STAX Records was a fantastic label. My favorite, so obviously I was excited to see its rebirth. Leela James has a powerful and soulful voice. The backup singers and musicians capture and update the STAX sound perfectly. "I Ain't New To This" kicks off My Soul with some seriously catchy and funky sass. Unfortunately, aside from the lead song, the album almost completely lacks hooks. It's all solid grooves, choir harmonies, and mood, without much that sticks. With just a couple more earworms this could have been great. I guess it truly is a throwback to when soul singles were propped up with filler album tracks. I appreciate that James wrote most of these songs in her move towards music independence, but STAX, and '60s soul in general, was singles market and depended on top-notch song-writers. I hope Leela James keeps working at it. I like her sound; it's warm, full and sexy. I just wish I could love her songs.
Showing posts with label Leela James. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Leela James. Show all posts
July 15, 2010
Leela James - My Soul (2010)
STAX Records was a fantastic label. My favorite, so obviously I was excited to see its rebirth. Leela James has a powerful and soulful voice. The backup singers and musicians capture and update the STAX sound perfectly. "I Ain't New To This" kicks off My Soul with some seriously catchy and funky sass. Unfortunately, aside from the lead song, the album almost completely lacks hooks. It's all solid grooves, choir harmonies, and mood, without much that sticks. With just a couple more earworms this could have been great. I guess it truly is a throwback to when soul singles were propped up with filler album tracks. I appreciate that James wrote most of these songs in her move towards music independence, but STAX, and '60s soul in general, was singles market and depended on top-notch song-writers. I hope Leela James keeps working at it. I like her sound; it's warm, full and sexy. I just wish I could love her songs.
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