Billboard singles reviews: Leona Lewis, Guns N' Roses

ARTIST: LEONA LEWIS

SINGLE: I WILL BE (Syco/Sony BMG)

NEW YORK (Billboard) - This straight-up power balladis 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" 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. version of the album "Spirit"), 2009 is sounding like a superlative second act for Lewis.

ARTIST: GUNS N' ROSES

SINGLE: BETTER (Black Frog/Geffen Records)

The title track from Guns N' Roses' "Chinese Democracy" hit radio a couple of months ago, but this new single is, well, much better -- a hook-filled track that won't tarnish the band's reputation for radio hits. It's a bit overproduced: "Better" has drum loops, a midtempo guitar-driven verse, a chorus that sounds like it could have come from another song, some frenetic fretboard sweeps at the end of each chorus and an electronic sheen hanging over it all. But somehow Axl Rose's familiar vocals hold it together. His sense of melody makes "Better" memorable, rendering the song equal parts rock and pop, and GN'R's first bona-fide single for the YouTube/iPod generation.

ARTIST: KATY PERRY

SINGLE: THINKING OF YOU (Capitol Records)

A year ago, Katy Perry's amusing debut, "Ur So Gay," was met with trepidation by radio, but embraced by the club community. Now look at her: Grammy-nominated with the No. 1 "I Kissed a Girl" and the frolicking top-5 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. 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 pondering, 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.

ARTIST: KANYE WEST FEATURING LIL WAYNE

SINGLE: SEE YOU IN MY NIGHTMARES (Roc-a-Fella Records)

Kanye West's "808s & Heartbreak" is filled with raw emotion, and this song is no exception. Over haunting violins, cello and viola, West and Lil Wayne make clear they are no longer heartbroken -- and determined to have the last word on love lost. As lonely and sad as other parts of "808s & Heartbreak" are, it's inspiring to hear West pick up the pieces of his broken heart and move on. "See You in My Nightmares" is not only cathartic, but a keenly mature move for the artist as well.

ARTIST: THE LAST VEGAS

SINGLE: I'M BAD (Eleven Seven Music)

Two months ago, Chicago-based the Last Vegas was selected by Motley Crue as winner of Guitar Center On-Stage, then opened for the legendary bad boys at the Hollywood Palladium. With debut single "I'm Bad," the quintet hopes to build upon momentum and distinguish itself in a pool of rock'n'rollers. The track, released exclusively on AOL and iTunes, combines rock, glam and garage for an ass-kicking sound. Vocalist Chad Cherry's snarly, sexy delivery makes you want to reach for the stripper pole, and infectious rhythms and thrashing guitar riffs add the right amount of sleaze. No doubt, rock 'n' roll is here to stay in '09. The Last Vegas sums it up well: "The devil's come to town."

Reuters/Billboard