Leona Naess

The best way to secure a major record deal these days seems to be establishing a career in modeling. Leona Naess has the kind of looks that befit a CD cover, but she's written a winning set of tunes to slip into the album's jacket as well. Her personal point of view and knack for structuring pop hooks complements her sharp production, which changes her backing music from ringing, Lush-style guitars to quiet pianos with grace and ease. Modeling may have quickly opened doors for Naess, but her material shows that she would have gotten there sooner or later anyway.