S-P-(((o)))-T-L-I-G-H-T ::: 3 Songs with Leona Berlin

Season 3 of Blue-in-Green:RADIO's S-P-(((o)))-T-L-I-G-H-T series continues with the celebration of some of our favourite vocalists.  In support of our selections, we've plucked a snazzy 3-song round-up featuring a mish-mash of under-appreciated collaborations and under-the-radar remixes that may have passed listeners by.

Tonight focuses on the music of singer-songwriter, Leona Berlin.  With her debut full-length released in 2018, Berlin has continued to depict a bold and innovative vision of R&B and neo-soul.  With the independent releases of 'Change' (2021) and 'ELEVATE' (2025), Berlin's Berlin's music has consistently touted the benefits of individuality, self-awareness and self-confidence and the importance of those values as a starting point to move forward.  Whether it be earlier single releases including 'Cage', 'Feminine Energy' or more recent efforts with 'Jealousy', Berlin has consistently created statements of anthemic impact that continue to position her as the benchmark for today's R&B and neo-soul artists.

Here are three Leona Berlin tracks that no Leona Berlin collection should be without...

1. 'Floating Freely' by Magro featuring Leona Berlin (2019)

With Magro having served as a co-producer and drummer for each of Leona Berlin's three releases to date - and Berlin having guested on several Magro tracks over the years - the duo's music has been intrinsically intertwined since they each debuted.  While each of Leona's appearances on Magro releases are scene-stealing turns, for the purposes of this list, we'll turn your attention to the standalone single release, 'Floating Freely'.  It's a wonderful track that embraces a clear neo-soul aesthetic but still teases enough of the drummer/producer's more off-kilter and eclectic tendencies.

2. 'High Life' by Leona Berlin featuring Sedric Perry (2021)

Released as a standalone single in the run-up to Berlin's sophomore album 'Change', inexplicably this gem didn't find its way onto the actual album.  Featuring US vocalist Sedric Perry, the track further features an excellent video with Berlin's sister in the role of the waitress.  A wonderful track brilliantly capturing Berlin's penchant for warmly-produced, effervescent R&B/neo-soul soundscapes and an excellent pre-cursor to the styles indicative of 'Change' that would follow that year.

3. 'Thinking About You' by Leona Berlin featuring Replife & Casey Benjamin (2018)

Heading back to Berlin's self-titled debut album for this one which features an incredible dream team of US rapper Replife alongside the late, great saxophonist Casey Benjamin.  Leona Berlin has long been an artist that totally invests in the visuals of her music as her projects have progressed - third album 'ELEVATE' can nearly lay claim to having a video for nearly every one of the album's tracks which is incredibly ambitious.  The video for 'Thinking About You' certainly conveys one of her best as the track is accompanied by visuals depicting a notably trippy take of the city late at night.