Leon Thomas returns with the deluxe edition of his hit album “MUTT.”

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TOP 5

5. DANCING WITH DEMONS

From the “Howl’s Moving Castle” intro that will have anime fans hooked to the eerie, dark feeling that is present throughout the entire track, “Dancing With Demons” is set apart from many songs in the R&B genre. This soulful, grungy track definitely keeps you on your toes. It is full of heavy beats and guitar riffs that will give you literal goosebumps. And if they don’t, Leon’s vocals surely will.

4. FAR FETCHED

“Far Fetched” is a track from the original album, but it has earned his spot in the top 5 even with the deluxe songs included. This song features Ty Dolla $ign and has had a grip on me for months now. The track definitely sounds like it could be more mainstream than some of the others, but it adds a different dynamic to the album. With a unique rhythm, funky beat, and catchy chorus, you can definitely feel Leon Thomas’ essence in this one.

3.VIBES DON’T LIE [remix]

Don’t get me wrong, the original “Vibes Don’t Lie” is great and probably would be one of my top songs on the original album. However, the remix featuring Big Sean adds another element to the track that really elevates it. I wasn’t sure how the additional of a feature was going to go, but the transition was so smooth that even after hearing the original song dozens of times, it’s hard to believe Big Sean wasn’t always there. It’s seamless, flows effortlessly, and maintains the vibe.

2. RATHER BE ALONE

The track “Rather Be Alone” came out as a single on April 18th, and I couldn’t get over how pretty it was. The single features Halle and is honestly very sad, but it’s hard to focus on that when you have these two powerhouse vocalists on a track together. The music is slower, stripped back and more vulnerable, and it only compliments the vocals more. The lyrics talk about making the choice to be on your own than suffer in a relationship that is painful or broken. I could listen to this track on repeat.

1. MUTT

“MUTT” is on this album not once, not twice, but THREE times, and being real? I get it. This song is insanely popular. It’s trending on TikTok, playing throughout my Facebook and insta reels, being obsessed over on X. My granny knows about “MUTT”, my kids dance around to the radio edit, everyone I know knows this track. It is so catchy, the lyrics are so real and fun and honestly just refreshing.

If I am being honest, I don’t know which version of the single is better. Chris Brown fans will swear up and down that their favorite artist made the track what it is. The remix that features Freddie Gibbs gives a new perspective and adds a little contrast to the track. While I agree that both of these remixes bring a different dynamic and new twist to the track, I don’t actually know if they are better than the original track. Either way, Leon Thomas really did his big one on this track, whether it’s alone or with features.

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SONG BY SONG RATING

HOW FAST (3.5/5)

SAFE PLACE (4/5)

DANCING WITH DEMONS (4/5)

VIBES DON’T LIE (4/5)

LUCID DREAMS (feat. Masego) (4/5)

FEELINGS ON SILENT (feat. Wale) (4/5)

ANSWER YOUR PHONE (3.5/5)

YES IT IS (4/5)

FAR FETCHED (feat. Ty Dolla $ign) (4/5)

SOONER OR LATER (feat. Axl Folie) (3.5/5)

MUTT (4.5/5)

I DO (4/5)

I USED TO (feat. Baby Rose) (3.5/5)

MUTT [remix] (Feat. Freddie Gibbs) (4.5/5)

HEEL (4/5)

MUTT [cb remix] (feat. Chris Brown) (4.5/5)

PARTY FAVORS (feat. Big Sean) (4/5)

NOT FAIR (4/5)

PRIZE (3.5/5)

RATHER BE ALONE (feat. Halle) (4/5)

VIBES DON’T LIE [remix] (feat. Big Sean) (4.5/5)

DIRT ON MY SHOES (feat. Kehlani) (4/5)

CATCH A STRAY (3.5/5)

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RGM RATING

(79%)

Leon Thomas is back with the deluxe version of his popular album “MUTT.” The album “HEEL” features 9 new tracks, including “RATHER BE ALONE” which was released as a single in April, and “MUTT [CB Remix]” which made waves with its March release.

The album features many big names, like Kehlani, Big Sean, Halle and Ty Dolla Sign. The music blends pop, R&B, hip hop and soul. Leon Thomas used very unique samples and snippets from different movies and music that really stand out in the album.

“HEEL” talks about many different forms and stages of romantic relationships, both good and bad. Some of the songs are more lighthearted and unserious, while others are very blunt and vulnerable. Leon does a great job capturing his emotions in his voice and showcasing them in a way that resonates with his audience. The lyrics to his songs are clever and well thought out, adding a layer of depth to his track list. Overall, this album is currently a favorite, and it’s one that will be in my music rotation for a very long time.