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4 out of 5 stars

Leon Thomas, Just How You Are [📷: EZMNY / Motown]Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter Leon Thomas brings the vocals and vibes on the groovy “Just How You Are.”

“I left my Amex at the bar last night / Don’t know how I caught a car…”
Early on in “Just How You Are”, Grammy-winner Leon Thomas paints an irresponsible picture. Risky behavior! Notably, he adds in the first verse of this colorful single, “I’ll always find the opportunity for mistake / That hit me hard the next day / When you pull the memory and erase / ‘Cause that’s just how you are.” Ah, there comes the titular lyric, in all of its glory! Thomas penned “Just How You Are” with Bizzy Cook and producers Freaky Rob and D. Phelps.

There’s a lot to love about “Just How You Are.” Thomas gives a strong vocal performance.  He is nuanced, expressive, and comes off as sincere as he sings.  He paints a picture of a tough critic, noting in he pre-chorus, “You love to pick my world apart,” and affirming in the repetitively catchy and delightful chorus, “But that’s just how you are, are, are.” Notably, it’s the second verse that earns the track the explicit lyrics label.  Beyond fine vocals, tuneful melodies, and memorable songwriting, the musical backdrop is sweet, too.  The groove is infectious from the beginning. Beyond the drums, the bass line and keyboard parts stand out. The punch that “Just How You Are” brings is part of its allure.  Once again, Leon Thomas brings the heat on this advanced gem from PHOLKS.

4 out of 5 stars


Leon Thomas » “Just How You Are” » EZMNY / Motown » 10.1.25
[📷: EZMNY / Motown]

 


the musical hype

The Musical Hype (he/him) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education and music theory/composition, respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Music and writing are two of the most important parts of his life.