In 2004, James toured as an opening act for the Black Eyed Peas and Macy Gray. That same year, she was featured on hip hop producer, DJ, and emcee Pete Rock's album Soul Survivor II, providing vocals to the track "No Tears".
Her debut album was released on June 21, 2005, entitled A Change Is Gonna Come. The album is a soul music record incorporating the styles of 1960s and 1970s American soul singers, with a mixture of funk, R&B and gospel influences. The first single from the album, entitled "Music," laments what Leela James sees as the decline of hip hop and soul music and asks for a return to the artistry of musicians of earlier decades. Leela co-wrote most of the tracks on her debut album, with two notable exceptions being her cover of No Doubt's "Don't Speak," and the classic song by Sam Cooke for which the album is named. Notable collaborators on the album include Raphael Saadiq of the 1990s R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, Kanye West, and former Fugees member Wyclef Jean.
After parting ways with Warner Bros., James signed with the independent label Shanachie Records and released her second studio album on March 24, 2009, an all-cover set entitled Let's Do It Again (the title being a homage to the 1975 soundtrack album of the same name by The Staple Singers).
In 2005, she lent her voice to the posthumously released Ray Charles album Genius & Friends, duetting with the singer on the song "Compared to What". Leela also guested on Robert Randolph and the Family Band's 2006 album Colorblind, lending her vocals to "Stronger". In June 2009, she appeared on Moby's new album "Wait for Me", performing the vocal on "Walk with Me".
After parting ways with Warner Bros., James signed with the independent label Shanachie Records and released her second studio album on March 24, 2009, an all-cover set entitled Let's Do It Again (the title being a homage to the 1975 soundtrack album of the same name by The Staple Singers).
In June 2009, she appeared on the Moby album Wait for Me, performing the vocal on "Walk with Me".
James' third album My Soul - her debut release for the Stax label - was released on May 24, 2010, and debuted on the US Hip Hop/R&B chart at #7. Speaking in May 2010 to UK soul writer Pete Lewis of Blues & Soul, she stated: "With this album I wanted to make sure that I showed all sides of me - in terms of variety in the music and in my vocal range - while at the same time making it clear that every song deeply came from my soul. Plus I also wanted to incorporate a little more hip hop this time, and infuse it with my traditional R&B - because I felt that. By making my beats edgier and harder-hitting, I'd show there was more to me than just doing ballads and things of that sort."
On July 8, 2014, Leela James released her fifth studio album, Fall For You. The album's first two singles, "Say That" feat. Anthony Hamilton and "Fall For You" both reached Top 15 on the Billboard Urban AC charts, with "Fall For You" reaching #12. Ms. James supported her album with tours nationwide, including performances at Essence Music Festival, Arizona Jazz Fest, San Diego Jazz Fest, Capitol Jazz Fest, and more.
James' sixth album, Did It for Love was released on March 31, 2017 by Shesangz Music under license to BMG.[5] The album has the singles "Don't Want You Back" released on October 28, 2016,[6] "Hard for Me" released on February 25, 2017, "Don't Mean a Thang" released on March 27, 2017,[8] and a video single "All Over Again" on May 4, 2017.[9] The single "Don't Want You Back" reached number 1 on Billboard' Adult R&B Songs chart on April 15, 2017, becoming her highest charting single ever.
Good Times
Leela James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
we're gonna have a good time (2x)
Tonight i wanna party
can't wait to hook up with my crew
I'm so happy it's the weekend
'Cause i'm gonna let my head our
and shake my thang around
Deejay hear my groove cuz i'm really in the mood and you know just what to do
tonight is my night
tonight is the night we're gonna have a good time
let's just have a good time(2x)
forget your worries just leave em behind
'Cause life's too short
you need to find a good time
so (?) your booty on the dance floor
what you came hear foor, no parking on the floor( no no)
Deejay hear my groove 'cuase i'm really in the mood and you know just what to do
tonight is my night
tonight is the night we're gonna have a good time
let's just have a good time
let's just have a good time
The Leela James song "Good Time" is a celebration of the weekend and the desire for a stress-free night of fun with friends. The repetition of the phrase "Tonight is the night we're gonna have a good time" reinforces the idea that this is a special occasion where the worries of everyday life can be put aside. The song has a sense of urgency and excitement, with James expressing her anticipation for the party and the freedom to let loose on the dance floor. The upbeat tempo and catchy melody create an energetic and optimistic mood.
The lyrics also emphasize the importance of living in the moment and not letting worries weigh one down. James encourages listeners to forget their troubles and enjoy the present, suggesting that life is too short to be stressed out all the time. The phrase "you need to find a good time" is a call to action, implying that it is the responsibility of the listener to seek out these moments of joy and release. Overall, "Good Time" is a feel-good song that celebrates the joys of friendship and the freedom of the weekend.
Line by Line Meaning
Tonight is the night
This evening presents an opportunity for enjoyment
we're gonna have a good time (2x)
We will experience pleasure and enjoyment tonight
Tonight i wanna party
I desire a social gathering filled with fun and energy
can't wait to hook up with my crew
Excitement to reunite with a group of likeminded individuals
I'm so happy it's the weekend
A sense of joyful relief that the work week has ended
'Cause i'm gonna let my head our
Allowing oneself to be carefree and relax
and shake my thang around
Dancing and moving one's body rhythmically
Deejay hear my groove cuz i'm really in the mood and you know just what to do
As the DJ, you understand my emotional state and the right music to play
tonight is my night
This evening belongs to me and my enjoyment
forget your worries just leave em behind
Disregard any sources of stress and focus on pleasure
'Cause life's too short
Life is brief and fleeting, thus we must prioritize happiness
you need to find a good time
It's important to seek moments of enjoyment
so (?) your booty on the dance floor
Dance energetically and uninhibitedly
what you came hear foor, no parking on the floor( no no)
No standing still, the purpose of attending is to dance and have fun
tonight is the night we're gonna have a good time
This is the evening where we will experience joy and fun
let's just have a good time(2x)
We should solely focus on making this evening enjoyable
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Adam R. Young, Brian Dong Ho Lee, Matthew Arnold Thiessen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind