Press play and let your worries melt away—Steven Thad’s latest single “Smile” is here, and it’s exactly what the heart needs. With a voice that carries both warmth and vulnerability, Steven once again delivers a deeply personal yet universally uplifting track that’s destined to sit with listeners long after the final note. Known offstage as Stephen Leslie, Jr., Steven’s journey in music has always been rooted in soul, harmony, and connection. From his childhood days singing a cappella with his sisters in the gospel trio Trilogy to charting on Billboard, his artistic foundation was built on family, faith, and a deep respect for the craft of music-making.
With “Smile,” Steven Thad brings all of that history and heart into focus. Produced by the acclaimed Dana Soréy—whose accolades include Grammy nominations and multiple ASCAP, Stellar, and Dove awards—this track radiates polish and sincerity. What makes it so affecting isn’t just the lush instrumentation or the unmistakable chemistry between artist and producer. It’s the emotion at the center of it all. Steven’s falsetto floats with ease over a soft but confident beat, as he reassures a partner that her joy is his mission. The message is simple: even through life’s hardest moments, he’ll be there, doing whatever he can to bring back that smile.
Coming off the heels of Love, R&B (Deluxe)—his impressive self-produced tribute to the genre that shaped him—Steven Thad is clearly stepping into a new era. That earlier project was a declaration of love, not just for R&B, but for the process of crafting music from scratch. Every song was written, recorded, mixed, and mastered by Steven himself in his bedroom. The deluxe edition, featuring live renditions produced in collaboration with Soréy, added emotional texture and sonic richness. It was a pivotal moment in Steven’s evolution as an artist. Now, with “Smile,” we’re hearing the next phase: refined, intentional, and full of emotional intelligence.
What makes “Smile” resonate so strongly is that it doesn’t try too hard—it simply offers comfort. Whether you’re driving home after a long day, walking in solitude, or watching the rain hit your window, this song feels like an arm around your shoulder and a quiet voice saying, “You’re going to be okay.” It’s that rare kind of R&B that’s both fresh and timeless.
Steven Thad is not just chasing a dream—he’s living in it, writing its soundtrack as he goes. “Smile” is more than a song; it’s a reminder that music, at its best, heals. And Steven Thad? He’s just getting started.
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