Leela James
Music listeners often ask: Why doesn't the industry house people with talent anymore? Where has all the good music gone?
The truth of the matter is their is good music to be had out there, but most of it never sees the light of day and never charts on Billboard Hot 100. It's almost like a universal music switch has turned off and all the best singers are now independent/underground artists. Point being, we have to dig hard and deep to find some "soul".
Leela James is one of those people I discovered while digging around one day. Her debut album A Change is Gonna Come was released on June 21, 2005 and ironically the first single "Music" speaks about the current state of mainstream music. Her second album Let's Do It Again was released by an independent record label after James parted ways with Warner Bros. on March 24, 2009.
Today, James is set to release he third album, My Soul, which marks the return of a modern-day soul child. This album walks a delicate silk rope of serious and sensual. James covers her usual song themes with talks of deceitful men and the world's problems brought to light by tracks such as: "So Cold", which uses a technique of echoing vocals to support James' impassioned lyrics about an abusive relationship and "I Want It All" that lists James' personal and international desires. On the flip side James uses her deep, rich and throaty vocals on tracks like "Super Luva" and on the sultry duet with Raheem DeVaughn "Mr. Incredible, Ms. Unforgettable."
The solidness of this latest album will be her ticket to mainstream recognition.
Check out Leela James's first single off of My Soul "Tell Me You Love Me" below. Enjoy!
Comments
Glad to see we have a little less mainstream talents being broadcast here on Examiner. Mainstream isn't always the best music. Thanks Dee.
L-O-V-E Leela James!!!
Heading to the store right now to pick up this album.
Don't what I'm usually into but I will check her out.
I have been a fan since 2005. She is the bomb,very versatile in her music.
I've been a fan since she put out her first album and got to see her in San Francisco back in 2006...what an amazing show...she moved me to tears! Hoping I get to see her again this week at Yoshi's.
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