Leela James Change Is Gonna Come CD

Within the opening minutes of Leela James's debut, A CHANGE IS GONNA COME, the full-voiced performer name-checks both Chaka Khan and Marvin Gaye. Evoking these revered soul artists is quite appropriate, since James deftly incorporates elements of these singers' styles into her own bold, funk-inflected R&B music. (Another soul hero, Sam Cooke, is acknowledged on the title track, a cover of his classic hit.)

Instead of being carried by samples and slick production, James's 2005 debut is rooted in a full guitar/bass/drums sound that nods to the 1970s, without giving up its more modern edge. In fact, artist-of-the-moment Kanye West handles production duties here, along with Wyclef Jean, Raphael Saadiq, and others, giving James's record the added jolts of energy needed to make it a formidable outing. From the urgent "Music" to the bass-heavy "Rain" and the sultry "Mistreating Me," this is contemporary R&B for people who think they don't like contemporary R&B.

Recording information: Bennett Studios, NJ; Platinum Sound Recording Studios, New York, NY.

Photographer: Malcolm Beckford.

Arrangers: Leela James; Puff Johnson; Anthony Mills; Renee Neufville; Bobby Ross Avila.

Personnel: Leela James (vocals).

Audio Mixer: Comissioner Gordon.

Vibe (p.141) - 4 discs out of 5 - "On her stirring debut, James's husky vocals ring out like a thunderous prayer for love finally answered."
Mojo (Publisher) (p.112) - 4 stars out of 5 - "[A] powerful, rich voice wrapped up in husky velvet singing some mightily impressive self-penned songs. Hugeness beckons."