Good for the ‘Soul’

Leela James is the latest in the crop of artists (see Corinne Bailey Rae and Norah Jones) to release a soul-baring album with a revealing title. Unfortunately, people sleep on such wonderful talent.

Since she hit the scene in 2005 with her debut, “A Change Is Gonna Come,” James has received critical acclaim for her sultry vocals and emotive lyrics, reminiscent of soul legends like Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner.

Her third and current album, “My Soul,” finds James turning out her most diverse crop of tunes yet, of course to represent the diversity of the depths of her inner self.

Her confidence as a vocalist comes through on tracks with contemporary R&B flourishes, such as “So Cold.” She radiates when she sings “I want you in the worst way.”

Other tracks follow the tradition of classic soul, such as “Tell Me You Love Me,” which is the most elegant and understated track on the album. “I unpacked my chest for you / Do everything you want me to,” James coos. It sounds like butter.

Listen to James’ “My Soul” not just because it’s familiar in the vein of soul music, but because her voice is so refreshing throughout that you might enter a very happy, feel-good place when you do.