Spirit

The *X Factor* winner’s debut reveals impressive soul behind the powerhouse vocals. Never overdramatizing, the Londoner infuses convincing pain into piano ballad “I Will Be” and “Bleeding Love”’s distorted pop with performances that dissolve any cynicism about her reality-show roots. Her versatility is equally impressive and she’s just as assured with a coolly restrained cover (“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”) as an R&B thumper (“Take a Bow”). 

The album alternates between heavy-beat ballads and more traditional adult contemporary mush.

<p>(RCA)</p>