Billboard, Jan. 10, 2009 Issue

LEONA LEWIS I Will Be (4:00)
Producers: Dr. Luke, Steven Wolf, Matt Beckley, Smit
Writers: A. Lavigne, M. Martin, L. Gottwald
Syco/Sony BMG
Grammys be damned for not giving Leona Lewis a best new artist nod. Despite the Recording Academy’s embarrassing omission, Billboard’s No. 1 new artist of 2008 has plenty to celebrate: Alongside No. 1 album “Spirit,” best-selling iTunes single of the year “Bleeding Love” and top 40 radio top 10 follow-up “Better in Time,” third single “I Will Be” is again paved in gold—a straight-up power ballad. The song is propelled by a killer vocal that Mariah Carey would adore, gargantuan production that scoops up a heap of cumulus clouds and a chorus and bridge that boast indelible pop songwriting (from Avril Lavigne and Max Martin, among others). Overseas, Lewis’ cover of Snow Patrol’s “Run,” added to an enhanced version of the album, became the fastest-selling download in British history and promptly shot to No. 1 last month. With her consummate “Footprints in the Sand” (a “bonus” track on the current U.S. album), 2009 is sounding like a superlative second act for Lewis.

KATY PERRY Thinking of You (3:57)
Producer: Butch Walker
Writer: K. Perry
Capitol
A year ago, Katy Perry’s amusing debut, “Ur So Gay,” was met with trepidation by radio, but embraced by the club community and applauded on this page. Now look at her: Grammy-nominated with the No. 1 “I Kissed a Girl” and the frolicking top five sophomore single “Hot N Cold.” The down-tempo “Thinking of You” is decidedly more earnest, as the singer/songwriter reflects on settling for second best: “You said move on, where do I go/Cause when I’m with him, I am thinking of you.” Perry maintains her distinct vocal inflection, while production conjures a mid-’90s No Doubt pop/rock palette. Much like Pink, who credibly flip-flops from playing to ponderer, this is an essential transition for Perry to mutate beyond party girl novelty into savvy, staple hitmaker. As a woman who has played the game for longer than most realize, she has earned her keep. “Thinking” is a no-brainer.