Track of the Moment

Leona Lewis’ Latest Lands

September 7, 2011 1 Comment

After resolving a legal tussle over the rights to the instrumental track on which it was obviously based, it’s full speed ahead for Leona Lewis’ new single “Collide,” with Swedish DJ/producer Avicii having been awarded proper co-credit.

“Collide” is taken from the Lewis’ forthcoming third album, Glassheart, due in November. With all credit due Avicii’s original “Penguin,” the euphoric dance-pop of “Collide” marks a break from the kind of big balladry the 26-year-old British singer is most associated with, a tag Lewis might have escaped a while ago had the amazingly brilliant “Outta My Head” from Echo been teed up as a single last year.

Though I love “Collide,” finding it particularly well-suited for cardio-program encouragement, the track’s visual accompaniment is something of a flatlining snoozefest. Thankfully, the clip is not set in The Club, but a beachside gathering of friends (crashing waves, bonfires, pensive glances) is the next cliched go-to, no?

Prior to the whole “Collide” kerfluffle, Avicii had already completed a vocal track based on his “Penguin” instrumental. Listen to “Fade Into Darkness,” featuring vocals by Swedish singer-songwriter Andreas Moe.

Purchase Leona Lewis/Avicii – “Collide” via iTunes. Remixes by Afrojack, Alex Gaudino and Jason Rooney, and Cahill are also available.