found this review helpful
Leonas cd is amazing. I ordered the UK version 2 months ago but I must admit the bonus tracks that are on the US album are amazing and the placement of the songs makes the album way better. This is a MUST!!! you have to get this CD. its amazing
My review of Leona Lewis - Spirit April 19, 2008
6 out of 10 found this review helpful
The most gifted and talented idol EVER!!
I was never into any of the American Idols or X Factor winners for the longest time. I just always felt like artists should work hard and make a demo and send it to the record companies and still feel like this for the most part. The exception is this powerful force, Leona.
Not since 1991 when I discovered Mariah Carey has any female artist moved me or blown me away or amazed me or sent shivers down my spine the way Leona does. Leona far surpasses Kelly Clarkson, Beyonce, Jessica Simpson, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, and any other female artist since Mariah Carey.
Leona sings with so much soul and emotion and passion and it breaks my heart greatly to read that people think Kelly Clarkson is still better than Leona. Anyone who really listens to Leona will realize or should realize that Leona is just a powerhouse that Kelly could only dream of becoming. When I was watching both performances by Leona and Kelly of A Moment Like This, I could hear and see the emotion in Leona's performance and Simon, wow. Simon has never acted so excited for any idol like he has with Leona. I never saw Simon so excited like that with Kelly and it's because Leona is the REAL deal!
I find myself on the verge of tears with pretty much every song on here because Leona's voice is just so breathtaking. I also find myself stop breathing during many times throughout the album due to her incredible power. You just cannot call yourself a true vocalist fan and not fall in love with Leona as a singer. She sings in so many different ways and tones and every song is incredible.
The two songs on this album that just really move me the most and completely make me a true fan of Leona are Take A Bow and Footprints In the Sand. It's as if Leona wrote these songs just for me. I feel like this whole album was made just for me but these two especially are my #1 favorites tied.
Take A Bow is just so epic and I love everything about the song lyrically, musically, melodically and vocally. I really love the whole theme of this song and reminds me of Phantom Of The Opera and my favorite actor Charles Dance and my favorite actress Dame Judi Dench. This is what should be Leona's second single and deserves to get #1. I just cannot get enough of this song and cannot recommend it enough. It has #1 written all over it!
Again, the melody, lyrics, music and vocals are just simply breathtaking. Leona won me over with this beautiful ballad.
Bleeding Love is my next favorite after Take A Bow and Footprints In The Sand. It definitely deserved #1 and I just LOVE the way she sings on this song.
I also bought the UK version prior to this version which has another amazing ballad called Homeless. It is so emotional and powerful and recommend listening to that track as soon as possible. They removed that masterpiece from this US release which is a shame but the album is flawless regardless.
Leona's version of First Time Ever I Saw Your Face completely blows the other versions out of the water. I've always loved Celine's version and never thought I'd love another version more until I heard Leona's. Leona sings this with such passion and emotion.
Here I Am is an awesome album closer and just one of the greatest ballads ever. Another masterpiece!
Every song on this album is incredible and full of power and soul and emotion and different styles and it really deserves to be #1. If you love the TRUE singing with power, you will not be disappointed with this album. Leona is everything I love about vocalists and she IS music itself. Don't pass this album up just because you may feel it's just a wanna-be singer. Leona is not just a singer. She is a force to be reckoned with who has the potential to be just as successful as Mariah, Whitney and Celine.
The best new artist in over a decade-Brilliant!! April 9, 2008
5 out of 9 found this review helpful
I haven't written a review in quite a long time. In fact, I usually write reviews for movies instead but this CD deserves everyone's attention. I was driving home listening to the radio 3 months back. On the radio came Bleeding Love. I instantly kept the station there because of the amazing voice I was hearing. A voice unlike any other. When I got home, I searched the internet for a song called Bleeding Love & found it was by Leona Lewis. I said to myself, I've heard of her. I knew she was on X-Factor, Britian's equivalent to American Idol but never heard any of her performances so I went on You Tube and starting watching her performances. That's when I knew she was it. She is the most naturally gifted live singer ever. I'm a big fan of Celine Dion & Olivia Newton-John because I feel their voices are pure & they are both such gifted natural singers but Leona even beats them. I'm not a Mariah Carey fan. I do like a few of her songs but I feel she shrieks sometimes & that turns me off. When I watched her performances of Somewhere Over the Rainbow, I Have Nothing, I Will Always Love You, Without You, Summertime, All By Myself, and Without You-I was simply overtaken. I ordered her CD Spirit from the UK & found the best CD in years. I instantly made copies & passed them to my friends, coworkers, everyone I knew to let them enjoy the music as well. Finally this CD is released in the US. If the US misses the boat on this one I will be greatly disappointed. Every song is absolutely melodic on both the UK and US versions so you really need both. First, I will cover the US version.
Bleeding Love - Absolutely wonderful & smart lead single. Already a number one hit here & all over the world. This song is the biggest selling single of 2007 in the UK. Terribly sad song lyrically but beautiful no less. Co written by Jesse McCartney, can't get over that. Even though it's a ballad, still has a great beat.
Better in Time - 2nd single in the UK. Already hit number two there. Very catchy & melodic mid tempo ballad also a fan favorite. Another sad song that's beautiful and has a very internationally understood message. Guessing it will be a single in the US as well.
I Will Be - Another instant classic. Again melodic & beautiful. Again a sad song to tug at the heartstrings that probably everyone can relate to.
I'm You - A very self-examining song that really makes you think about oneself when you follow the lyrics. Another power ballad, another beautiful addition.
Forgive Me - A new track for the US edition. Upbeat ditty produced by Akon is a smart contender for a single. Absolutely excellent, catchy fun tune. More light-hearted that most of the CD will let Leona shine in a different way. One of my faves, though I have many. One of the reasons to buy the US version of Spirit.
Misses Glass - the other new track is also an upbeat dream. Not quite as excellent as Forgive Me but still a contender for a single. I think this CD could have ten singles. This one sounds like a fun, lighthearted ditty but quite a sad song lyrically.
Angel - Another fave. this one is a mid-tempo ballad but not a tearjerker. This one is a positive love song so I believe a smart single choice. She shines quite well on her sad songs but on her happy songs she does as well. Another jem.
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face. Okay my favorite singer of all-time is Sam Harris. I believe he is the best male singer naturally ever. The female equivalent is Leona & now they both have done this fantastic song. I think Leona's version is better than Celine Dion's (though I love hers as well) but it's a tie for her version & Sam Harris' version. Leona's is breathtaking & surpasses the original, but I don't feel it should be a single.
Yesterday - Also this beautiful mid-tempo ballad is a break up song, it has a more positive overtone in Leona's approach. The message states that no one can take away her memories of the relationship. Another excellent song with a universal message. Possible single contender.
Whatever it Takes - mid-tempo upbeat ditty is another excellent track. this one has a great positive overtone & message that appeals to a mass audience. Another possible & smart contender for a single.
Take a Bow - For sure one of my faves. I believe this should be the 2nd or 3rd single. I love this song more that Better in Time but because that's already a UK hit, that might be her next single. I love this one so much. Passionate, intense, and heartwrenching song appeals to a wide audience and has mass appeal. It has been compared to Justin Timberlake Cry Me a River but this song to me is so much more. The music, lyrics, vocal, arrangement, everything comes together so beautifully much like Bleeding Love does. A must for a single.
Footprints in the Sand - This song is also a single with Better in Time in the UK. This beautiful ballad really shows off her chops & should also be a single here in the US. Much like the great 90's ballads of Whitney this song showcases her talent so much & is another fave on the CD. Co-written by Simon Cowell, he does have a heart if he wrote this. Breathtaking.
Here I Am - Another slow ballad that shows off Leona's vocal perfection. Simply beautiful lyrically and vocally. Another possible single later in the game.
OK-now the UK version tracks NOT on the US edition.
Homeless - I can't believe this isn't on the US version. I want this to be a single as much as Take a Bow & Footprints in the Sand. This heartbreaking ballad is absolutely beautiful in all aspects. It's an incredibly sad song that whoever decided on the US tracks missed the boat by not including this masterpiece.
The Best You Never Had - Another fave of mine. I'm also disappointed this wasn't included. There was enough room on the CD for more tracks so I'm confused. Anyway they should have included these 2 before I Will Be & I'm You in my opinion though it's tough to cut any of the tracks.
A Moment Like This - Surpasses Kelly Clarkson by miles. So beautiful. She won X-Factor with this song. This song has the world record for the most downloads in the first 30 minutes. It's also available as a single with 2 live X-Factor songs Summertime & Sorry Seem to Be the Hardest Word so I'd recommend the single as well. This also should be on the US version but can understand why it was cut.
Also available Bleeding Love CD single with Forgiveness. Forgiveness is another excellent ballad worth the purchase. And Better in Time / Footprints in the Sand single has You Bring Me Down an excellent mid-tempo upbeat track that could be a single in it's own right. Absolutely wonderful.
Well that's it. This should be the top selling debut CD of all-time. It's the fastest selling debut CD of all-time in the UK. Hopefully here as well. She's the first UK solo female to hit number one of the singles chart for 21 years. The last one is another one of my favorites Kim Wilde. She deserves international success including the US. She's number 2 with this release on Amazon, let's make her number one everywhere. She should outsell Mariah, Madonna (whom I also love), and everyone else out there.
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