We can't speak for everyone, but here at SoulBounce, we appreciate that our girl Leela James has been quite generous when it comes to album previews for her upcoming release Did It For Love. If you count the Valentine's Day audio morsel of "This Day Is For You," she's already leaked five songs from the 12-track set. Now, ahead of the project's impending debut this Friday, her benevolence continues with "Don't Mean a Thang."
In case you missed the intentional clue in the title ("Thang" vs "Thing"), Ms. James is about to give us something to chew on. But just because she has a lesson to give, doesn't mean we can't jam. Contrasting knocks of kick drum and wood block along with an infectious piano loop are all the invitation we need to get our head nodding. "Although I love when we're kissing and hugging, and you tell me those sweet nothings / Those things don't mean a thang (you gotta show your love) / Those words don't mean a thang (you've gotta prove your love to me)," she warns. Leela's fiery vocals make it impossible to ignore the song's message, but it's the unexpected ending of the song where her soulful sass turns into a melancholic plea that really helps leave a lasting impression.
Listen up and take heed to "Don't Mean a Thang." If March 31st is too far away, revisit our previous Did It For Love posts and pre-order the album through your preferred digital retailer. While you're at it, check out our recent Daley review for a full list of dates for The Undeniable Tour (which features both artists) and make sure you visit Leela James' website to purchase your tickets before they sell out.
