Following a three-year hiatus, urban contemporary up-and-comer Luke James returns with a soulful, sensual new single, “Drip.”

It has been three years since Luke James dropped his underrated, self-titled debut album.  Luke James had its fair share of great moments, including the Grammy-nominated, falsetto-laden, profession of love, “I Want You.” Following his three-year disappearing act, James is back with another sensual gem in single, “Drip.”

The first thing that stands out about “Drip” is the old-school sound.  This doesn’t sound like contemporary R&B in the least – this is neo-soul.  The key word in neo-soul is soul, and the Grammy-nominated Luke James is certainly soulful.  From the jump, he flaunts a masterful falsetto, that has sex written all over it.  On the second verse, he utilizes more of his chest voice, but not for long – that head voice returns real quick. Capping off the exceptionalness of “Drip” is the chorus, which is simple, but effective without question.

Cons, cons, are there any? Nothing major.  If James was looking for a commercial hit, “Drip” isn’t it.  R&B is incredibly cool when it comes to commercial footing and even airplay on the Hot 100.  “Drip” doesn’t sound commercial by today’s standards, so unfortunately, perhaps that a con for keeping R&B relevant.  That’s a stretch of course.  The other con is the language.  Everybody thinks that the f-word and profanity are necessary to crafting a gem.  Swearing doesn’t make a hit.  Here, it could’ve been omitted and nobody would’ve been hurt.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, Luke James has a hot one on his hands.  Call it what it is – a hot song, for a hot artist, who’s a hot guy.  Something like that.  The point is, James is the total package, and “Drip” showcases and exemplifies that.

Luke James • Drip – Single • Island • Release: 8.18.17

 Photo Credit: Island