# 14

Leona Lewis - Run
(written by Lightbody, Quinn, McClelland, Connolly & Archer; 2003; UK #1; November 2008)

The Live Lounge on Radio 1 started as a concept on The Jo Whiley show at the start of the decade, it took a unique and highly praised cover by Jamie Callum, in 2003, for the segment to start getting noticed. After a few years and several innovative covers by stars such as Will Young ('Hey Ya!), Jamelia ('Numb'), Elbow ('One Thing') and The Zutons ('Take Your Mama'), to name but a few, the feature was elevated to national treasure status. On Halloween 2007 one cover version became the most talked about, and one of the most requested songs in the station's history - that was 'Run' by X Factor alumni Leona Lewis. The aftermath of that performance lead to a renewed interest in the original song. Not to be out done, and never one to miss a money making opportunity, Simon Cowell proceeded to go about sorting an official release for the track. A stunning X Factor performance in November 2008 ensured that two weeks later Lewis was one again sitting pretty a-top the official UK charts. Lewis's version is haunting, emotive and unlike anything else that has been number 1 this year.

Best Lyric: "To think i might not see those eyes/ Makes it so hard not to cry/ And as we say our long goodbye/ I nearly do"