By: Joseph VanBuren
Rating: 7/11

Drawing from a variety of influences such as old school reggae and modern soul, Queens-native Leeia has described her diverse sound as “urban alternative.” A fitting title, in the sense that alternative eventually became the mainstream. For, despite her being an unsigned indie artist, Leeia’s music is undeniably pop. Underground pop, if that isn’t a complete oxymoron. From the reggaeton-club vibe of “Satisfaction” to the catchy R&B melodies of “Ups and Downs” to the house bounce of “Love is Loud,” these are definitely tunes designed for the radio. Even the songs on her Myspace labeled as “rough cuts” are crystal clear in their production, and the songwriting is as solid as can be, perhaps even a tad cookie-cutter. Many artists with this much potential for mass appeal are merely living clichés, impersonating famous artists in an attempt to make up for their lack of talent and/or creativity. But Leeia has one thing going for her that keeps her out of that category: an amazing voice. She embodies both the carefree spirit of a teen and the experienced maturity of an adult, often in the same breath. She displays impressive range and control over her vocals, easily completing each masterfully crafted song, no matter the style. It’s her voice that gives Leeia credibility as a true artist; combined with the Hit Song Science-friendly tracks, she seems destined for the pop charts.