James’ real-deal approach to music and—more important—the craft of singing are the main attractions on his upcoming mix tape and album of the same name: “Made to Love.” Both mark the singer/songwriter’s debut on Mercury/Island Def Jam via New Age Rock Star Records (NARS), the label helmed by award-winning producer Danja (Mariah Carey, Keri Hilson) and long-time collaborator / mixing engineer Marcella Araica (Madonna, Pink, Timbaland).
“This isn’t a fad for me,” declares James. “I’m willing to go wherever with this because music is everything to me. This is my world and how I see it. My music speaks for me in a way that’s relatable and truthful.”
“Honest is the best word to describe Luke,” adds Danja, who began working with James nearly four years ago. “Every message in his songs is sincere. And Luke’s voice is another obvious factor. Putting all of that together, he possesses a universal connection that touches everyone. He’s an undeniable force.”
That connection hits home on James’ lead single, “I Want You.” Packed with interesting breaks and tempo shifts, the sparse yet bright track pulsates with an infectious, hip-hop-influenced beat. That foundation provides the perfect complement to James’ pure, arresting falsetto as he sings: “I was just a broken record of one-night stands /Til you came along with your beautiful song …”
“It’s all about the voice,” says Danja. “And that’s what he’s captured on every record. Production doesn’t matter. No matter how sparse or grand I make it, he takes control and makes it about him.”
James’ innate talent as a singer/songwriter was nurtured in one of music’s legendary outposts, New Orleans. An only child, he grew up listening to a wide array of influences thanks to his single mother: everyone from Marvin Gaye and Harold Melvin & the Bluenotes to Willie Nelson and Alabama. James’ oh wow moment occurred when he was 11 years old and watching the amateur talent segment on TV’s “Showtime at the Apollo.” One of the contestants began singing Donny Hathaway’s version of writer Leon Russell’s “A Song For You.”
“I got chills,” recalls James. “And I get that feeling all over again whenever I think about that performance. At the time, I’d never said I wanted to be a singer; I just knew I wanted to entertain. And I’d never heard of Donny. But when my mother found her copy of one of his records, I knew then that I wanted to reach people that way.”
While in high school in 2001, James joined a trio that started performing around New Orleans, opening for such acts as Brian McKnight. That’s when James first met his longtime manager Frank Gatson. When things with the trio didn’t work out, James moved to Los Angeles after graduation—on the advice of Gatson—and began singing background for R&B singer Tyrese. It was through the singer that James met production duo the Underdogs and signed with their label as part of a singing duo: Luke & Q.
When Luke & Q decided to go their separate ways, James began honing his skills as a songwriter after hooking up with producer Danja nearly four years ago. Since then, he has collaborated on songs for Brown, Bieber, Spears, Keri Hilson and Brandy and worked alongside such other producers as Kadis and Sean and the Messengers. Inspired by those collaborations, he rediscovered his footing as a singer in his own right.
“I found the feeling again where I felt something fresh could come out,” says James. “Writing songs helped me figure out what my lane was as far as being a solo artist. And I’ve also learned something else: If I don’t feel it, I can’t do it.
Blow
Luke James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I let go
I float on to a place where time slows
In all this time
We both know
That what we feel we don't control
(Ah) blow
(Ah)
Natural high
The force
(I love it)
Your secret fire
Got me lit
Our grinding of bodies like
Raging kids, nature is
Fucking unrestrainable
And we know
That what we feel we don't control
(Ah) oh yeah, baby
Just blow
(Ah) running wild, we're in it now, baby
Just blow (baby)
(Ah)
Natural high
So high
We begin to feel the expansion of our minds
No inhibition, no fear to hide
And our senses are magnified
Sweet ambrosia
Your kisses bring me life
Feel my love inside
We enjoy the ride
Until sunrise
That high
The song "Blow" by Luke James and the Nu Deco Ensemble is a sultry and electrifying track that explores the passionate and intoxicating feeling of being swept away by love and desire. The lyrics describe the experience of letting go and entering a place where time slows down, with the acknowledgement that the intense emotions of love are beyond our control. The chorus urges the listener to simply "blow" and surrender to the natural high of the moment.
The song's verses evoke a sense of the wild and uninhibited nature of physical passion, describing the "grinding of bodies" and the feeling of being consumed by an uncontrollable force. The lyrics suggest that when two people connect in this way, they experience a profound expansion of the mind, intensified senses, and a feeling of euphoric transcendence. The track is a celebration of the power of physical and emotional connection, and a call to let go and surrender to the natural energy that connects us all.
Line by Line Meaning
Here by your side
Together with you
I let go
I release my inhibitions
I float on to a place where time slows
I lose myself in the moment and time seems to slow down
In all this time
Throughout our experience
We both know
We are aware
That what we feel we don't control
Our feelings are beyond our control
(Ah) blow
Let it out
(Ah) just blow
Let it all out
(Ah)
An expression of excitement
Natural high
An exhilarating feeling
The force
The intense energy
(I love it)
An expression of enjoyment and pleasure
Your secret fire
Your passionate desire
Got me lit
Ignited my own passion
Our grinding of bodies like
The way we move together
Raging kids, nature is
We are like wild children, caught up in the natural flow
Fucking unrestrainable
Completely uncontainable
And we know
We are aware
That what we feel we don't control
Our feelings are beyond our control
(Ah) oh yeah, baby
An expression of excitement and pleasure
Just blow
Let it all out
(Ah) running wild, we're in it now, baby
We're completely caught up in the moment and living impulsively
Just blow (baby)
Let it all out
(Ah)
An expression of excitement
Natural high
An exhilarating feeling
So high
Feeling elated
We begin to feel the expansion of our minds
Our minds are opened up to new possibilities
No inhibition, no fear to hide
We are completely free to be ourselves
And our senses are magnified
Our senses are heightened
Sweet ambrosia
A heavenly, delicious taste
Your kisses bring me life
Kissing you is like breathing new life
Feel my love inside
My love is deep and strong
We enjoy the ride
We are in the moment and enjoying the experience
Until sunrise
Until the morning comes
That high
That feeling of elation and passion
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Damon Thomas, Harvey Mason, Luke Boyd, James Edward Fauntleroy Ii
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
double.kayyyy
The soul and unmatched emotion that exists in R&B music makes me proud of my wonderful black heritage. ❤
Mindyo Manners
Kayla Ricumstrict It’s definitely one of a kind. Imitated all around the world. 💕 I love R&B💞
Blackbird
This man SAAAANGS
Love it, and his range.
L W
Absolutely Wonderful. I Love You 😇
Crystal81
R&B is still black, alive & well in 2020 don't let the mainstream fool you!
MsCotchery
YES!🙌🏾😁
MS. ILBB
💯
Sara T
Allllllll Factz😍😍😍
G.G. Early
Yes and yes indeed!
stella krek
scream it for the people in the back