Leon Thomas Is Top Dog with New Album ‘MUTT’ (Album Review)

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Leon Thomas’s sophomore album ‘MUTT‘ is here, cementing his status as one of the top dogs in R&B. This new project showcases the New Yorkers’ remarkable skills as a songwriter, producer, and vocalist. This project is all him, with a select few supporting in production and features to compliment his style.

Like many R&B stars today, Thomas tells stories of infidelity, gold diggers, heartless escapades, and feeling misunderstood. After teasing this project with two incredible singles – ‘MUTT‘ and ‘FAR FETCHED‘ with Ty Dolla $ign, my expectations were very high.

Across every track, the singer showcases effortless vocals, but don’t let that distract you from his lyricism. He’s singing out bars like rappers, delivering a flexing ode to the difficulties of modern love. This album is both admittance to his love for the fast life and female temptations, yet discovering he’s coming up empty a lot of the time.

‘FEELINGS ON SILENT’ feat. Wale

As soon as I heard that infamous ‘Conductor’ tag drop at the start of this song, I turned the volume all the way up. Conductor Williams, Leon Thomas, and Wale are a trio I didn’t know I needed till I heard this.

This record shows both artists dismissing the opinions of their inferior competitors, preferring to block out the excess noise and focus on themselves. Wale is keeping it refreshingly honest as usual, sending jabs to his peers who sell their souls and make empty art.

‘SAFE PLACE’

This track really stands out to me as it is so sonically unique. As a member of the celebrated production duo The Rascals, the Grammy award-winner is no stranger to experimenting with sounds.

Revered hip-hop producers FAXXONLY and Bam Beatz speed up a Donny Hathaway sample that brings a dark and moody edge. The production feels chaotic at first but balances out with Leon’s smooth vocals layered on top. The way all the musical elements fit together is masterful.

Tracks like these really distinguish this rising star from other artists. This record also showcases his ability to hit impressive high notes and vocal runs that he’s come to be known for.

‘YES IT IS’

Warning – the hook on this song is so catchy it won’t leave you for days. Thomas croons over a young, wild, and free girl who he is failing to tame with luxuries and expensive gifts. This is a great example of the tug-of-war theme present across the whole LP. He seems to let his temptations get the best of him and is the first to admit it. This song feels decadent but is also raw and honest. “When I’m talking to you, I don’t know what to say / But I can call up a stranger and talk my life away.”

Closing Thoughts

This album is a great reflection on the immense musical abilities of this artist, from production to writing to performance. It’s a great R&B project with some really strong songs. For fans of Brent Faiyaz, PARTYNEXTDOOR, or 6LACK – this album houses a vibe that will be right up your street.

The production may be a little avant-garde for some tastes. Tracks like ‘I USED TO‘ deliver a very warped version of his vocals which might be a turnoff. I, however, think the use of vocal altering is interesting and unique. Admittedly, these tracks don’t stand out to me as much as hearing his talent more stripped back on ‘ANSWER YOUR PHONE‘ or ‘I DO‘.

From seeing his live performances online, I’m convinced all these records will resonate even more live. His powerful vocals are made to fill arenas, so I’m excited to see his next move.

Rating: 8/10

Leon Thomas is on Instagram, X, and TikTok. Read more album reviews here and stream ‘MUTT‘ below.

About The Author