:: Leah

Leah Haywood

This 24-year-old, originally from New Zealand, was discovered on a late night talent show by producer/songwriter Paul Begaud. Having worked with the likes of Human Nature and the Honeyz, he is one of Australia's better-known pop producers and talent scouts. Recorded in Stockholm, Sweden the album has some impressive credentials attached to it, as Jorgen Elofsson and Max Martin produced it (worked with Britney Spears and Backstreet Boys). Utilising the sound of pure pop, electronica and a baby doll voice, Leah Haywood has delivered a versatile album of ballads, attitude and pop fun. Debut single “We Think It's Love” did relatively well in the charts, though it's stay was short. I believe the standout tracks include the well known “Taking Back What's Mine” and “A Little Messed Up”, both containing the attitude that Leah tends to ooze naturally, without being obnoxious, tough or stereotypical. I admire the fact that she has not marketed herself as a sex object a la Britney or found a group to be part of, as it would take away the uniqueness and sincerity of her career goals and direction. I hope that Leah continues to deliver her individual brand of Aussie pop with attitude, as we all know we sure don't need the manufactured sounds of Scandal'us and Bardot to become Australia's pop culture.