It’s been often said that you can’t keep a good woman down, but that rarely sounds as sweet or empowering as when it comes from the lips of singer Leela James. She gives us her testimony about love lost and resilience found on the single “Break My Soul” featuring Mumu Fresh.
Over sparse piano and a steady drum beat, Leela gives life to the despair shared by many women after breaking up with someone not worthy of their tears. “That’s what happens when the love goes cold / You feel like you gon’ lose your soul,” she sings with her patented soul-drenched rasp. She recognizes that those feelings are temporary, however, and lets the one who hurt know that, “You can’t take my crown no way / Oh, you'll never break my soul." Yes, queen! Mumu Fresh comes through with a hot 16 that adds an exclamation mark to Leela’s message, proclaiming, "I’m a whole vibe even when I'm somber.”
The visual for “Break My Soul” is a simple affair, but it perfectly shows the strength and resilience of women. Leela walks without breaking her stride through the city. Meanwhile, we see a woman dancing in an open field and near a railroad showing grace, beauty and strength with each movement. Finally, Leela and Mumu look over a city skyline while sharing some sister talk about the good, the bad and the ugly.
“Break My Soul” is the latest single from Leela James’ newest album See Me. It follows the singles “Complicated,” “Put It On Me” and “You’re The One.” If you haven’t added this album to your collection yet, you might want to get on it before you’re left without a banging autumn playlist.
