Leon Thomas Gives A Taste of “Electric Dusk”

Following much anticipation, Leon Thomas released his debut album, Electric Dusk. After its release, Apple Music recognized it as one of the Top 4 albums, alongside artists like Ciara and Brent Faiyaz.

The album features twelve tracks, some of which feature collaborators like Benny The Butcher, Ty Dolla $ign and Victoria Monét. So far, the responses are hot, with many listeners sharing their love and enthusiasm for the songs.

Leon Thomas is an equally talented songwriter, having written some of the biggest hits like Ariana Grande’s “Honeymoon Avenue” and SZA’s “Snooze.” His close collaborations, along with growing under big influencers like Babyface, have played into the solo musician he is today.

“Slow Down” starts things slowly, easing into the album. There is an echo effect that allows his vocals to just drift off into space. Twinkling chimes, bass and drums create a composition that keeps things barely moving. Soon, a trap rhythm comes on and Thomas transitions to a rap, demonstrating his versatility in tone.

“X-Rated” makes listeners think of dim lights and a moody ambiance. The song is sultry, delivered in a very easy way, taking out the harshness in what could come off as very provocative lyrics. Benny The Butcher has his moment, rapping a few verses in his own color and tempo.

Again, Leon Thomas manages to create an indescribable mood in “Blue Hundreds.” Dark and sensual, his vocals surround a chorus that comes on and off. The drums create a bit more rhythm and speed, as the singer fills in the gaps to his own feeling.

Thomas features Ty Dolla $ign, one of his biggest collaborators, on “Love Jones.” Ty Dolla $ign starts right away and is continually present throughout the track. Together, they describe a woman, someone who is charming and enchanting visually, but also capable— a power couple.

“Sneak” is definitely about an affair, maybe referencing the expression “sneaky link” or simply the act of sneaking around. The accompaniment is melodramatic in a soft way while the volume of Thomas’ voice is quite loud, his audacity getting across to listeners.

“My Will” changes the mood with a different type of sound. The song has a lilting rhythm with vocals that slide up and down the notes, not following the constructiveness of the rhythm. There’s a clever use of wordplay with the term “will”. There’s losing one’s will, the strength or determination to achieve something, but there is also a will, something that is written in preparation of life after death. On the whole, Thomas seems to share that he is losing control and that he might as well give everything up.

By far the most popular track on the album, “Breaking Point” manages to hook listeners, old and new. It’s very much a slow dance kind of song, with Thomas singing about a relationship that’s past its breaking point and holding onto it anyway. The accompaniment is simple, sticking to piano, guitar and drums— even Leon Thomas’ voice is without any sound effects.

Feel your heart is drifting but you’re right there
I call you home but I might be alone
I can hear it in your tone
We’re in the danger zone, in the danger zone

– “Breaking Point”

“Crash & Burn” continues the discussion on tough relationships. This time, the song talks about ruining a relationship where it’s not his fault. The sound is gospel-inspired, hinting at a silver lining: bad relationships teach valuable lessons.

“Fade to Black” quite literally refers to disappearing for good. His bad behavior leads to feelings of guilt and worthlessness. A staticky rhythm makes the entire track sound confessional, while bass guitar adds subtle variation to the melody.

“Socialite” transitions, both in sound and subject. The singer sings about a lover, trying to figure each other out and whether they actually like one another. The song takes things slow with a bass guitar and slapping rhythm.

Beginning with an adlib, “Treasure In The Hills” is about finding someone so valuable. Thomas’ voice leads the song and cues the rest of the band, as a piano tickles up and down a scale for a delicate sound.

“Breaking Point (Remix)” features Victoria Monét, transforming his original track into a duet. The song changes into a conversation between two lovers, with Monét responding to Thomas’ verses.

In August, Leon Thomas shared his plans to join Ty Dolla $ign and Symba on their MORE MOTION, LESS EMOTION TOUR, performing across the United States, Canada and Asia later in the year. Check out the dates here, as Thomas will be doing songs off the album. Also, make sure to check out his Instagram and Spotify.