When a new artist hits the scene, adjectives like fresh and honest frequently get thrown around when, in many instances, it’s more hype than truth. But that’s definitely not the case when it comes to Luke James. And just who is Luke James? He’s a singer/songwriter who truly embodies the honesty and fresh, organic soulfulness that’s been in relatively short supply of late in contemporary music. Now that sounds like a pretty tall order for a newcomer to fulfill. However, the New Orleans native is very much up to the task. In fact, you’ve no doubt heard his work: he co-wrote Chris Brown’s “Crawl” and has penned songs for Justin Bieber (“That Should Be Me”) and Britney Spears (“Kill The Lights”), among others. And his growing fan base includes none other than Beyoncé, who selected James to appear in her “Run the World” video. James’ real-deal approach to music and—more important—the craft of singing are the main attractions on his upcoming mix tape and album of the same name: “Made to Love.” Both mark the singer/songwriter’s debut on Mercury/Island Def Jam via New Age Rock Star Records (NARS), the label helmed by award-winning producer Danja (Mariah Carey, Keri Hilson) and long-time collaborator / mixing engineer Marcella Araica (Madonna, Pink, Timbaland). “This isn’t a fad for me,” declares James. “I’m willing to go wherever with this because music is everything to me. This is my world and how I see it. My music speaks for me in a way that’s relatable and truthful.” “Honest is the best word to describe Luke,” adds Danja, who began working with James nearly four years ago. “Every message in his songs is sincere. And Luke’s voice is another obvious factor. Putting all of that together, he possesses a universal connection that touches everyone. He’s an undeniable force.”
Luke James – Dancing In The Dark
That connection hits home on James’ lead single, “I Want You.” Packed with interesting breaks and tempo shifts, the sparse yet bright track pulsates with an infectious, hip-hop-influenced beat. That foundation provides the perfect complement to James’ pure, arresting falsetto as he sings: “I was just a broken record of one-night stands /Til you came along with your beautiful song …” “It’s all about the voice,” says Danja. “And that’s what he’s captured on every record. Production doesn’t matter. No matter how sparse or grand I make it, he takes control and makes it about him.” James’ innate talent as a singer/songwriter was nurtured in one of music’s legendary outposts, New Orleans. An only child, he grew up listening to a wide array of influences thanks to his single mother: everyone from Marvin Gaye and Harold Melvin & the Bluenotes to Willie Nelson and Alabama. James’ oh wow moment occurred when he was 11 years old and watching the amateur talent segment on TV’s “Showtime at the Apollo.” One of the contestants began singing Donny Hathaway’s version of writer Leon Russell’s “A Song For You.”
Luke James – Dancing In The Dark Lyrics:
Uuh uh uh uuuh uh uh uh. Oh yeah
Look at who we are,
Ain’t it wonderful?!
Strangers in the dark,
Ain’t it beautiful?!
Let go of what we know
I’m learning more and more
Let’s just keep them all
I know you’ve got the glow
Oh baby
‘Cause we’re dancing in the dark again,
In the dark again
We’re dancing in the dark again,
In the dark again
And it feels so good
Never let you go!
Dancing in the dark again,
In the dark again
Uuh uh uh uuuh uh uh uh. Oh yeah
Uuh uh uh uuuh uh uh uh. Oh yeah
Look at what we are
Far from what we know
Legion from the parts
You’re afraid to show
Let your love come down
Let it overflow!
What you’re feeling now know you’re not alone
Not alone
‘Cause we’re dancing in the dark again,
In the dark again
We’re dancing in the dark again,
In the dark again (Come here baby)
And it feels so good
Never let you go!
Dancing in the dark again,
In the dark again
Uuh uh uh uuuh uh uh uh
Oh yeah
Uuh uh uh uuuh uh uh uh
Oh yeah
‘Cause we’re dancing in the dark again,
In the dark again
We’re dancing in the dark again,
In the dark again
And it feels so good
Never let you go!
Dancing in the dark again,
In the dark again
Uuh uh uh uuuh uh uh uh
Oh yeah. Uuh uh uh uuuh uh uh uh
Oh yeah (x2).
