ON KEY WITH RYAN

Gone is the image of the Nickelodeon kid; Leon Thomas has arrived as a commanding new voice in R&B. With his stunning debut album, MUTT, he immediately established himself as a prominent artist after years of working behind the scenes for superstars like SZA, Ariana Grande, and Drake. He later expanded this narrative with the B-sides project, HEEL. As the title suggests, this companion piece showcases a more submissive and subservient side to his sound, exploring a different dimension of the album’s complex themes with a raw, introspective honesty.

Leon Thomas masterfully blends old and new sounds, delivering an album that fuses traditional R&B with funk and alternative rock. The project is a sonic triumph, featuring a significant amount of live instrumentation from Thomas himself, primarily on guitar and vocals. This approach gives the album a personal and timeless feel. The lead single, “Mutt,” provides an early glimpse into the album’s sound, creating the feel of a live performance. On the B-sides of HEEL, tracks like “Catch a Stray” further showcase Leon’s adeptness at producing the rich R&B and funk grooves that define his work.

Following its innovative sound, the album’s title and lyrics serve as a masterclass in duality. Thomas compellingly explores the inner conflict of a man who yearns for love while also craving personal freedom. His songwriting delves into the intricate complexities of relationships and a journey of self-discovery, seamlessly weaving these themes into both his music and personal life. Songs like “All I Do” offer a candid look at the difficulties of love, while “Yes It Is” delves into possessiveness and sensuality. The narrative then expands on HEEL, which explores the raw aftermath of these feelings. Tracks like “Not Fair” are a vulnerable confession of the consequences of emotional whiplash and a love that refuses to “heel,” while other songs trace the path of self-healing and the courageous choice to prioritize personal peace over chaos.

The album and its deluxe expansion feature a star-studded lineup of collaborators, including Masego, who provides smooth saxophone instrumentals and vocals to complement Leon’s along with Wale, Freddie Gibbs, Baby Rose, and Big Sean, among others. No feature feels like a mere addition; each artist is an intricate part of the larger story Leon paints about a relationship and its aftermath. Their contributions elevate the project, adding new dimensions to its narrative rather than simply serving as a guest spot.

This album feels like both a throwback and something completely new, effortlessly blending old and new R&B to create a potential classic. Leon’s years of work behind the scenes have obviously sharpened his pen and musical ability, and it’s finally his time to shine. With such a strong debut and a major expansion just months later, I have no doubt that Leon Thomas is set to become a big name in R&B, and he’s an exciting new voice we should all be paying attention to.

Standout Tracks

• Vibes Don’t Lie
• Yes It Is
• MUTT
• Not Fair
• Prize