What makes My Soul by Leela James notable?

This album marked a significant moment for Leela James as it debuted at number 2 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, showcasing her growing popularity. Critics praised her ability to blend traditional soul elements with modern R&B, solidifying her influence within the genre and earning her a nomination for Best Contemporary Blues Album at the 2011 Grammy Awards. My Soul is Leela James's third studio album, following her 2005 debut, A Change Is Gonna Come. At this point in her career, she was establishing herself firmly within the neo-soul movement, building on the momentum from her previous releases and expanding her sound with a more polished production approach.

My Soul works well if you're into steady mid-tempo groove throughout, celebratory anthems for empowerment and soulful melodies for uplifting moments.

How many songs are on My Soul?

My Soul has 11 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

My Soul

Leela James · 2010

39 min · 11 tracks · blues

A vibrant blend of neo-soul and R&B, driven by emotional vocals and rich instrumentation that resonates with classic influences.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Mr. Incredible Ms. Unforgetable — This track epitomizes the album's romantic themes through its lush arrangement and heartfelt delivery, showcasing James's vocal prowess.
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I Want It All — With its empowering lyrics and infectious groove, this song captures the essence of self-assertion and ambition that runs throughout the album.
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Tell Me You Love Me — This ballad highlights James's soulful expressiveness, making it a standout moment that reflects vulnerability and longing.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends traditional soul with modern R&B, showcasing strong vocals and rich instrumentation.

What we noticed

The first five tracks maintain a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the latter half introduces slower ballads that shift the emotional tone.
Several tracks feature call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the interaction between Leela James and her backing singers.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo groove throughout
celebratory anthems for empowerment
soulful melodies for uplifting moments
for late-night gatherings

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification tracks
prefer shorter, standalone songs

Where this album fits

Career context: My Soul is Leela James's third studio album, following her 2005 debut, A Change Is Gonna Come. At this point in her career, she was establishing herself firmly within the neo-soul movement, building on the momentum from her previous releases and expanding her sound with a more polished production approach.
Stylistic neighbors: Alice Smith· Jill Scott· Erykah Badu