Leona Lewis is serving up something a little different with her guest spot on Ricky Hil's Fix Me. With it's melancholy backing, its dark, brooding atmosphere and lyrics full of sadness and longing, Fix Me isn't exactly what we've come to expect from the X-Factor winner. However it's a style that totally compliments her voice; successfully illustrating just how beautiful it can be away from the soaring belts it's synonymous with.
Listening to Fix Me shows a versatility to Leona's voice that isn't often apparent in her own material; which is often formulaic and predictable in its approach. It ultimately makes me wish that she would take more risks with her music and the way she uses her voice. However the reality is, as long as she's attached to a big label, she's not going to be afforded such freedoms and will continue to be marketed (unwisely) as a modern-day Mariah Carey.
The best we can hope for is that we'll see more of this independent streak expressed with other guest spots and featured vocals. Perhaps it'll allow for Leona Lewis to have the best of both worlds: an independent edge and commercial viability.
Oh, and a quick question: does Fix Me remind anyone else of Sia's Breath Me?
Thoughts?
