Last month, acclaimed R&B/Soul singer-songwriter Leela James released her brand new single “Don’t Want You Back,” and today she is giving fans an accompanying video that portrays the powerful track’s story. Directed by the talented Chris Scholar, the video is set in south central Los Angeles and lends a cinematic styling to the song’s narrative about getting her point across to a clingy ex.
The lyrics tell the (relatable) tale about refusing to ever go back to an ended relationship, only forward. “Two o’clock in the morning, you on my phone / Tryna talk to me and saying that you want me back / You need me back, and you say you never left me / There you go, talking that shit, same old sh*t / Don’t wanna hear that sh*t, no,” she sings on the first verse.
Leela gets gangsta in the video: her and her girls deal with her ex the best way they know how by tying him up in the middle of the street and leaving him there.
Watch below:
“Don’t Want You Back” by Leela James is a fierce and empowering anthem about reclaiming one’s strength and independence after a broken relationship. The track opens with a bold and gritty instrumental, driven by a powerful blend of bluesy guitar riffs, deep basslines, and punchy percussion that immediately sets an assertive and defiant tone. Leela James’ vocals are raw and soulful, delivering the lyrics with an intensity and emotion that captures the pain and liberation of walking away from someone who no longer deserves a place in her life.
The production of “Don’t Want You Back” is both polished and gritty, perfectly complementing the song’s theme of resilience and self-worth. The arrangement is dynamic, with a strong emphasis on the rhythm section, creating a sense of urgency and determination that underpins the entire track. The use of blues and rock influences adds a fiery edge to the song, making it stand out as a powerful declaration of independence.
Lyrically, “Don’t Want You Back” is a straightforward and unapologetic rejection of a toxic relationship. Leela James expresses a sense of finality and empowerment, making it clear that she’s moved on and isn’t looking back. The chorus is particularly impactful, with its catchy hook and resolute message, reinforcing the theme of self-empowerment.
Overall, “Don’t Want You Back” is a bold and empowering track that showcases Leela James’ powerful voice and her ability to convey deep emotion through her music. It’s a song that resonates with anyone who’s ever found the strength to move on from a difficult relationship, making it an anthem of empowerment and self-love.
Don’t Want You Back is the first single off of James’s forthcoming album slated for release in early 2017. Purchase the single on iTunes HERE.
