UB Review: Leela James Keeps R&B Alive with ‘See Me’ | New Single ‘You’re The One’
R&B/Soul singer and songwriter Leela James, who continues to define the genre and is recognized as one of the leading ladies forging soul music, is releasing her long awaited seventh studio album “See Me” July 30th via BMG.
Today, she releases one of the highlights from the album “You’re The One.” Stay tuned for the visual.
UB spoke to Leela James about the new album “See Me” and her new single “You’re The One.” See what she has to say about the single below and stay tuned for the interview!
Leela’s first single was, “Complicated,” released earlier this spring, and it entered the Top 10 at Adult R&B radio and continues to blaze the air waves, finding its way onto everyone’s playlist.
Most recently, the powerhouse R&B singer/songwriter delivered an emotional vocal performance at the George Floyd Commemorative Concert in Houston with her live rendition of the title track “See Me” an anthem for anyone that’s been overlooked or feel they don’t matter. The song served as a fitting tribute to Mr. Floyd and to all the black men and women who lost their lives to senseless brutality.
On the newest project, “See Me,” Leela James provides depth through transparency of the heart. Throughout the album there is a raw genuineness that lives in the passion of each song and reveals an awakening of the spirit tied to the complexity of love.
“See Me” is an album that proves, R&B is alive and well. The songs Leela selected for this album bring an essence that hasn’t been felt on a full R&B project in awhile.
The albums highlight, “I Want You” is in reminiscent of a modern day Shirley Brown song, Leela glides on this track. “This must be love, because I’m so turned up. I got to have you, I can’t take no more. I said I Want You Baby.”
The power ballad “See Me” is a perfect song for our current climate in our country. Everybody wants to be seen, this song illustrates why we all feel that need. The vocal arrangement with background vocals, makes this song superb.
The previously released single “Put It On Me,” is one of those songs about when you have to turn the tables and hold people accountable. “You can lie, but it don’t matter. Because heaven knows everything you did to me.”
The album comes to a conclusion with the song “Rise N Shine,” which is is everything! A feel good 70s/80s influenced dance track, where Leela let’s loose. You can’t play this song, without smiling.
Other UB Stand Outs include “You’re The One,” “Break My Soul” Feat Mumu Fresh and “Tryin’ To Get.“
“See Me” is the payoff to Leela’s resilience throughout her life and her career. Much like her life there is the intermingling of love and truth that exists that Leela faces internally and externally. This album is the soundtrack to where she’s been and what she has seen.
Although it is her experience, there is a familiarity in her desire, her frustration, her lust, her disappointments and her triumphs that cannot be denied. 14 years. 6 albums. Leela James deserves to be seen.
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